With its ever-changing facets glistening on the water’s edge, Reykjavík’s sparkling Harpa concert hall and cultural center (harpa.is) is a beauty. The award-winning glass-and-steel facade was designed by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. His mission was to prism the city, its light and Iceland’s changing weather in kaleidoscopic reflections inside the building.
Don’t just marvel at Harpa’s beauty from the outside without going in. If you're in town during a performance, try to catch one. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, Reykjavik Big Band, a classical music series and a local jazz club. It also hosts regular top-tier concerts and music festivals...but even a wander inside when nothing is happening is an experience. The lobby houses design boutiques and a cafe, and restaurant La Primavera perches on the upper level.
You can learn more on a 45- to 60-minute guided tour (adult/child 4900kr/free), in English, bookable online.
