James Taylor

Reykjavík does strange things to people. You arrive for a few days, blow through your budget, and somehow still leave plotting your return. Is it the strange light? Is there something in the lava – or the lattes? The surprisingly good food? Maybe it’s just that this is a class city with serious pull.  Whatever it is, we’re sure you’ll figure it out soon enough. For proof that this city punches above its weight, and for many reasons to return, here are the best things to do in Iceland’s small but mighty capital, from hidden lagoons to geothermal beaches – and a few museums along the way.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Reykjavík📍 The best hotels in Iceland✨ The best things to do in Iceland Best things to do in Reykjavík at a glance 📸 Best must-see: Hallgrimskirkja church 🏞️ Best unique experience: The Sky Lagoon 💎 Best hidden gem: Aðal­stræti 10’s Settlement Exhibition 👪 Best family-friendly: Whale watching guided tour  💸 Best free activity: The Sun Voyager sculpture James Taylor is a travel writer and Iceland expert who regularly visits Reykjavík and lived there for four years. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  🇮🇸 Time Out’s ultimate guide to visiting Iceland

They say acceptance leads to peace. As soon as you accept that Reykjavik is expensive, it frees one up for the truly delightful culinary experiences that await you this North of life. The once remote island is now a bustling destination that is more than its volcanoes, waterfalls and black sand beaches. If that is all you know about the country, get ready to be blown away by its pristine, high quality produce and ingredients, some of which you can only experience here. The small but mighty capital is fast becoming a magnet for epicures, gourmands and the in-betweens; from one-Michelin starred unforgettable dining experiences at Dill and Óx to near-perfect Indian food at Austur Indíafélagið, eating out in Reykjavik is much more than the hot-dog at Bæjarins Beztu (any pool side hot dog stand will deliver the same dog, sans the lines, you heard us), but you should definitely try those too. Here are the best restaurants in Reykjavik. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Reykjavik🏨 The best hotels in Iceland🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Iceland This guide was recently updated by Shruthi Basappa, a restaurant critic based in Reykjavik. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.