Planning a winter getaway to Iceland? What a great idea! We spent a few days in its capital, which was a real ” coup de coeur“. With its museums, cathedral, original architecture, fine dining and Viking history and culture, Reykjavik has plenty to offer! It’s also a good starting point for an excursion to the jewels of Iceland’s South Coast.
In this article, we share with you our top ideas for things to do in Reykjavik, some pictorial tips for organizing your visit and a map to help you find your way around.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Discover Hallgrimskirkja Church
Why visit?
Iceland’s most emblematic building in our eyes, the Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church is a marvel to behold. It stands on a large square and was commissioned in 1937 from architect Gudjon Samuelsson. It took 41 years to build it on a hill to dominate part of the city.
Almost 75m high, its unique pedestal-like architecture is reminiscent of the Svartifoss waterfall, with its wall of basalt columns. The visit is free unless you want to climb to the top of the bell tower to admire the view over Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains. Did you know it was named after an illustrious 17th-century Icelandic writer? Stop by at night too, and take a good look at the stained glass window above the entrance. It lights up to add even more magic and mystery to this majestic building!
Practical advice
- Duration: Allow 45min to 1h to visit the church. The ascent to the panoramic view is by elevator and won’t take you long.
- Difficulties: the church is accessible for wheelchair users, but not the bell tower, which offers a panoramic view. You can still take the elevator up. Please dress appropriately and behave respectfully inside this place of worship. Access to the bell tower is closed during masses and events (see calendar here).
- Access: by public transport, the church can be reached by bus lines 2, 6, 12, 13, 14. Also note that the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus makes a stop at Hallgrimskirkja Church – reserve your seat now
- Eating out: the city center is full of great places to eat! For a local meal in a rustic setting, opt for Restaurant ROK, one of the best in town, or Café Loki, with its view of the church and its relaxed atmosphere. There are also several food tours to discover Icelandic cuisine in a different way. see options
- Price: free admission to the church, climb to the top of the bell tower on site only – no reservations possible (full price: ISK 1,400; children aged 7 to 16: ISK 200).
- Opening hours: church open September 1 to May 19, 10am to 5pm, bell tower 10am to 4:30pm; May 20 to August 31, church open 9am to 8pm, bell tower 9am to 7:45pm.
- Why not include this magical, iconic Reykjavik landmark on a guided tour of the city center? – See the program and book
2. Stroll downtown
Why visit?
We found downtown Reykjavik delightful, with its colorful houses, quirky stores and alleyways where street art is on show. The snow adds a certain charm to the city’s scenery! Explore urban art in the city. You’ll notice, as we did, that large sections of wall are painted and decorated, sometimes even the sidewalks! The area is quite lively, with numerous cafés and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine, a variety of stores and a pleasant atmosphere.
Practical advice
- Duration: Allow between 1h and 1h30 to explore the heart of the city, stroll through its stores and stop for a drink or sample the local cuisine in one of its alleyways.
- Difficulties: the ground is flat, but in winter the city is covered in snow, so remember to wear comfortable, but above all suitable, clothing and footwear! Parking in the town center can be a real headache if you have a car, as the streets are narrow and spaces scarce. In Reykjavik, parking lots are organized by zone. Here, you’ll be in zone P1, where parking is charged for a maximum of 3 hours at a time.
- Access: By public transport, the city center can be reached by bus lines 2, 3, 6, 12, 14. The Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus also passes through the historic heart of Reykjavik. reserve your seat now
- Eating out: the city center is full of great places to eat! For a local meal in a rustic setting, opt for Restaurant ROK, one of the best in town, or Café Loki, with its view of the church and its relaxed atmosphere. There are also several food tours to discover Icelandic cuisine in a different way. see options
- Discover the city in a different way with a guided tour of the historic center!
WHERE TO STAY IN Reykjavik
Option 1: In the center of town (Midborg)
Our selection coming soon
- Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel 2 – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Vesturbaer district
Our selection coming soon
- Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel 2 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Reykjavik (coming soon)
3. Visit the Perlan Museum
Why visit?
