Top Things to do in Reykjavik

Got a layover? Or looking to explore the capital of Iceland? Reykjavik is a city of wonder and exploration. Although it is a smaller city, it has a charm to it even in the fall/winter. Here are my favorite things to do and discover in the capital city of Reykjavik!

1) Visit the tallest church, Hallgrimskirkja

View from the top of Hallgrimskirkja

One of my favorite landmarks in the city is Hallgrimskirkja. Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland. It also contains the largest statue of Leifur Eiriksson. The statue was a gift from the US. This church has an amazing view of the city, where you can see all the colorful houses, and on a clear day, you can view the glacier.

2) Eat an Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

In the heart of downtown, you can find the smallest hot dog stand called Baejarins Beztu, which stands for the Best Hot Dog in town. This hot dog has been in Reykjavik since 1937. You can ask to have your lamb hot dog with the works, which includes ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion, and remoladi, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish. I have to say that it wasn't half bad!

3) Lather and soak in the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a must-do when visiting Reykjavik! The Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal pool surrounded by black rock. You can choose to stay there if you'd like. It's so fun to wander around and get a drink or purchase a mask to wear in the spa. I wouldn't recommend staying here as it is out of the city center!

4) Road Trip the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle was the highlight of my Iceland Trip! There are so many different things to see along the Golden Circle, from tectonic plates, waterfalls, craters, and geysers. If you are looking for a full guide to the Golden Circle, you can find it here.

5) Chase the Northern Lights

One crucial tip for visiting Iceland during Northern Lights season (August to mid-April) is ALWAYS check the weather. When we first arrived, we were so tired and didn't bother looking for the Northern Lights. We found out later that the day we arrived was the clearest day to view them. Unfortunately, we ended up driving outside of Reykjavik to see only glimmers of the lights. If you do get a clear day, I would consider driving out to the Thingvellir National Park (a little less than an hour from the city) to see if you can see the lights. If you feel compelled, you can also purchase your own Northern Lights trip, but I don't know if I would, as it is all dependent on the weather!

6) View the Sun Sculpture

The Sun Sculpture is a dream boat and an ode to the sun. It resembles a Viking ship and represents adventure for the unknown as well as freedom. It was made to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the city and is quite famous tourist attraction!

7) Admire the beauty of the Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall is a gorgeous concert venue where you can tour the space or watch a lively orchestra or opera concert. The building is stunning and has wonderful acoustics. If you ever watched Black Mirror, you might find yourself geeking out. Iceland is a fairly small country with more animals than people, so it is quite easy to recognize things!

8) Stroll down Laugavegur Street

In the downtown area, you can find many different shops, from clothing stores to different foods like asian cuisines, traditional Icelandic food, and so much more. This street is full of local shops, and you don't have to worry that you will run into a McDonalds!