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Reykjavík
Most Icelanders live in <anchor>Reykjavík</anchor> and even on the shortest visit you’ll be struck by how quirky and creative the population is. Despite being on the northern margin of Europe, the locals have crafted a town packed with captivating art, rich cuisine and an epic music scene. Learn about a history stretching back to the Vikings and use the city as a base for trips to Iceland’s amazing natural wonders.
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Reykjavik view from Perlan.

© Boy_Anupong / Getty Images

# Reykjavík

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.

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

Reykjavík

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

- REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM  THE HARBOUR BUILDING EXTERIOR SOUTH ELEVATION

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

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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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: TjÃƒÂ¶rnin in Reykjavik

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 – Hafnarhús

Reykjavík

Reykjavík Art Museum's Hafnarhús is a marvellously restored warehouse converted into a soaring steel-and-concrete exhibition space. Though the well…

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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…

## Planning Tools

## Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Traveling with Kids

Reykjavík is a major metropolis shrunk to small-town size – perfect for a family-sized city break. Here's how to explore the Icelandic capital with kids.

View more

## Plan with a local

Experience the real Iceland

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## Articles

## Latest storiesfrom Reykjavík

661798951 "no people, reykjavik, iceland, city, capital cities, downtown, cityscape, skyline, built structure, building exterior, building, architecture, bay, dusk, sunset, mountains, mountain range, snow covered, winter, cold temperature, famous place, travel destinations, tourism, horizontal, outdoors, day, lights, illuminated"661798951 "no people, reykjavik, iceland, city, capital cities, downtown, cityscape, skyline, built structure, building exterior, building, architecture, bay, dusk, sunset, mountains, mountain range, snow covered, winter, cold temperature, famous place, travel destinations, tourism, horizontal, outdoors, day, lights, illuminated"

Destination Practicalities

Jun 14, 2024 • 9 min read

Iceland's capital offers stunning natural beauty, arty culture, geothermal wonders and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Here's all you need to know.

- Couple swimming in Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Beaches

Jul 7, 2022 • 5 min read

one man running in a park in Reykjavik, Iceland

Wildlife & Nature

Jun 19, 2022 • 4 min read

Man soaking in natural hot spring surrounded by nature in Iceland

Activities

Jun 12, 2022 • 9 min read

April 2018: Woman taking a bath in the hot spring pool of Myvatn Nature Bath during sunset.

Activities

Jun 10, 2022 • 5 min read

- Rainbow Street Reykjavik Iceland - stock photo Reykjavik, Iceland - July 5th, 2021: View up the famous Rainbow Street in Downtown Reykjavik Iceland. Halgrimskirka in the background. Reykjavik, Iceland, Northern Europe

Budget Travel

Jun 8, 2022 • 5 min read

A person walks down the sidewalk of the Laugavegur shopping avenue in Reykjavík

Destination Practicalities

Jun 5, 2022 • 4 min read

People gathered around the Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik

Public Transport

Jun 4, 2022 • 5 min read

Fit in just like a local with our tips on what you need to know before visiting Reykjavik

Tips & Advice

May 30, 2022 • 5 min read

- Children at the Laugardalslaug pool in Reykjavik

Family Travel

Mar 3, 2022 • 6 min read

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