unusual things to do in reykjavik
Whats the one thing youre most excited about doing there? Situated at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this concert hall has won awards for the venue itself as well as for the architecture. 13. Hot tip: dont forget to head to the back of the museum to see the boundary wall, the oldest known human structure in Reykjavik! Dance your heart out at Kiki Queer Bar, or enjoy the quiet atmosphere and excellent craft beers at Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar. Known for their grit and strength (and full heads of luscious hair), Icelandic horses are iconic making a Raudholar horseback tour one of the utmost essential things to do in Reykjavk. Its as simple as that! While public pools arent free, they are typically a very reasonable price (think somewhere between $8 $10 per person. That said, the Great Geysir is rather quiet compared to others; it sits in a field of very active ones, so youre sure to see a show nonetheless! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This area comes alive at night, with the garage-style doors in a somewhat industrial-looking area opening up to reveal trendy boutiques and cozy cafes. Drag-Sgur is a group of talented creatures that have been taking the Reykjavk night scene by storm. Hallgrmskirkja, the main tourist attraction in Reykjavk Hallgrmskirkja is one of the And if you keep going, youll eventually come to whats known as the new harbor. Be sure to check their calendar to see if there are any shows during your stay in Reykjavik and reserve your seats in advance. The authenticity of rr Frakkar is what makes it shine, so head on to its location at Baldursgata for a night of old-fashioned inner city dining. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Reykjavik. Looking to kill two birds with one stone? Do as the locals do: drop a message of peace into the well and enjoy a drink at the caf heading back to Reykjavik. At Sky Lagoon, you get the best of the natural spa and hot spring experience without the long commute! Even if youve got your sights set on the natural wonders further out in the country, save some time for the dynamic Icelandic capital. But it would be a shame to come all the way to this country and totally skip out on Reykjavik. At the corner, you'll findGaukurinn; an old concert venue that hosts a multitude of alternative events. 5 from Hlemmur to bus stop Buga. In fact, you may be one of only a few tourists. Luxury Stay with all the Amenities: Canopy by Hilton ReykjavikThis modern luxury hotel has a great location in downtown Reykjavk. Then try your hand at some scavenger games! Add to that the fact that it may very likely be cold, rainy or windy during your stay in Reykjavik (shocker, I know! Things to do in Reykjavik As a kid who grew up in the inner-city neighbourhood of Hlar, my absolute favourite Sunday activity was to go hiking in skjuhl; a hill adorned with pine trees in the very heart of Reykjavk. With a tower that offers panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean, this is a must-stop as soon as you arrive in the city. This three-story marvel consists of monuments, sculptures and various doohickeys made of rusted scrap metal and timber, in the style of a fairytale junkyard. At the town's centre Garatorg you'll find Maths Garabjar, a family-friendly gem of a restaurant guaranteed to treat you like royalty. While not technical, expect a steady elevation gain. The Creation As an award-winning piece of architecture, just seeing the exterior is reason enough to stop by! Which mountainsare the most beautiful mountains in Iceland, where are they located and what kind of mountains can you find in Iceland? I celand is one of my favorite countries and its capital city, Reykjavik, is a big reason why. Or stop in a cafe or restaurant to warm up with a bowl of soup or hot coffee. Whale watching boats are not allowed to use sonar to find the whales. Enjoying refreshments at Flran Garden Bistro feels like dining in a secret garden, where colourful Koi fish swim leisurely by your feet and the aroma of your coffee blends with a flowery fragrance. 4. And best of all, multiple days means an evening or two in the wilderness a perfect chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Reykjavik Domes is part of a camping resort just east of downtown. Right next to The Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur you'll find the less frequently visited inner-city paradise of Grasagarurinn; the Reykjavk Botanical Gardens. And, of course, a glass (or three) or wine comes included. Icelands capital is famous for its unique architecture, wild nightlife, strange museums, smelly traditional cuisine, and a few hidden attractions as well. Its not every day that you can outrun a murderer, outwit a mad scientist, or outdo the Mafia. Or, just point at whatever looks good! And in between hikes, dives, and camping trips, you can explore ancient history, check out aquatic artifacts, or sample the wares at some marvelous breweries. If you can time it right, seeing this sculpture at sunset is quite a sight, and it makes a pretty great photograph. How do you avoid visiting only crowded venues and tourist traps? Of course, Silfra is far from the only option Iceland is actually teeming with world-class