Best neighbourhoods in Reykjavik
A locals' map of Reykjavik — the neighbourhoods worth spending a half-day in, what to eat in each, and the streets actually worth wandering.
Top spots in Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja
CultureSkólavörðustígur
Basalt-column church with a 74m tower — best panorama of the rainbow roofs.
Harpa Concert Hall
CultureOld Harbour
Honeycomb-glass concert hall on the bay — free to wander, great café.
Golden Circle Day Trip
OutdoorsSouth Iceland
Thingvellir rift, Geysir spouts and Gullfoss falls — Iceland's greatest-hits loop.
Blue Lagoon
OutdoorsGrindavik
Milky geothermal lagoon in a black lava field — silica masks included.
Whale Watching
OutdoorsOld Harbour
3-hour boat trip from the old harbour — minkes, humpbacks, occasional orcas.
Where to eat
Apotek
$$$Bistro · Austurstræti
Old pharmacy turned bistro — cocktails, langoustine and lamb.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
$Hot dog · Old Harbour
The Bill Clinton hot dog stand — ask for 'eina með öllu' (one with everything).
Dill
$$$$New Nordic · 101
Iceland's first Michelin star — fermented carrots, lamb, skyr ice cream.
Sandholt Bakery
$$Bakery · Laugavegur
Sourdough, kanilsnúðar cinnamon rolls and great brunch on the main street.
Matur og Drykkur
$$$Traditional Icelandic · Grandi
Forgotten fishing recipes done elegantly — try the cod head.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja, Golden Circle Day Trip. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Reykjavik and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.