Fun things to do in Reykjavik: 14 unique things to do

Are you looking for some fun things to do in Reykjavik? The Land of Fire and Ice has plenty of cool activities in Reykjavik. Ride over an ancient glacier and whizz past unique geological formations on a snowmobile. See superheated lava poured right in front of you in a showroom. Enjoy a spa day and bathe in geothermally-heated waters. From spotting whales and puffins in the summer months to witnessing the stunning phenomenon of the Northern Lights in winter, discover the most fun things to do in Reykjavik in this list.

Top fun things to do in Reykjavik at a glance

Top fun things to do in Reykjavik: Snowmobiling, wildlife watching, food tasting

Fun activities for couples: Sky Lagoon, watching the sunset, helicopter flight

Fun activities for families: Lava Show, FlyOver Iceland

Fun activities to do on your own: Waterfall day trip, botanic gardens, ATV riding

Fun food experiences: Ice bar, tomato farm, whiskey tasting

Fun things to do in Reykjavik as a couple

1. Relax in a geothermally heated spa

Bathe in Sky Lagoon and enjoy a seven-step spa ritual — it’s one of the most romantic things to do in Reykjavik. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere and take in the natural beauty of Iceland as you soak in a geothermally heated infinity pool.

Highlights

Booking a spa experience for two and relaxing together is a unique thing to do in Reykjavik for couples that is sure to create a memorable experience.

Address and opening hours

Vesturvor 44-48 200, 200 Kopavogur. Open daily 10:00 AM-11:00 PM. Times vary on Icelandic National Day.

2. Watch the sunset

Is there anything more peaceful than watching the sunset with your loved one? Climb to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja tower for panoramic city views at dusk, or set sail on a sunset cruise from Reykjavik and watch as the sun sinks beyond the horizon.

Best time to go

The midnight sun means eternal daylight in summer, but instead, you can enjoy the natural phenomenon as the sky turns pink, purple, and orange, and the sun never sets.

3. Snowmobile on a glacier

What better way to explore Iceland than by getting up close to a glacier that was forged thousands of years ago? Take a Reykjavik snowmobile tour, discover hidden ice caves and cruise by impressive natural geological features.

Highlights

Whizz along the icy slopes and admire the scenery as you pass mountains like Kerlingarfjöll covered in thick layers of snow.

4. Fly over the city on a helicopter

See the city from a bird’s perspective on a helicopter flight around Reykjavik. Soar over Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks, including Hallgrimskirkja, the Sun Voyager, and Harpa Concert Hall.

Insider tip

Add a mountain landing to your trip for the perfect photo opportunity — a great way to memorialize a special occasion.

Fun things to do in Reykjavik as a family

5. See a lava show

Discover the Land of Fire and Ice firsthand at the Lava Show. Witness a recreation of a volcanic eruption as real lava is superheated and poured into a showroom before you.

Insider tip

The Lava Show is one of the most fun activities in Reykjavik, so book a few weeks ahead to avoid missing out.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislod 73, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

6. Soar over Iceland’s landscapes

Embark on a thrilling ride over Iceland’s impressive natural scenery without leaving Reykjavik in an immersive FlyOver Iceland experience. Thanks to advanced screen technology, a spherical screen, and motion seating, you’ll feel like you’re really flying over the country’s most impressive geological features.

Insider tip

While FlyOver Iceland is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik with kids, it is only suitable for children over 40 inches tall.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislod 43, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily, 9:30 AM-7:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Reykjavik as a solo traveler

7. Go on a wildlife-watching boat trip

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for wildlife watching. Go whale-watching to see a variety of species, including minke and humpback whales. Or enjoy puffin-watching to get up close to these cute and comical sea birds.

Best time to go

Spring and summer in Reykjavik, between May and August, are the best times to go whale watching and puffin spotting in Iceland.

8. Chase waterfalls on a day trip

Iceland’s waterfalls are world-famous. Witness the power of thundering cascades and see rainbows dance in the splash on a waterfall day tour from Reykjavik.

Highlights

Feel the spray from Skogafoss, walk behind Seljalandsfoss, and visit the viewpoints at Gullfoss for the perfect photo.

9. Wander through Grasagardur Botanic Gardens

Escape the hubbub of the city and wander through Grasagardur Botanic Gardens. With over 5,000 plant species, the gardens are a charming oasis and one of the most unique things to do in Reykjavik.