snorkeling spots! Reykjavik has hosted a Pride event each year since 1999. If you do find this box (congrats! Keep your eyes peeled the area is also home to countless exotic birds, like Gannets, Auks, and Arctic Terns. Their collection of alternative posters is to die for, their caf sells beer by the tap (a rarity in Icelandic cinemas), and their array of events offers something for every type of movie-buff there is; ranging from an interactive screening ofThe Room, toa sing-along of an Icelandic musical from the 1980s. Nightlife in Reykjavik. Renting electric scooters allowed us to see even more during our stay in Reykjavik, and we still walked a TON. Let us know in the comments below! Sign upfor one of their classes or workshops, or simply stop by for a cup of coffee or a look-a-round. When you make your reservation online, be sure to use the code TWS10 at checkout to get 10% off your tour. Bustling with tourists and locals, this is one of the busiest walking streets in town. 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavk (Iceland) - The Crazy Tourist Overall, its kind of a small venue and the prices are higher than you may expect at a typical flea market, but you might just find some gems. The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavik. At these spots, every bite is an experience! If you have the budget for it, see if there are any shows playing during your visit. A wonderful activity suitable for the entire family, take an express boat tour from Reykjavik and ride up to Akurey Island, home of the adorable puffins! Sitting in a hot spring isnt always enough; after days of hiking and adventure through the Icelandic landscapes, sometimes you need a good old-fashioned spa day to truly re-energize. The specials for each day adhere to the freshest of ingredients, while the main menu offers such highlights as brazed duck, shellfish soup, risotto and beef tartar. The group encourages its audience to show up dressed according to the theme advertised each time around, so discover your inner king or queen amidst the most colorful crowd of Reykjavk, where regularity need not apply. A wonderful way to tick off all of Reykjaviks main haunts in a snapshot, these convenient bus routes skirt past landmarks like the National Gallery of Iceland out to natural attractions like the Laugardalur Valley. In the theater youll see the dancing wonder on a 7-meter HD screen; through the interactive displays youll discover the science behind this phenomenon, and the staff will happily share the fascinating tales and legends held by cultures and communities across the world. So lets just call it the Rainbow Street from now on, shall we? In 2019, the street was painted for this festival and the decision was made to keep it a permanent part of the city. Good to know: Even though it is called a free walking tour, it is expected that you tip your guide for their time. Here you'll find The Living Art Museum, Galley Kling&Bang, Studio lafur Elasson, and The Marshall Restaurant + Bar. Everything we had there was great, so wed suggest getting a few to sample. We explain more about how to get connected in our guide to essential Iceland travel apps. Despite the decade-old popularity of local reggae band Hjlmar, the Jamaica-originated music genre has all but gone unpropelled in the Reykjavk music scene. Right next door isHrra, a hip nightclub frequented by dedicated local regulars, and between Hrra and Irish PubDublinernestsPaloma; themecca of Reykjavk's underground techno scene. If you want to escape the vast ocean of tourists in the city centre, Krsnes might just be the perfect spot. To go berry picking, or 'berjam' as the locals say, has long since been a summer tradition with Icelandic families. If you look for it, youll find that Reykjavik has a pretty good street art scene, with murals and art installations on just about every block downtown. The 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavk, Iceland + Map If you arent sure what to do in Reykjavik, you can start with a walking tour. Visiting Iceland can be difficult on a budget, so taking CityWalks free walking tour provides you with a great opportunity to learn about the capital citys history and cultural quirks while also saving money in the process. Our advice is to use the Vedur app (the most accurate app for Icelandic weather forecasts and one of our top Iceland travel apps) to see which will be your clearest day in Reykjavik, and use that to plan your visit to the viewing platform. Two Wandering Soles Copyright 2023. It might seem simple enough to stay on the main shopping street Laugavegur and follow the music, but for a real local scene, we suggest you venture a bit further. Strap in tandem and paraglide over the beauty that is Reykjavik and its surrounding areas! 