About Reykjavik
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located on the southern shore of the Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland and has a latitude of 64°08′ N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Reykjavík has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026, and the surrounding Capital Region has a population of around 252,000, constituting approximately 64% of Iceland's population.
Cheap flights to Reykjavik
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $594 from New York, travelling 1 Mar – 8 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Icelandair.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to ReykjavikPlaces to visit in Reykjavik
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Hallgrímskirkja
ReligiousA tall concrete church inspired by Iceland's basalt columns, towering over downtown Reykjavik at the top of Skólavörðustígur street. Take the elevator to the top for views over the colorful rooftops and bay.
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Harpa
LandmarkA concert hall with a glass facade of geometric panels that reflect the sky and sea. Walk inside for free to see the light patterns.
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Blue Lagoon
Nature · 24 mi from centreA geothermal spa with milky blue water set in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the airport. Book a time slot ahead and plan your visit around your arrival or departure flight.
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Þingvellir
Park · 28 mi from centreA national park in a rift valley where tectonic plates are pulling apart, and site of Iceland's first parliament. Walk through the Almannagjá gorge and snorkel in the Silfra fissure.
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Gullfoss
Nature · 56 mi from centreA powerful two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River, one of the main stops on the Golden Circle route. Bring a rain jacket, as the spray can soak you on the lower path, and expect icy steps in winter.
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Geysir
Nature · 50 mi from centreA geothermal field on the Golden Circle where the Strokkur geyser shoots water high into the air every few minutes. Stand upwind to avoid getting wet and always stay behind the ropes, since the water is boiling.
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Perlan
Museum · 1 mi from centreA glass-domed building on a hill with exhibits about glaciers, an ice cave, and a viewing deck. Go on a clear day for views over the city.
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Sun Voyager
LandmarkA stainless steel sculpture of a ship on the waterfront path, facing the bay and Mount Esja. It is often mistaken for a Viking ship but is meant as a dream boat. Visit at sunset for the best photos.
Things to do in Reykjavik by type
118 tours, tickets and experiences across 10 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 54 experiences 7 Days / 6 Nights: Complete Iceland -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 41 experiences 2 Days / 1 Night: Golden Circle and South Coast Iceland Express -
Day Trips & Excursions 13 experiences Golden Circle Direct -
Spa & Wellness 11 experiences Blue Lagoon - Ticket-Premium -
Cruise & Water Tours 10 experiences Northern Lights Cruise -
City tours 7 experiences 2 Days / 1 Night: Golden Circle and South Coast Iceland Express -
Gastronomy & nightlife 5 experiences Reykjavik Beer and Booze - Private Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 3 experiences City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Tour -
Art & culture 2 experiences South Iceland, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach -
Tour & activities 2 experiences Ice Cave Tour and Snowmobile Ride from Gullfoss
- Over 6 hours 16
- 3-6 hours 8
- 1-3 hours 7
- Flexible 3
- Senior 3
- Families 3
- Youth 3
- Couples 3
- Small group 11
- Private 8
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in Reykjavik
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 118 available.
Golden Circle Direct
From $118 per adult
Northern Lights Boat Tour with Audioguide
From $113 per adult
Northern Lights Classic with transfer and Audioguide
From $101 per adult
The Golden Circle Classic - with Transfers
From $118 per adult
Whale Watching Boat Tour with Audioguide
From $89 per adult
Golden Circle and Langjökull Snowmobiling
From $282 per adult
Northern Lights Cruise
From $98 per adult
Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour From Reykjavik
From $308 per adult
Northern Lights Super Jeep Adventure
From $178 per adult
Crystal Ice Cave Tour From Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
From $148 per adult
Discover Langjökull Glacier – Full-Day Tour
From $182 per adult
Private Golden Circle Tour
From $1,186 per adult
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Popular hotels in Reykjavik, out of 145 properties you can book.
