Things to do in Reykjavik this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Reykjavik this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Reykjavik
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.
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.
Kaffibarinn
Nightlife101
Damon Albarn-owned dive bar — DJs all night, locals' rúntur classic.
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.
Live & on stage
Dark Music Days
Harpa · Jan 28 – Feb 1 · Contemporary classical
Iceland Airwaves
Multiple venues · Nov 6–8 · Indie
Reykjavík Jazz Festival
Harpa · Aug 19–23 · Jazz
Secret Solstice
Laugardalur · Jun 19–21 · Festival / Midnight sun
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja, Golden Circle Day Trip. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.