An architectural and cultural gem, its exhibition center overlooks the capital on the famous Öskjuhlíð Hill. This futuristic structure crowned by a glass dome houses an interactive museum that we really enjoyed. Discover Iceland’s natural wonders. Immersive experience fans like us? Immerse yourself in thousand-year-old glaciers and the sublime northern lights. Our favorites: the ice grotto and the 360° panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views. Ready to join us on this adventure? Nicknamed “the Pearl of Reykjavik”, this exhibition center is much more than just a museum. We loved this immersive place, full of surprises between its planetarium, its original architecture and its panoramic terrace!
>> Book your ticket now
See more photos in our dedicated article here!
Practical advice
- Duration: The exhibition center is very large! Allow between 1h30 and 2h30 to visit the exhibits, admire the planetarium show, discover the observation terrace and the artificial ice grotto. Taking a tour of this futuristic building as you arrive or leave, observing the hill on which it’s perched, is also a nice option.
- Challenges: venue equipped with elevators and PRM access. Remember to dress warmly and wear suitable footwear when entering the ice cave and terrace. If you have a car, there’s an outdoor parking lot in front of the museum with reserved spaces for disabled people.
- Access: from downtown, 30min walk. By public transport, access by bus on one of the 3 lines 8, 13 or 18. The museum is one of many stops on Reykjavik’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus – book your seat now!
- Food & beverage: On the top floor, the Restaurant du Perlan surprised us with its rotating concept to enjoy a 360° view during your meal. Open daily from 11.30am to 6pm. There’s also a bar open from 11.30am to 10pm for a drink, and a café open from 9am to 6pm for a sweet or savoury snack on the go. Last but not least, the ice cream counter will delight the taste buds of young and old alike from 10am to 10pm.
- Book your ticket now!
- Price: full adult price ISK 5,390; children aged 6 to 17 ISK 3,390; free for children under 6.
- Opening hours: open every day of the year; access to the Planetarium from 9am to 9pm; access to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition from 9am to 10pm (see official website for updates ).
4. Dive into the world of cetaceans at the Whales of Iceland Museum
Why visit?
We were impressed by the life-size replicas of the 23 species of cetaceans that frequent Icelandic waters at the Whales of Iceland Museum. Suspended from the ceiling of a huge warehouse, you can get up very (very) close to these creatures, making the experience quite unique and immersive, especially for those fascinated by these wonders. Did you know that each cetacean model is hand-painted in this museum? These life-size replicas are directly inspired by real whales. We were even able to touch them and observe them in great detail. For us, the museum visit makes a real difference. When you’re on a boat, most of the time you can’t see much. You see a giant back, and perhaps a tail for a moment before the whale dives in. For this reason, the museum experience complements whale watching at sea, which remains an exceptional experience.
>> Book your ticket with audioguide included!
See more photos in our dedicated article here!
Practical advice
- Duration: Allow 45min to 1h to visit the 23 life-size replicas of different whale species, try out the virtual helmet and browse the exhibition. The museum has 3 rooms.
- Difficulties: the official website states that the museum is accessible for wheelchair users. If you have a car, you can park in one of the surrounding streets. There’s also a small free parking lot on site which can accommodate a few cars, but spaces are scarce.
- Access: located in the north-western port area near several warehouses, 10min walk from the Sagas Museum and 5min from the Reykjavik Maritime Museum. From downtown, it’s about a 25-minute walk. You can also opt for bus routes 3, 13 or 14 for a journey time of just under 20 minutes. The museum is one of many stops on Reykjavik’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus – book your seat now!
- Catering: inside the museum, the Whales of Iceland Cafe offers a gourmet break with hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
- Book your admission ticket with audioguide now!
- Price: full adult rate: ISK 4,300; child rate (7 to 15 years): ISK 2,150; free for children under 7.
- Opening hours: open all year round, daily from 10am to 5pm. Closed on December 25 only (see official website for updates ).
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
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5. Stroll along the waterfront
Why visit?
As in most seaside or waterfront cities, one of the best things to do in Reykjavik is to stroll along the waterfront.
We liked the width of the area, away from cars. It made our walks all the more enjoyable!
Even if the ground is covered in snow, you’ll find that it’s quite easy to enjoy the seaside. In addition to this beautiful white coat approaching the water, you’ll also find that there are several points of interest to contemplate along the way.
Practical advice
- Duration: About 1 hour’s walk from the amazing Recycled House in the east to the Sagas Museum in the west.
- Difficulties: the ground is flat, but bring suitable clothing and footwear in winter as the walk is covered in snow. Parking is available on Skúlagata Street, a 15-minute walk from Le Voyageur du Soleil.
