The 14 best things to do in Reykjavík and around the city

Reykjavík and its surroundings are a veritable theme park of adventure and beauty. The city offers vibrant culture, fresh flavors, fantastic shopping and nightlife as long as the summer days. Just beyond the borders of Iceland's capital you can see geologic wonders found no place else – hot springs, volcanoes, pristine coastlines, soaring mountains, lava fields – plus try all the activities that go along with them, like brilliant hiking, horseback riding and adventure sports.

Embrace the top things to do in Reykjavík and on day trips in the surrounding area.

1. Drink in Reykjavík's cafe culture

Coffee isn't just a means to warm up or perk up in Reykjavík – it's the basis for an entire culture. People gather throughout the day at idiosyncratic cafes to share gossip, conduct business or just enjoy the act of being. There are barely any chains; rather, you'll delight in discovering scores of clever spots, like the artful Mokka Kaffi, the cozy Kaffi Vínyl and the harborside Reykjavík Röst. Bonus: pair your coffee with a tasty freshly baked treat at places like Brauð & Co.

2. Shop as you stroll

Iceland's best designers display their wares at alluring boutiques on Reykjavík's best shopping strip, Laugavegur St, with nary an international chain in sight. Head to the Frakkastígur and Vitastígur end for top fashion.

Planning tip: Get the Icelandic sweater of your woolly dreams at the indoor Kolaportið flea market (Friday through Sunday), where the prices are some of the best in the country.

3. Seek out public art, from Hallgrímskirkja to Viðey Island

You'll find magnificent public art across Reykjavík. The largest work is not only one of the city's top attractions but is also an entire building: Hallgrímskirkja, a soaring concrete church. Another highlight is Hljómskálagarðurinn, a public park featuring statues by female artists.

Detour: A short ferry ride from Reykjavík, uninhabited Viðey Island is known for historic buildings, sweet silence and modern art, including sculptures by Richard Serra and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower.

4. Sail off to see whales

You have a great chance of seeing any of the nearly two dozen types of whales found off Iceland's coast on a whale-watching tour from Reykjavík's Old Harbor. Tours are offered year-round, though April to September are the best months, given the longer days and decent temperatures.

Planning tip: Although specific puffin-watching tours are offered, it's not uncommon to see them as part of whale-watching tours.

5. Soak in hot pots and geothermal pools

Iceland bubbles over with naturally hot water, and you needn't travel far into the countryside to experience its enveloping pleasure. Sundhöll is a whole complex right in the city center; besides indoor pools and a hot tub, there are saunas and outdoor tubs with fabulous city views. To the east of the center, high-energy Laugardalslaug boasts public hot pots plus a huge pool and a curling water slide – great for the kids.

And of course, everyone's heard of the Blue Lagoon for good reason. White steam rises from the geothermal pool's sapphire water, which is framed by emerald moss atop jet-black lava. At the sprawling pleasure complex about 50 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, you can get a massage, a cocktail and a fabulous meal, or just float your cares away. Sky Lagoon is only 15 minutes south of Reykjavík and is often much less crowded.

Planning tip: Swimming in Iceland has a particular etiquette that you simply must adhere to. All swimmers must shower naked and wash with soap (provided in the changing area) before entering the pools.

6. Graze on fresh food at Grandi Mathöll

One of the Old Harbor's vintage fish factories has been reborn as Grandi Mathöll, a waterfront food hall with an unbeatable selection at a half-dozen stalls. Choices range from classic Icelandic fish and chips to spicy Indonesian.

Detour: Feeling a chill? Pick a fish skewer from the cooler and enjoy some warming lobster soup while it's on the grill at Sægreifinn (Seabaron), which is right on the harbor.

7. Explore astonishing geologic beauty on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Flying in and out of Keflavík International Airport, you might get a glimpse of the magnificence of the Reykjanes Peninsula, but to appreciate this UNESCO Global Geopark about 40 minutes from the city center, you need to go on a hike. Active volcanoes, hot springs, craggy lava fields, soaring mountains and wild ocean views are just some of the highlights. Many operators can guide you on these adventures.

Planning tip: Before heading out, always check for safety news. This particularly applies if you'll be going to areas of volcanic activity.

8. Be wowed at Reykjavík Art Museum and local galleries

For a small country, Iceland has many fantastic artists, who often exhibit at museums and private galleries across Reykjavík. The Reykjavík Art Museum has three locations: Ásmundarsafn, designed by sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson; Hafnarhús, for contemporary exhibitions, near the Old Harbor; and Kjarvalsstaðir, devoted to local legend Jóhannes S. Kjarval. Among the galleries, don't miss i8, Kling & Bang and Nýlistasafnið (The Living Art Museum).

9. Revel in the rift at the world's first parliament site at Þingvellir

In 930 CE, the Vikings held the world's first democratic parliament in the stunning Þingvellir (pronounced "Thing-vetlir") rift valley northwest of Reykjavík, now about a 40-minute drive away. Enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park would be a must-see for its natural splendor even without the history. Follow marked trails to witness the geologic drama where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe tear away from each other, then visit the park’s waterfalls and absorb their power.

10. Ride a horse to a waterfall

The area around Hella, 90km southwest of Reykjavík, is shadowed by volcanoes and laced by rivers. It's also a top region for horse breeding (especially Icelandic horses, with their delightful bangs and unique gaits), and you can go horseback riding across the countryside with stops that include Ægisíðufoss. Operators include Íshestar, near Reykjavík, and Hella Horses. Nearby Hvolsvöllur is another good center for riding, especially across the lava fields.

11. Delight in Iceland's best nightlife

Djammið in Reykjavík means "going out on the town," or you might pöbbarölt, for take a "pub stroll." Peak hours for partying are midnight to 5am, which works well in summer, when Iceland is the land of the midnight sun. But people are out in all seasons, and you can appreciate Iceland's renowned music scene, from famous groups like Kaleo and Vök to up-and-comers, at venues large and small.

Planning tip: Time your visit to one of Iceland’s music festivals, like Iceland Airwaves or Dark Music Days, or book tickets at the shimmering Harpa concert hall.

12. Taste Iceland's inventive cuisine

You'll find flavors as fresh and pure as the sea breezes in Reykjavík's restaurants. Case in point: Matur og Drykkur, a gastropub with an ever-changing menu built around ingredients sourced from local farmers, seafood caught offshore and herbs foraged in the surrounding landscape.

Planning tip: No trip to Reykjavík is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot-dog truck. Get one with everything.

13. Take a day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

About 200km north of Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula arrows out into the Atlantic. Much of the unmissable western tip is the Snæfellsjökull National Park, an enchanting landscape of lonely beaches (some with seals), waterfalls, moss-ringed ponds, old fishing villages, trails to ancient volcanic craters and even a glacier.

Detour: On the north side of the peninsula, Stykkishólmur is a cute-as-a-button harbor town with buzz and great restaurants.

14. Tackle a gleaming glacier

Langjökull is Iceland's second-largest glacier and an easy drive from Reykjavík (it is usually accessed from Húsafell, 129km north of the city). Plunge deep into the glacier via an ice cave, or careen across the vast expanse – its shiny white surface covers over 900 sq km – on monster truck tours. There is also snowmobiling, as well as other fun diversions for thrill seekers.