Best Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a place where there is so many natural wonders to explore, but the capital city of Reykjavik has many great things to see and explore as well. It has a great art scene and has many spots where you can learn about Iceland’s history as well.
Here are some of my top recommendations if you want to check out the city.
Shopping & Art
Shop along Laugavegur is the main, historic shopping street in downtown Reykjavík
There’s many great shops to explore along Laugavegur street! From apparel and jewelry to local Icelandic pieces and
One that I highly recommend if you’re looking for local, Icelandic jewelry is Lilja Björk Jewelry. Woman-owned and each piece is handmade using recycled silver and is inspired by Iceland’s natural landscapes.
Beautiful designs inspired by the Icelandic landscape at Lilja Björk Jewelry.
Shop at some vintage stores
Reykjavik has some incredible vintage shops. Some of my favorites include:
Mamma Mia Vintage - Curated, high-quality vintage clothing store offering hand-picked European fashion, including Y2K tops, and designer pieces
Photo by Vegan Ventures
Verzlanahöllin - A premier, large-scale indoor consignment thrift store in central Reykjavík featuring up to 180 booths where locals sell clothes and vintage items. They offer new items daily.
Hringekjan - Second hand clothing thrift store - This is a circular fashion store in Reykjavík, widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability and its "carousel" business model where the inventory rotates constantly. It was named the “Best Second-Hand Store in Reykjavík by the Reykjavík Grapevine in both 2022 and 2023. They have a Booth-Based model where Individuals rent racks or booths to sell their own gently used clothing and accessories. They also do artistic art projects with its "Round by Round" project. A project that works with local artists and designers to create new works from recycled textiles.
Check out Reykjavik’s Art Scene
See one of Reykjavik’s most captivating mural - especially the woman playing the cello
See beautiful Iceland photography and fine art at iurie | fine art
See different types of art at Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
If You Want To Learn About The History of Iceland
If you want to learn about the city’s origins, then this is the museum for you. Inside you’ll see a 10th-century Viking longhouse and a 9th-century wall fragment unearthed in 2001. It is dated back to approximately 871 AD. The exhibition shares information about Viking-Age life, local farming history, and the development of Reykjavik from settlement to modern day.
The excavated 10th-century Viking longhouse inside The Settlement Exhibition. Photo by Vegan Ventures
This museum allows you to go deeper in learning about Reykjavik’s beginnings. It is one museum in five unique places - Árbær Open Air Museum, Reykjavík Museum of Photography, Maritime Museum and Viðey Island. It shares about the diverse history, culture, and development of Reykjavik.
A must! The exhibit takes you on an engaging journey through Icelandic history from the Viking Age to present day, showcasing over 2,000 artifacts and photographs. It highlights the nation's evolution through its permanent exhibition, "Making of a Nation".
What I love about this museum is that it has an exhibit called “The Myth of A Woman.” A photography exhibition and book by artist Agnieszka Sosnowska. The project features reflective, intimate self-portraits and portraits of rural Icelandic women, exploring the relationship between women and the beautiful Icelandic landscape.
Best Evening Activities in Reykjavik
Watch the only live Lava Show in the world.
The Reykjavik Lava Show is an immersive, award-winning indoor experience that recreates a volcanic eruption by pouring real, molten lava into a showroom by a "Lava Master". They pour superheated, liquefied rock down a steel chute, often over ice, creating dramatic steam, cracking sounds, and glowing red flows. It is highly informative as it touches on Icelandic volcanic history, tectonic plates, and recent eruptions. If you’re into volcanos, this is the show for you!
Watch a show at Harpa Concert Hall
While this hall is known for its stunning architectural design, it is the home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, The Icelandic Opera, and the Reykjavik Big Band. They offer lots of cultural events, and shows, which makes it a must if you’re into the arts and entertainment.
See what shows and events are happening at Harpa
Listen to music at Hús máls og menningar, a bookstore and cafe by day, a music venue by night.
For an intimate music experience, check out a show at Hús máls og menningar, located in the hear of Reykjavik. A cozy bookstore by day but it becomes a live music venue by night. Shows tend to start around 8 pm. Be sure to get there early to get a good spot and if you want to get some drinks before the show. They also offer live comedy shows as well!
Check out their upcoming shows.
Enjoy live music, stand-up or even a drag show at Gaukurinn
Gaukurinn is a laid-back, LGBTQ+ friendly, and alternative bar that is widely recognized as a hub that is fantastic for shows and karaoke!
Another great Karaoke spot in Reykjavik
ELLÝ - Vegan friendly - A cozy, vintage-styled spot in downtown Reykjavik that holds regular, fun karaoke nights. They have vegan friendly food options including vegan tacos and burritos.
Meet Ashley Castellanos of Vegan Ventures.
Vegan foodie, traveler, and events/tour producer.
