Reykjavik in Iceland is one of the only places in the world I’ve ever left and said to myself – I can live here! It’s practical work given how cool and intimate the city is. This is especially true with the best things to do in Reykjavik and where to eat in the city. Not only does Reykjavik have a lot to offer in terms of things to see and do, but it is also one of the safest cities in Europe. This makes Reykjavik a great center to stay and explore more of the best places in Iceland. Long story short, you need to visit Reykjavik. So, to make your trip totally easy, we want to share some of the best things to do in Reykjavik, when you visit. 1.) Go Explore Iceland in Perlan This is probably a good place to start your trip to Iceland as this interactive museum covers a lot of what makes Iceland so special. Make sure to book these tickets and get a good taste of what they have to offer all over Iceland. There’s a good chance that while you might be here looking for the best things to do in Reykjavik, you’ll likely be looking to get out of town to see more of Iceland and this museum really helps set the context for the wonder you’re about to experience. For example, while it is great to see the aurora borealis when you are in Iceland, your experience of this becomes much better when you understand what actually creates the light. Perlan is definitely worth showing up when you are in Reykjavik. Read more: Best things to do in Iceland 2.) See Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Convention Center I know a visit to a convention center doesn’t seem like one of the best things to do in Reykjavik or anywhere else for that matter But I promise you it’s well worth it, even if you only visit it for a short time. See this building is an architectural beauty and it is very hard to miss when you are in Reykjavik. However, the best way to visit is definitely to attend a concert there so you have an excuse to dress nicely in the city (you won’t do much of that anywhere else in Iceland because reasonably comfortable equipment is a must here) and fully check out the Harpa Concert Hall Reykjavik and Congress Centre. Next, book the delicious Reykjavik Food Tour where you’ll experience some of the tastiest places in town. Just be sure to bring your appetite! Further Read: Best Things To Do In Iceland 3.) Take A Trip To Hallgrimskirkja Church There is a chance that you have seen this church even if you have never been to Iceland before… and if you have not been to Iceland before… Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and as such has one of the best views in Reykjavik for those who can climb to its top. You can see straight from Reykjavik to the mountains and the sea. It is also surprising to look inside as there are not many churches in other places in the world quite like it. Next, grab a delicious meal to eat at Íslenski barinn, which serves some of the healthiest meals in all of Reykjavik. We loved it here. 4.) Take a Tour of Iceland’s National Museum Understandably, thanks to Iceland’s amazing natural wonders, you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the land of fire and ice outdoors. This will likely include some active adventures to boot! So, if you are in need of some time between adventures, the National Museum of Iceland is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik. So what is the National Museum of Iceland? Well, it basically chronicles the history of Iceland over the past 1200 years. A particular highlight is the Valþjófsstaður Door, an old church door dating from the 13th century. Imagine getting out on the open ocean, book this amazing Icelandic fishing trip from Reykjavik. It’s absolutely incredible getting out and the perfect opportunity to see more of this beautiful coast. Further Read: The Best Things To Do In Iceland 5.) See Aurora’s Light Work Reykjavik The aurora borealis is one of the main reasons to visit Iceland if you haven’t seen it before, let me just say – it’s worth the hype! It is a very surreal experience and it takes a hot moment to get to know its causes. Again, knowing this information helps make the experience amazing, so one of the best things to do in Reykjavik before heading out to find it is to go to Aurora Reykjavik. At Aurora Reykjavik you can see what the aurora borealis would look like in advance and learn more about this natural phenomenon. Also, since you can’t usually see it in Reykjavik (it’s very bright so you need to go out of town a bit to see it), this is technically the only way to experience it in the city. Albeit in a simulator! If you want to see the Northern Lights in person, book this tour from Reykjavik and discover the Northern Lights in the great outdoors. It’s a special experience to see them, and this Northern Lights tour makes it really easy. 6.) Enter the Viking Age at the Settlement Gallery The history of the Vikings in Iceland is very famous. And although Iceland is actually much warmer than the name suggests, rumors (and ancient legends) suggest that the Vikings named it Iceland to deter people from visiting it. While Greenland, which is definitely colder and icier, was named that way to try to entice people to go live there. Whatever the case may be, you definitely need to know more about Icelandic Vikings and one of the best things to do in Reykjavik to learn about this is to go to the settlement fair; More specifically, to the Viking Age section of this. It’s a great place to explore and well worth a little flair. 7.) Take a Picture with the Sun Voyager Monument Well, this exercise is more than just a checkbox exercise as there is not much to do here. However, hear me out! The Sun Voyager Monument is an iconic symbol of Reykjavik, so check it out while strolling the city – preferably on your way to or from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Reykjavik’s famous sausage stand. Seriously, getting a hot dog here is a complete thing and you have to do it. Further Read: Best Things To Do In Iceland 8.) Visit Arbaer Open Air Museum If you are not tired of museums, another great museum to visit in Rekjavik is the Arbaer Open Air Museum which is actually like stepping back into the ancient times Iceland . All complete with twenty cute little Icelandic homes. Once you have your own pictures of (and with) traditional Icelandic homes, you’ll learn more about what it was like in Iceland several years ago. It’s a great way to delve into the history of life in Iceland. Oh, and don’t forget to book an airport shuttle to get to and from Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport. It’s the cheapest and easiest option that drops you right at the entrance to the building. 9.) Enjoy family fun at Laugardalslaug Laugardalslaug is the biggest swimming pool in town and it’s great fun for everyone in general! There’s plenty to do there, we’re talking water slides, hot tubs, steam rooms, and even mini golf. It is definitely worth taking the time to relax and soothe any sore muscles you may have from all the active exploration of Iceland. Visiting Laugardalslaug is definitely one of the best things to do in Reykjavik either when you first arrive or before you leave Iceland for back home. 10.) Visit the Sky Lagoon If you don’t want to book this entry to the Blue Lagoon, with transfers included, book these tickets to the Sky Lagoon. It is one of the newer geothermal pools in Iceland and also within Reykjavik. Be sure to book these tickets to include the 7-Step Spa Ritual and take some time to enjoy the sunset views. It is a great place to experience. Further Read: Best Things To Do In Iceland 22 Best Things To Do In Iceland Check out the best of Great Britain! 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