The Unknown Ahead

Whether you’re just exploring Reykjavik for 24 hours or staying for a week, you’ll be totally smitten with this Icelandic capital. Although it’s not a huge city, there are endless things to do with your family – and most things are just a walk away! Fun museums, lovely architecture, a terrific food scene, and the nicest locals you’ve ever met. This post will focus on attractions in Reykjavik, but if you want a full week itinerary of Icelandic fun, check out our Guide to Iceland.

I highly recommend Reykjavik all year round – we’ve visited in November, March, and July. Just be aware that the amount of sunlight you get during each season can swing pretty dramatically. If you’re in search of Northern Lights (yes, we’ve seen them from downtown Reykjavik!) you probably want to come when the dark is at its darkest. If you’d be amused by a midnight pub crawl when the sun never sets, the summer is your time to visit!

Icelandair has a great stopover program if you’re travelling transatlantic from the USA. You can stop in Iceland for 1 to 7 days before carrying on to another European location without paying extra airfare. We spent a few nights in Reykjavik on the way to Copenhagen, and it was a great way to ease into a time change with the kids.

The Main Attractions

Free Walking Tour – What better way to get the lay-of-the-land than with a free walking tour? These tours are led by locals who regale you with Icelandic history, fun facts about the town, and are great at engaging with kids too. The tour leads you through town on foot for about 1.5 miles and last about 2 hours in duration. These tours are also great if you want some recommendations from locals on restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. Walking tours go out daily in all weather, so dress appropriately.

Blue Lagoon – I already know your first question – is it worth it? Is it too touristy? Yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Yes, it is touristy. But sometimes things are touristy for good reason, and this is one of those times! You can’t go to Iceland and not do the Blue Lagoon. That’s like going to Paris and avoiding the Eiffel Tower.

I think Blue Lagoon should be experienced as soon as you get off the plane. If you’re not renting a car, you can easily take a shuttle from the airport right to the lagoon. They also have lockers so that you can store your luggage, so it’s really easy. After a long flight wouldn’t it feel great to soak in a nice warm tub with a glass of champagne in hand? You can book a spot on their coach bus HERE. When you’re done soaking, that same bus company can take you directly into Reykjavik afterward.

We got the Premium Package (middle package of three available) for about $105 USD per person. That includes entrance to the lagoon, a towel, mud masks, a bathrobe, and two drinks from the bar (kids can get soft drinks and smoothies). You can also book spa treatments separately. The lagoon also has steam rooms, sauna, cold plunge, etc.

We ate lunch in our robes at the Lava Restaurant. It was divine.

Sky Lagoon – The alternative to Blue Lagoon is the Sky Lagoon…but honestly, shouldn’t you experience both? The Sky Lagoon is a little more “adult” feeling and is only for 12+ years old. There are serene views, “the ritual”, and plenty of adult beverages. The lagoon itself is smaller than Blue Lagoon, but also has a more upscale vibe. The Ritual includes a cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, salt scrub, steam room, and an “elixir” shot.

Entrance to Sky Lagoon will run you between $115-$130 USD depending on if you want a private changing area. They also offer a shuttle service from Reykjavik for a small charge.

FlyOver Iceland – This is a super fun stop for both adults and kids alike. You arrive and are ushered to a space that makes you feel like you’re in an Icelandic cabin many years ago. The stage is set with stories of trolls, dark winters, and stories by the fire. You are then brought into the main event – a gigantic screen and seats that allow you to “fly” over Iceland. It’s an experience for all of the senses. They mist you with water, it smells like flowers, and the visuals are truly breathtaking. The whole experience lasts about 40 minutes, and you should definitely get timed entrance tickets in advance. Adults cost about $45 USD and kids under 13 are nearly half price.

Lava Show – Even as an adult, this was super impressive! Watch molten lava pour into the room while learning cool facts about the world’s hottest substance. You even get to leave with a piece of obsidian as a souvenir. The kids asked so many questions, and our guide was enthusiastic to share her knowledge. They also have a really unique gift shop. I’m also a huge fan of having a beer while learning about geology, so come thirsty! Highly recommend!