- Access: located north of the city in the port area. Open to the public and free of charge. From the city center, it’s about a 20-minute walk. You can also opt for bus routes 4, 5, 16, 17 or 18. Also note that Reykjavik’s Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus stops at Maison Hofdi on the waterfront – book your seat now!
- Eating out: near the port, you can choose between Restaurant Höfnin, with its pretty terrace and fine Icelandic cuisine, or Restaurant Kopar, a fine seafront address offering generous, tasty cuisine.
- See boat trip options from Reykjavik waterfront and harbor
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 6 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
6. Contemplating the Yellow Lighthouse
Why visit?
Whether you’re a keen photographer or just curious, continue your stroll along the waterfront, where you’ll find other typical Reykjavik attractions. The Yellow Lighthouse, also known as the Höfði Lighthouse, is one of them! Created by architecture firm Yrki Arkitektar, its design is based on the channel lighthouses that were used in Reykjavík’s old port from 1913 to 1917.
Not only is this lighthouse a vital safety point for the port, it’s also very photogenic in our eyes. How poetic is this image of the Yellow Lighthouse, with the contrast of snow-capped mountains in the background, the waterfront and snow-covered rocks?
Practical advice
- Duration: Allow 30min to 1h to visit the lighthouse and its surroundings on the promenade.
- Difficulties: outdoor site by the ocean, flat ground but snow-covered in winter, so bring suitable clothing and footwear.
- Access: the lighthouse is located on Reykjavik’s eastern seafront, near Maison Höfði. Open to the public and free of charge. Parking less than 20 minutes’ walk from Skúlagata street.
- Eating out: there aren’t many places to eat in this area, so you’ll need to move closer to the port or the city center for more choice.
- Get your ticket now for Reykjavik’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which stops at Maison Höfði near the lighthouse – reserve your seat now!
7. Walking near the Sun Traveller
Why visit?
Still along the waterfront, in the middle of the promenade, stands the Voyageur du Soleil. Do you know this famous work of art? Its Icelandic name is Solfar, given by sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason. He designed it for a competition in honor of Reykjavik’s 200th anniversary. Unveiled in 1990, this original sculpture represents a dream boat and an ode to the sun. The artist wanted to convey “a dream of hope, progress and freedom”. This is a must-see for us if you’re visiting the waterfront, and we recommend a visit at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the sublime lights. There are fewer crowds early in the morning, however.
In winter, note that the ground is slippery around the sculpture’s metal feet, which are barely visible under the snow.
Practical advice
- Duration: 15 to 30 minutes on site to contemplate the work of art and its surroundings.
- Difficulty: flat ground and easy walk. In winter, bring suitable snow clothing and footwear.
- Access: located east of the city center on the waterfront. Parking less than 15 minutes’ walk from Skúlagata street. Open to the public and free of charge. By public transport, take bus lines 16 or 17.
- Eating out: there aren’t many places to eat in this area, so you’ll need to move closer to the port or the city center for more choice.
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8. Admire the city’s architectural diversity
Why visit?
We particularly liked Reykjavik’s original, colorful architecture, with its many distinctive features, as you’ll see when admiring Hallgrimskirkja Church or the domed Perlan Museum. On the seafront promenade, you’ll also find plenty to tempt you if you’re a fan of architecture. First, stop off at Maison Hofdi near the Yellow Phrae of the same name. Designed in the early 20th century, it is one of Iceland’s most important historic sites. It was the venue for the summit between Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986, which marked the end of the Cold War. If you then follow the ocean westwards for a pleasant 25min, you can, like us, be amazed by the Harpa concert hall (programme here) with its various rectangular shapes and glass façades. The result of a collaboration between Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects, the venue opened in May 2011. It has since become a symbol of Reykjavik!
Practical advice
- Duration: 30min to 1h to admire and walk between the 2 buildings.
- Difficulty: flat ground and easy walk. In winter, bring suitable snow clothing and footwear.
- Access: east of the city center on the waterfront towards the port area. Nearest parking lot on Skúlagata street. By public transport, several buses will drop you off along the seafront. Get your ticket now for the Reykjavik sightseeing bus, which stops at Maison Höfði – reserve your seat now
- Eating out: near the port, you can choose between Restaurant Höfnin, with its pretty terrace and fine Icelandic cuisine, or Restaurant Kopar, a fine seafront address offering generous, tasty cuisine.