Storm Hotel by Keahotels
From $146 per night
Midgardur by Center Hotels
From $150 per night
Grandi by Center Hotels
From $172 per night
Center Hotels Plaza
From $145 per night
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
From $188 per night
Apotek Hotel by Keahotels
From $179 per night
Borg by Keahotels
From $200 per night
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
From $173 per night
Thingholt by Center Hotels
From $173 per night
Laxnes
From $138 per night
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
From $145 per night
Center Hotels Klopp
From $127 per night
Best time to visit Reykjavik
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Reykjavik is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 35–56°F and rain falls on about 18 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Reykjavik weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 42° 34° 37%
- Thu 22 Oct 40° 33° 69%
- Fri 23 Oct 39° 31° 49%
- Sat 24 Oct 39° 33° 25%
- Sun 25 Oct 38° 26° 31%
- Mon 26 Oct 39° 24° 24%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Icelandic króna (ISK)1 US dollar ≈ kr121
- Language
- Icelandic
- Calling code
- +354
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Atlantic/ReykjavikUTC+0
- Capital
- Reykjavík
Upcoming public holidays in Iceland
- Christmas EveAðfangadagur
- Christmas DayJóladagur
- St. Stephen's DayAnnar í jólum
- New Year's EveGamlársdagur
- New Year's DayNýársdagur
- Maundy ThursdaySkírdagur
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Reykjavik
These are the airports closest to central Reykjavik. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RKV Reykjavík Airport1 mi (2 km) from the city centre
- KEF Keflavík Airport23 mi (37 km) from the city centre
Getting around Reykjavik
Walking in Reykjavík is highly recommended, the downtown is very compact and many attractions are within walking distance from most hotels. The city is very beautiful, and the sidewalk and pathway system is first-rate. Reykjavík drivers are in general very friendly, and will sometimes stop for you even when there is no crossing facility.
By bus
Reykjavík has a public bus system that is clean and reliable, called Strætó. There are several different methods of payment:
By car
Driving in Reykjavík is the preferred method for most residents there. As a tourist, you should be able to manage without a car if you're only staying in the city. Driving is recommended for travel outside of Reykjavík and its suburbs. Note that many streets in central Reykjavík are one-way only and some of them are closed to cars in good weather.
By taxi
Uber and Lyft are not available in Iceland, but the local app Hopp works in Reykjavík and the Keflavik airport. The main taxi companies in Reykjavík are Hreyfill-Bæjarleiðir (☏ +354 588 5522, +354 561 0000 (BSR)) and Borgarleiðir (☏ +354 422 2222). All taxis are metered and most are very clean and comfortable, but be warned that travelling by taxi is one of the most expensive ways of getting around Reykjavík. There is a start fee of 600-700 kr and a fee of 200-400 kr per kilometer.
Reykjavik travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Reykjavik is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 35–56°F and rain falls on about 18 days a month.
What is the weather like in Reykjavik?
July is usually the warmest month in Reykjavik, with average highs of 56°F (13°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 26°F (-3°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 178 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Reykjavik?
Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is the closest airport, about 1 miles (2 km) from the centre of Reykjavik. Other nearby airports include Keflavík Airport (KEF, 23 mi).
How much are flights to Reykjavik?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Reykjavik in the last 30 days was $594 from New York, travelling 1 Mar – 8 Mar. March is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $594.
What currency is used in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ kr121.
What time zone is Reykjavik in?
Reykjavik uses the Atlantic/Reykjavik time zone (currently UTC+0). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Reykjavik?
Walking in Reykjavík is highly recommended, the downtown is very compact and many attractions are within walking distance from most hotels. The city is very beautiful, and the sidewalk and pathway system is first-rate.
What are the best places to visit in Reykjavik?
Top sights in Reykjavik include Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, Blue Lagoon and Þingvellir. A tall concrete church inspired by Iceland's basalt columns, towering over downtown Reykjavik at the top of Skólavörðustígur street. Take the elevator to the top for views over the colorful rooftops and bay.
What are the top things to do in Reykjavik?
Popular experiences you can book in Reykjavik include Golden Circle Direct, Northern Lights Boat Tour with Audioguide and Northern Lights Classic with transfer and Audioguide. Destina Holidays offers 118 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Reykjavik?
The most popular types of experiences in Reykjavik are outdoor activities & adventure (54), zoo, aquarium & nature (41), day trips & excursions (13) and spa & wellness (11). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Reykjavik?
Popular areas for hotels in Reykjavik include Reykjavik and Mosfellsbaer. Well-reviewed options include Storm Hotel by Keahotels and Midgardur by Center Hotels.
How many hotels can I book in Reykjavik?
Destina Holidays currently lists 145 properties in and around Reykjavik, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