Book these tickets in advance! The show runs for 60 minutes and costs about $85 USD per person 13+ with discounts for younger children. The Lava Show and FlyOver Iceland are right next to each other, so book those experiences back-to-back. There’s also a food hall nearby if you’re in the mood for lunch (see below for restaurants).

Perlan Museum – Although Reykjavik is super walkable, this is a destination that you might want to consider using Uber. The best exhibit is a large indoor ice cave – put your coat on, ’cause it’s really cold in there! Learn about glaciers, Icelandic animals and birds, volcanic eruptions, geology, and watch a show about the Northern Lights. There are five floors of exhibits and hands-on learning. The Perlan also has a cafe and outdoor viewing deck, so you can sip a hot coffee while getting views of the whole city.

Adults are about $50 USD, kids cost about $30, and it’s free under the age of 5. If you’re visiting in the winter, go later in the evening to see if you can spy the Aurora from their outdoor viewing platform!

Whale Watching – OK, full disclosure, we saw one whale in the distance after being at sea for a few hours. That trip was in late March, so perhaps we didn’t hit prime whale season. That being said, it was still fun to be out on the water and see Reykjavik from a different perspective. According to the internet, peak season for whale watching is June through August. There are many tour operators that leave from the main harbor.

Penis Museum – I’m sorry, what?! Yes, a Penis Museum. Honestly, super fun and we brought the kids. Ever wonder what a mouse penis looks like? Ok, probably not the first question that pops into your mind, but you’ll soon know whether you want to or not!

This museum is really funny, really informative, and something that I did not have on my Iceland Bingo Card. If you want to kill an hour, I highly recommend it. Open daily with a $25 USD admission fee.

Family Park & Zoo – The word “zoo” is a bit strong for this destination…think of it as a little animal park for children. Did you know that Iceland doesn’t allow any animals to come to the island that aren’t native? In the early 1990s someone brought a turtle to Iceland that ended up infecting a lot of animals and people with salmonella. Since then, there has been a strict ban on all reptiles in Iceland. With such a delicate island ecosystem, it’s almost impossible to bring an animal into Iceland. With that in mind, realize that this zoo will not have giraffes, elephants or pandas. Instead, they focus on native animals and petting zoos. It’s a small place, but I do recommend it for families. You can see Arctic foxes, Icelandic horses, reindeer, and seals. There is also a huge playground for the kids.

Admission is $13 USD for adults and discounted for kids. Check the website for specific hours, as they change with the seasons.

Quick Stops

Rainbow Road – This is the most iconic street in Reykjavik. Take some pictures, do some shopping, enjoy the vibes.

Harpa – This is a really unique opera house and worth a stop. You can just walk in the main doors and take a look around the lobby. The windows are made to look like fish scales and shine in the light. We’ve never seen a show here, but you can check out what’s playing here.

Sun Voyager Statue – This statue is located near Harpa on the waterfront. There’s really nothing to do here, but it’s a great photo spot.

Hallgrimskirkja Church – I don’t think there is anything as unique as this Church. The outside is made to look like the basalt columns you can find in Iceland. Get some photos outside, wander into the Church, and take the elevator to the top for views of the city. There is also an organ in the church with over 5,000 pipes!

Food

OmNom Chocolate Shop – Nomnomnomnom…ice cream and chocolate? Yes, please! They make the most amazing ice cream creations and also have chocolate bars in more flavors than you could eat in a lifetime (believe me, I tried!). This is located near the Lava Show and FlyOver Iceland, so pop in while you’re in that part of town. If you’re staying in Iceland and road tripping, get some chocolate for those long hikes!

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (aka Hotdogs!) – Just go get a hotdog. Seriously.