- Include these architectural tours in a guided city tour!
9. Fly over incredible landscapes with FlyOver Iceland
Why visit?
This 4D cinema experience is well worth the detour. Faced with this 20m spherical screen, you’ll really feel like you’re flying through the air, with incredible images of Iceland. Snow-covered peaks, craters, waterfalls, the depths of the ocean or even above the steeple of Reykjavik’s Hallgrimskirkja Church… With its breathtaking scenery and unique experience, we’re convinced you won’t find it anywhere else! Be ready to move your feet and think you’re about to touch the top of the mountains! The seats will be suspended at a height of 20m during the flight. On the other hand, it’s a must-see in our opinion, and very popular with visitors! Note that the online rate is lower than if you buy your ticket on site.
>> Don’t wait to reserve your place!
Practical advice
- Duration: allow 35 to 45 minutes total on site between access to Flyover Iceland, the 2 pre-flight performances, the briefing and the flight itself.
- Difficulty: standing for 20-30 minutes, then up and down stairs (folding chair available, flight guide assistance available, and elevator access to reduce the number of steps). If you’re afraid of heights, this activity is not for you. PMR-accessible site according to the official website. Children must be at least 1m (100cm) tall and accompanied by an adult.
- Access: in the harbour area, close to the Whales of Iceland Museum. From downtown, it’s about a 25-minute walk. You can also opt for bus routes 3, 13 or 14 for a journey time of just under 20 minutes. Also note that this location is on the route of Reykjavik’s Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus – book your seat now!
- Catering: the on-site Café Grandi welcomes you every day to sip hot or cold drinks and enjoy a meal based on local produce.
- Don’t wait to book your place on this unforgettable flight!
- Price: full price online ISK 5690; full price on site ISK 5950; online price children under 12 ISK 3690; on site price children under 12 ISK 3950.
- Opening hours: open daily from 8.30am to 9pm – (see official website for updates ).
10. Marvel at the Northern Lights
Why visit?
You’ve probably heard of the aurora borealis, the magnificent light phenomena that occur near the Arctic Circle in the northern hemisphere (aurora australis in the southern hemisphere). The Sun’s activity triggers a solar (or geomagnetic) storm, releasing particles into space towards the Earth. This natural mechanism is the source of these skies colored by sublime streaks of light. Weather forecasts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office can also help you plan ahead. If you’re in Reykjavik, it can be a little more difficult to see them at night from the city due to the urban lights. But opt for an excursion to see the northern lights. For our part, we had an eyeful! Opting for a night excursion remains the easiest option to ensure you see the Northern Lights in a safe and organized setting.
>> Experience a magical moment and reserve your place now!
Practical advice
- Duration: watching the northern lights requires patience, and sometimes long hours of waiting before you can finally marvel at them. Excursions last around 4 hours.
- Difficulties: the night-time cold during this wait can be intense, so bring warm clothing, several layers and good snow boots. Also consider taking a bag with snacks and hydration.
- Experience a magical moment and reserve your place now!
11. The Icelandic Phallological Museum: a real surprise!
Why visit?
Also known as the Reykjavik Penis Museum, this cultural site has been a real curiosity in the city since 1997! It was truly one of the most original visits we’ve ever experienced. The museum exhibits a huge collection of penises from various animals, including giant whales and sperm whales. The templates are therefore quite impressive, preserved in formalin tubes or petrified wood. We highly recommend taking the audioguide, which made our tour even more fascinating. Sigurdur Hjartarson, historian and penis collector since the 1970s, explains how he began this surprising collection and decided to exhibit 63 of his first pieces in this museum. Today, his son runs the facility, which houses some 286 specimens. The museum also has a biological and educational purpose. A visit you won’t soon forget!
>> Book your museum ticket now!
Practical advice
- Duration: Allow 45min to 1h on site to discover the collection.
- Difficulties: small, easy-to-visit museum, the collection is not suitable for all audiences, so we recommend you find out more before you visit. It’s also one of the most popular attractions, attracting large crowds of tourists.
- Access: located near the waterfront, a 15-minute walk from Hallgrimskirkja Church. Several parking lots nearby (Harpa concert hall parking lot, Kolaport underground parking lot, Naustin free outdoor parking lot).
