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Reykjavík

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Reykjavik view from Perlan.

© Boy_Anupong / Getty Images

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Overview

The world's most northerly capital combines colorful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design, wild nightlife and a capricious soul.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • National Museum interior.

    National Museum

    Reykjavík

    Artefacts from settlement to the modern age fill the creative display spaces of Iceland's superb National Museum. Exhibits give an excellent overview of…

  • Settlement Exhibition

    Settlement Exhibition

    Reykjavík

    This fascinating archaeological ruin-museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002 and other Settlement-Era…

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    Laugardalur

    Reykjavík

    Laugardalur encompasses a verdant stretch of land 4km east of the city centre. It was once the main source of Reykjavík’s hot-water supply: it translates…

  • REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM THE HARBOUR BUILDING EXTERIOR SOUTH ELEVATION

    Reykjavík Art Museum

    Reykjavík

    The excellent Reykjavík Art Museum is split over three superbly curated sites: the large, modern, downtown Hafnarhús, focusing on contemporary art;…

  • Town houses, Reykjavik

    Old Harbour

    Reykjavík

    Largely a service harbour until recently, the Old Harbour and the neighbouring Grandi area have blossomed into tourist hot spots, with key art galleries,…

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    Tjörnin

    Reykjavík

    The placid lake at the centre of the city is sometimes locally called the Pond. It echoes with the honks and squawks of more than 40 species of visiting…

  • Iceland: Tjörnin in Reykjavik

    Old Reykjavík

    Reykjavík

    With a series of sights and interesting historic buildings, the area dubbed Old Reykjavík is the heart of the capital, and the focal point of many…

  • Reykjavík Art Museum – Ásmundarsafn

    Reykjavík Art Museum – Ásmundarsafn

    Reykjavík

    There’s something immensely playful about the vast collection of sculptures by Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982) housed in the studio and museum he designed …

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Reykjavík and its surroundings offer soaring mountains, adventure sports, lava fields and more. Here are the best ways to enjoy your stay.

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Things to Know

From mastering the local etiquette and staying safe to the perfect free drink you can't miss, here's everything the locals in Reykjavik want you to know.

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Transportation

Reykjavík has a population of just 130,000 people, but it spans an area double the size of Paris. Here are the best ways to get around.

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Free Things to Do

The Icelandic capital is often ranked one of Europe’s most expensive cities, but it's not without its bargain side.

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Best Neighborhoods

From a buzzing shopping and museum-filled district to quieter locales with recreation options and vistas aplenty, these are the best neighborhoods in Reykjavík.

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Day Trips

From the southwest corner of Iceland, you have easy access to some of the country's most iconic sights, from glacial caves to steaming lagoons.

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Money and Costs

From transportation to food to a pass that unlocks discounts on must-sees, here’s how to save cash in Iceland's capital city.

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Traveling with Kids

The easygoing capital of Iceland, Reykjavík is one of the world's great destinations for families. Here are the top things to do in Reykjavík with kids.

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