Grillmarkaðurinn – This is my favorite restaurant in Iceland. It’s upscale, but still very family friendly. My husband and I love the tasting menu with wine pairings. The kids try new foods off of our plates and indulge in chicken, lamb, and corn-on-the-cob. Although beautifully decorated, a pair of travel pants or nice jeans will do the trick just fine. On top of the great meal, the service here has always been friendly, relaxed, and detail-oriented. The location is an easy walk from most hotels.

Messinn – Love seafood? Have you tried Arctic Char or Plokkfiskur? This is your chance to have some delicious local seafood dishes! We stopped here on a food tour and sampled several of their most famous entrees. The decor is super cute, it’s family friendly, and has a very local feel.

Íslenski Barinn – Ready to get weird? If you’re looking for a little adventure, the Icelandic Bar is for you! Hungry for puffin? Try some fish jerky or fermented shark (Hákarl)! Or don’t! There is plenty on the menu for your most picky eater too. Keep it simple with a great fish ‘n chips, burger or tomato soup.

ROK – Great spot for lunch, dinner or a cocktail. Located right by the Church is a grass-roofed building home to ROK. If you’re there on a nice day, they have a little patio too. You can get a simple lunch salad or go all-out with a tasting menu. In need of a Champagne Happy Hour? Show up from 4-7pm!

Kaffi Loki – Painted bright yellow, and located near ROK, is the famous Cafe Loki. Famous for what, you ask? Rye bread ice cream! Surprisingly delicious. You have to try it to believe it. This is a great location for breakfast or lunch. They have many traditional Icelandic foods, open-faced sandwiches, and lots of desserts. The many murals on the walls will keep your kids busy too.

Café Babalú – Great spot for breakfast crepes and sweet beginnings for your day. The hot chocolate will warm any kid’s grumpy mood (jet lag, anyone?) and the bathroom is…well, a surprise!

Kol – Ok, this one is for the adults. If you get a night to yourself or have older kids, this is always a favorite. There are several different tasting menus to try: Traditional 3 Course, Icelandic Food Catalogue, Lobster Ticket and the Green Option (vegetarian). They do offer some small plates and entrees that you can order a la cart, but tasting menus are more fun!

Food Halls or Mathöll – There are two great food halls in Reykjavik too. If you’re the type of family that can’t decide on one cuisine, this is a great option! The Hlemmur Mathöll is on the east side of the downtown area and has some great gelato, a wine bar, tacos, pizza, Icelandic lamb, Italian, and even Vietnamese street food. There is also Grandi Mathöll near FlyOver Iceland and the harbor. This was an old fishery and offers great views of the ocean while you eat. Think more street food vibes – burgers, fish ‘n chips, meat skewers.

FAQs

The questions I see most often on travel forums…

1. Do I need Icelandic cash? Nope! Everything we encountered in Reykjavik was credit card friendly (if not preferred). Tipping is not really part of their culture, so no cash needed there either. If you want to have some cash on hand, the ATMs (you can Google ATM or Euronet Iceland) are plentiful and located throughout town.
2. Should I get reservations? Yes! The smart thing to do is reserve everything ahead of time. Iceland has become a really popular destination, so attractions go fast and so do those restaurant reservations!
3. What should I wear? In general, we found Iceland to be pretty casual. A nice pair of jeans and a sweater will be just fine in most situations. Everyone has “hat hair” in the colder months anyway!
4. Do I need to rent a car? If you’re just checking out Reykjavik, a car isn’t necessary. The whole town is really walkable and you can certainly Uber to further locations. Catch a shuttle from the airport. However, if you’re heading to Thingvellir National Park, The Golden Circle, Vik, waterfalls, etc. then you definitely want a car to explore on your own time.
5. What are the best souvenirs? This is such a personal question! For us, it was Icelandic sweaters (pricey, but worth it), volcanic salt, lotions/masks from the Blue Lagoon, t-shirts, and cool handcrafted lava jewelry. There are many great shops near the Rainbow Road area, so have fun looking around!
6. I forgot my mittens! What do I do? There are two great shops in Reykjavik for coats, hats, fleeces, and all things to prep you for cold weather – 66°North and Icewear.