Insider tip

Stop for lunch in Floran Cafe and enjoy a delicious meal made with ingredients grown in the gardens.

Address and opening hours

Grasagardur Botanical Garden, Hverfisgata 105, 101 Reykjavík. Open 10:00 AM-10:00 PM in Summer, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM in Winter.

10. Go on an ATV adventure

What better way to get off the beaten path in Reykjavik than going on an ATV adventure? Drive by spectacular scenery on a thrilling outback adventure and discover hidden gems from Reykjavik on an ATV.

Best time to go

Visit in summer and ride under the pink and orange colors of the midnight sun to the backdrop of the towering Hafrafell and Úlfarsfell Mountains.

Fun things to do in Reykjavik for food and drinks

11. Eat your way around the city on a food tour

Discover the best food in Reykjavik, from rustic restaurants to fine dining experiences. Sample local delicacies, including Icelandic hot dogs and lobster soup, and savor sweet treats like ástarpungar and skyr.

Insider tip

The Old Harbor, a cultural hub of cafes, bars, restaurants, food vendors, and museums, is a great place to try Reykjavik street food.

12. Chill out in an Ice Bar

Enjoy a refreshing drink from a glass made of ice while wearing a cozy poncho in an Ice Bar in Reykjavik. Admire unique artwork sculpted from blocks of ice by international ice artists. This is — quite literally — one of the coolest activities in Reykjavik.

Highlights

Step into a winter wonderland at sub-zero temperatures and try one of Iceland’s most famous drinks, Arctic Crowberry.

Address and opening hours

Laugavegur 6 101, 101 Reykjavík. Open 2:00 PM-10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday in Summer and 2:00 PM-10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday, 2:00 PM- 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday in Winter.

13. Visit a local Tomato Farm

Discover the secret to growing tomatoes in the far north using geothermal energy at Fridheimar Tomato Farm. Taste fresh tomato soup from locally grown tomatoes and enjoy lunch in the on-site greenhouse.

Insider tip

Fridheimar Tomato Farm can be visited as part of the Golden Circle route, which also includes Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park.

Address and opening hours

Fridheimar, 806 Reykholt. Open daily, 11:30 AM-4:00 PM.

14. Sample whiskeys on a distillery tour

Discover the history of whiskey in Iceland at a whiskey distillery in Reykjavik. Explore the facility, learn more about the distilling process, and try locally-produced whiskey in a tasting.

Highlights

One of the most unique things to do in Reykjavik is to learn about the local ingredients and Icelandic spring water that make up the whiskey you sample.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Reykjavik at night?

Visiting a food market like Hlemmur Food Hall is one of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik at night and a great way to sample various local dishes. You can also relax in Sky Lagoon and pamper your mind, body, and soul as you bathe in geothermally heated, restorative waters.

Are there any fun day trips from Reykjavik that I should consider?

One of the most fun day trips from Reykjavik includes going on a wildlife-watching boat cruise and spotting whales and puffins. Join a waterfall day tour and see Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Or visit the Fridheimar Tomato Farm, which is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik.

Are there cool events or festivals to attend in Reykjavik?

There are festivals in Reykjavik throughout the year, celebrating film, music, literature, food, and dance. A popular festival in Reykjavik is the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, which takes place in November and features international Icelandic musical artists. Reykjavik in summer has plenty to see, including Secret Solstice in June — an unmissable cultural festival held under the midnight sun.

Are there any fun things to do for free in Reykjavik?

Watching the sunset is one of the best fun things to do in Reykjavik, and is completely free, as it offers incredible views. Other unique activities in Reykjavik include wandering through the Grasagardur Botanic Gardens and seeing the Sun Voyager sculpture.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Reykjavik?

Seeing real lava flow at the Lava Show is sure to impress the whole family, young and old. Children over 40 inches tall can also enjoy the immersive flight simulation over Iceland’s impressive landscape at FlyOver Iceland.

What are some unique outdoor activities to do in Reykjavik?

Snowmobiling on a glacier — or even climbing one — is one of the most fun outdoor activities in Reykjavik. Around Iceland’s most impressive geological features, you can see geysers, hot springs, and volcanoes, all with their own list of adrenaline adventures. The Northern Lights are a stunning phenomenon in the winter months that makes it worth going out in the cold.