- Food & beverage: on site, you can sip a beer, a cocktail or enjoy a waffle at The Phallic café and bistro inside the museum.
- Book your museum ticket now!
- Price: one-off charge of ISK 3,300 per person.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10am to 7pm – (see official website for updates ).
12. Learn about Iceland’s history at the Sagas Museum
Why visit?
Also in the port area, not far from the ocean, the Sagas Museum is well worth a visit, especially if you’re a history buff. You’ll discover that of Iceland, associated with myths and Viking influences! A highly immersive museum, it features a host of wax statues to immerse you in a world of legends. We liked the way the country’s history is traced. You’ll learn more in 16 sagas about the great events that shaped Iceland, from the Middle Ages through Viking settlement to the centuries that followed. In addition to the many explanations about the 1st Icelandic settlers, the wax reproductions will seem more real than life, adding a playful dimension to your visit. We advise you to choose the audioguide for full immersion!
>> Book your ticket with audioguide now!
Practical advice
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours on site, depending on your interest in history, wax reproductions and the various sagas, legends and myths.
- Difficulties: easily accessible museum, audioguides available in several languages.
- Access: located towards the port area, 15min walk from the Harpa concert hall and 25min walk from Hallgrimskirkja Church. Parking available in the Harpa parking lot.
- Nearby restaurants
- Book your ticket with audioguide now!
- Price: full price 3,600 ISK; children’s price 6-12 years 1,000 ISK.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10am to 5pm – (see official website for updates).
VISIT Reykjavik
- Things to do in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best hotels in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- Best museums (coming soon)
- Excursions from Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Visit the cathedral (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 1 week (coming soon)
Things to do in Reykjavik in winter: other ideas
Other museums in Reykjavik
We’ve listed our favorite museums above, but here are some other museums we found interesting in Reykjavik:
- National Museum of Iceland – this is where you can find Iceland’s archaeological treasures: Viking ships, handicrafts, furniture, religious objects…
Book your audioguide now - The Settlement” exhibition: underground museum in an archaeological dig – official website here
- Maritime Museum: fishing has been an essential part of Icelandic history. This museum immerses us in the country’s maritime heritage – official website here
- Punk Museum: discover the evolution of Iceland’s punk scene – official page here
Other churches in Reykjavik
If you’re a fan of impressive places of worship, Reykjavik is the place for you. In addition to the Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral mentioned above, which is our favorite, you’ll also find a lot to see as you stroll through the narrow streets:
- The Cathedral-Basilica of Christ the King
- Háteigskirkja Protestant Church
- Reykjavik Free Church
Other natural sites around Reykjavik
Do you love nature? Iceland is full of water, and so is its capital, Reykjavik! Here’s a selection of nearby natural sites:
- Shallow Lake Tjörnin in the heart of Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Botanical Garden, east of the city
- Nauthólsvík geothermal beach in the south near Perlan
- The islet of Grotta and its lighthouse to the west, with panoramic views of the mountains and ocean.
- Hiking on Mount Esja, 1 hour’s drive from Reykjavik
- A little further on, the Reykjanes peninsula with the Blue Lagoon hot springs and the Krýsuvík lava field and geothermal site.
Things to do in Reykjavik with children
Most of the activities listed above are suitable for children. In our opinion, the most popular and interesting family activities are :
- Whales of Iceland Museum – book your ticket including audioguide
- The National Museum of Iceland – reserve your place now
- Le Perlan, its planetarium, terrace and artificial ice grotto – book your ticket now
- Reykjavik Botanical Gardens
- The city’s geothermal pools
- FlyOver Iceland with 4D cinema – book your ticket
Things to do in Reykjavik when it’s raining or snowing
In winter, you’re bound to encounter rain or snow in Reykjavik. Here are some ideas for things to do if the weather doesn’t cooperate:
- the various museums mentioned above
- FlyOver Iceland
- Food tours to discover Icelandic cuisine – see options
Excursions around Reykjavik
You can also take advantage of the many excursions available from Reykjavik. Here is a selection of the must-sees:
- The Golden Circle is a unique excursion from Reykjavik: the Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal site of Geysir, the Kerid crater and Thingvellir National Park will leave you speechless! See prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
- The South Coast and its waterfalls are undeniably places not to be missed if you love nature. Discover, for example, the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, our winter favourites. book your day trip
- Whales and orcas can be seen from several locations in Iceland. You can also take a sea excursion from Reykjavik and admire these wonders. see the program and book
- Iceland is also known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which means better chances of observing the Northern Lights. Would you like to see this marvellous natural phenomenon in the flesh? Book your getaway from Reykjavik
Stay tuned for our article on excursions from Reykjavik.