1. So here are the best non-touristy things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland. Seljalandsfoss, one of the main attractions on the South Coast, stands at a height of around 60 meters and is absolutely breathtaking. What are some of the best-keptsecrets in the city of Reykjavk? It might classify as a popular city resort but is mostly attended by locals, which means you will indeed escape the tourist trail by venturing to these friendly woods. Jun 12, 2022 9 min read Man soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by nature Sam Spicer / Getty Images Iceland's capital city is the launching point for nature walks and mountain hikes, but it also offers ample opportunities to take it slow, walk around downtown, and explore art and culture. Its a unique way to see Icelands natural beauty, thats for sure. For a small city, there sure are lots of options. Want to explore further?Then try an unforgettable scuba diving excursion! (You can only make a booking a handful of days in advance.). It did, however, host a beautiful cinema called Regnboginn, which ran from 1977-2010. The trail Krsnesstgur lies all around it, dotted with playgrounds and brooks, providing for one of the finest cycling routes in the capital area. Find a tour from the city that will take you to the dark night skies, where seeing the dancing aurora borealis up close is likely. Venture past Harpa Concert Hall and duck under the cluster of selfie sticks at the Sun Voyager and you'll arrive at Laugarnestangi, a considerably remotespit of opulent nature and home to a true oddity of private property. But if you want some unique recommendations, weve got you covered. Typically on travels, we dont repeat restaurants because there are so many to explore. The milky blue waters surrounded by lava stones are stunning. Youll find Jokulsarlon on the southeast coast, near the Vatnajkull National Park. These were mimicked after the hexagonal basalt columns that are found around the country, in places like Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. I stayed at this B&B with my mom in 2019. While the name of this street is Sklavrustgur, thats a mouthful. Whats not to love? They offer a range of single, double, triple and quadruple occupancy rooms at various price points so its a great option for groups traveling on a budget. If youre a music lover, particularly a Beatles fanatic, then forget the rest and add Viey Island to the top of your list of things to do in Reykjavik. Top Nightlife in Reykjavik, Iceland. And I should admit that I visited Reykjavik three times before trying this world-renowned street food. You cant leave Reykjavik without trying the citys most famous hot dog! The Gardens are open most days, however, if traveling in June, July or August, head there around midday on Fridays for a free 30-minute guided tour! WebMarshall House. The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most famous hot spring in the entire country, and for good reason. Modelled after The Poetry Brothel in New York and housed in the antiquatedINthat nests right by the Reykjavk Pond, 'Raua skldahsi' ('The Red House of Fiction') seeks to intermingle poetry, theatre and music with avant-garde entertainment, dress-up and even tarot card readings. Conveniently located near the Reykjavik Harbor and near the center and a quick walk to downtown. Easy on the wallet and heavy on the fun, theyre perfect for learning about the capital; make sure to bring some money to tip your guide! The largest, most breathtaking church in the country, the Lutheran Hallgrimskirkja Church looms over Reykjavik in a beautiful way. No worries, there are plenty of more affordable options too. Be sure to catch a viewing of our solar system at the planetarium and stroll through the simulated ice tunnel before sipping on some warm drinks! This hunt is one of the unique things to do in Reykjavik. If youre spending all your time in the hotel room, youre doing Iceland wrong! Good to know: Iceland has some very strict rules when it comes to this type of tourism. Im not a huge hot dog lover, but it was actually quite good! If you go a little further back, youll find food items, like dried fish (which you can sample free of charge) and gourmet infused salts (which make a great gift or souvenir). Simply put, the Snfellsnes Peninsula has it all: intimidating volcanoes, cliffs that hang over the sea, beaches of golden and black sands, the basalt pillars of Hellnar, Kirkjufell mountain, and dramatic fjords created over millennia. Parallel to the main shopping street Laugavegur lies the less-traversed Hverfisgata, which up until a couple of years ago was pretty much desolate in comparison. The establishment of theNordic Housein 1968, located in a nature reserve right by the University of Iceland,set out to place some of Iceland's cultural focus back on our Scandinavian neighboursinstead of the predominant Anglo-European and North Americaninfluences that seem to dominate local entertainment. ), salt scrub, cold mist, and more. This art installation was created in 2013, and stands 8 meters (25 feet) tall, making it one of the largest artworks ever made in Iceland. Only open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, this is Icelands only flea market. With all the shiny new seafood places in the city, a visit to this joint feels like stepping back to a time before the immense popularity of Iceland as a travel destination. The park is home to over 5,000 different species of plants, as well as an idyllic pavilion-with-a-pond caf. The plentiful hiking trails offer a relaxing scenery of forestry, so essential to clear ones head of all the urban hustle and bustle. The tower itself is made of lights shooting into the night sky from a white stone monument carved with Imagine Peace in multiple languages.