Northern lights in Reykjavik
The aurora borealis is a sublime natural phenomenon that must be seen at least once in your life! We observed some during our stay in Iceland. It’s quite rare to see them from the city, and they must be very intense indeed to compensate for the urban lights. But it can still happen to you if you’re in Reykjavik. To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, we think it’s best to opt for an organized out-of-town excursion. reserve your place for this unique experience!
Is Reykjavik in winter worth a visit?
Combining extraordinary nature and Nordic culture, Reykjavik is well worth a visit. First and foremost, it’s Iceland’s capital, surrounded by mountains and ocean. We enjoyed discovering the rich and vibrant cultural life, the many eccentric boutiques and the lively historic heart. The architecture is also emblematic of the country, with the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Perlan Museum and its dome perched on the hill or the sculpture of the Sun Traveller. The arts scene is diverse, as you’ll see if you drop by the Harpa concert hall. It’s also an excellent base for exploring Iceland’s southern coast and its natural gems. Even in winter, Reykjavik is vibrant with a warm atmosphere, draped in a blanket of white snow that particularly charmed us.
Useful tips for visiting Reykjavik
Where is Reykjavik?
- SouthwestIceland
- Reykjavik to Reykjanes = 1h drive
- Reykjavik to Skogafoss = 2h drive
- Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss = 1h45 drive
- Here’s a map to help you find your way around the city’s points of interest:
How do I get to Reykjavik?
If you’re not already in Iceland, you have two options for getting to Reykjavik:
- By air: Reykjavik has an international airport with direct flights to 95 destinations in 27 countries. see available flights
- By ferry: this is a less common option than flying, but there are ferry routes from Denmark and the Faroe Islands. see routes
If you’re already in Iceland, you can also rent a car to get around the capital and surrounding area more easily. Please note that there are currently no domestic flights in the country.
Parking in Reykjavik
If you’re travelling by car, you’ll notice that Reykjavik has a number of underground and outdoor parking lots, both paid and free. To help you find your way around, you can consult the different parking lots on the Parkopedia website here. Be aware that parking rules are quite strict in Iceland: a “P” sign will indicate the presence of a parking lot.
Finally, for added convenience, you can opt for paid parking and download one of the Parka (details here) or EasyPark (details here) apps, which allow you to pay for parking online later until midnight the same day!
Getting around Reykjavik
Reykjavik is pretty well equipped when it comes to transportation. To get around the city easily, check out the Strætó BS city bus routes and timetables here. The historic heart of the capital is fairly compact, so it’s easy to get around on foot, even in winter if you’re wearing suitable clothing and footwear.
Finally, to make the most of all the capital’s attractions, we recommend that you choose the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus, which will take you leisurely to the city’s best points of interest. Book your ticket
Where to eat in Reykjavik
For us, eating well is an integral part of the travel experience. We’ve unearthed some great addresses in Reykjavik. Here are our favorites:
- Restaurant Perlan: refined local cuisine with a panoramic view of Reykjavik from the top of the museum’s revolving dome
- Restaurant Rok: a local meal with Icelandic flavours in a rustic setting
- Café Loki: a convivial table facing the Hallgrimskirkja church
Stay tuned for our article on Reykjavik’s best restaurants!
Visiting Reykjavik in winter
In winter, the atmosphere in Reykjavik is quite magical, with far fewer crowds! Days are shorter, with only 4 to 7 hours of sunshine and low light levels. Temperatures are close to 0 degrees, and snow and wind can also make some places less accessible, but virtually all places of interest remain open. In any case, Iceland in winter was a real coup de coeur for us! We highly recommend this winter destination for an unforgettable stay.
What to wear in Reykjavik in winter
If you’re traveling to Reykjavik in winter, remember to take waterproof clothing that will keep you warm, such as boots, a warm jacket, several layers, gloves, a hat… Be aware that the weather can change rapidly in Iceland, so plan to be able to add or remove layers of clothing easily. Look out for our article on what to pack for a winter holiday in Iceland!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
