8 indoor activities in Reykjavik when it rains

Reykjavik is the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s glaciers, fjords, and waterfalls. It’s also a top destination for its creative expression, vibrant culture, and food scene. When the weather turns dreary, skip the outdoor adventures and look for the many indoor activities in Reykjavik. Get cultural at top Reykjavik landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall, or delve into history at the National Museum of Iceland. You can also shop along Laugavegur and explore natural replicas at Perlan. There are endless things to do in Reykjavik on a rainy day as you wait for the sky to clear.

1. See a different side of nature at Perlan

With its interactive, nature-focused exhibits, Perlan is the perfect choice for things to do in Reykjavik when it rains.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

If the rain won’t stop, wait it out and get your dose of Icelandic beauty. Perlan is a natural history museum housed in former city water tanks, with interactive exhibits about Iceland’s many natural wonders. Check out the planetarium’s northern lights show and see the 33-foot-high (10 m) replica Látrabjarg Cliff with iconic birds like the Atlantic puffin and northern fulmar. Don’t miss the 328-foot-long (100 m) ice cave featuring 350 tons of snow. Thanks to its position on Öskjuhlíð Hill, you can enjoy great views from the revolving glass dome.

Address and opening hours

Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík. Open daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.

2. Get cultural at Harpa Concert Hall

Opened in 2011, this world-class venue features an iconic, honeycomb-like architectural design and hosts some of the best events in Iceland.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

If the weather won’t cooperate, you can still experience Iceland’s creative heart. Harpa Concert Hall is a cultural hub in Reykjavik, with plenty of concerts, festivals, and theater performances to keep you entertained. From spring’s Reykjavik Fashion Festival to the end-of-year Opera Choir’s Christmas Concert, there’s something for everyone. You can even enjoy a meal and a view at the fine-dining restaurants.

Address and opening hours

Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday to Tuesday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

3. Soar to new heights at FlyOver Iceland

One of the most thrilling indoor activities in Reykjavik, FlyOver Iceland takes you on a virtual journey across the country’s best natural features.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

Skip the downpour and immerse yourself in state-of-the-art virtual technology at FlyOver Iceland. At this family-friendly attraction, you’ll soar with feet dangling over some of Iceland’s best scenery — including glaciers, fjords, the Dyrhólaey Cliffs, and Skjálfandafljót River. Get ready for wind and rain special effects, along with unique scents like lupine flowers and sulfur. Kids need to be 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 43, 101 Reykjavík. Open daily, 9:30 AM–7:00 PM.

4. Sample the cuisine at Grandi Mathöll and other food halls

Reykjavik food halls bring diverse food options and lively conversations, helping you celebrate shared Icelandic experiences.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

There’s nothing better than good food to help you forget it’s raining. Found at Reykjavik Harbour, Grandi Mathöll is a top spot for street food in Reykjavik. You can sample everything from Indonesian to Korean food, as well as lamb burgers, pizza, and Icelandic favorites like fish and chips — made with the catch of the day. Check out other food halls like Hafnartorg Gallery or Pósthús Food Hall & Bar for more of Reykjavik’s traditional dishes.

Address and opening hours

Grandagarður 16 101, 101 Reykjavík. Open daily, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.

5. Watch the world sparkle at Aurora Reykjavik

This museum and immersive lights center is dedicated to the Aurora Borealis — the northern lights — that dance across the night sky.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

Daytime and rainy weather are the perfect time to get a head start on this nighttime spectacle. Along with Aurora folklore and mythology, Aurora Reykjavik has plenty of interactive exhibits about the science behind the lights and how to follow the forecast. One of the top things to do indoors in Reykjavik, Aurora Reykjavik even lets you go virtual. Strap on VR goggles and watch the light show in the cinema, then check out the wall of photography.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 53, 101 Reykjavík. Open daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, November to February; 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, March to October.

6. Wander the shops along Laugavegur

An iconic shopping district, Laugavegur bustles with colorful shops, traditional Icelandic architecture, and plenty of street art.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

If you love to shop, you’ll find wandering Laugavegur one of the top things to do in Reykjavik on a rainy day. One of the city's oldest streets, this mile-long road stretches from Route 40 to Bankastraeti. Discover everything from vintage clothing boutiques to Icelandic souvenir shops and cozy coffee houses perfect for a warm beverage or two. Make a stop at the photo-worthy Rainbow Street at Laugavegur’s western end.

Address

Laugavegur.

7. Discover the past at the National Museum of Iceland

Founded in 1863, the National Museum of Iceland highlights Iceland’s dynamic cultural history over the past 1,200 years.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

Skip the soggy weather as you delve into Iceland’s people and past. Iceland overflows with natural wonders, but its cultural history is also full of adventures and escapades. Investigate every floor at the National Museum of Iceland and check out artifacts like the Valþjófsstaður door, whalebone crafts, Eyrarland Thor statue, and Viking bones.

Address and opening hours

Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík. Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

8. Step into creativity at the Einar Jónsson Museum

Housed in a building the artist designed, the Einar Jónsson Museum opened in 1923 as the first art museum in Iceland.

Why is it good for a rainy day in Reykjavik?

Checking out art is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik on a rainy day. At the Einar Jónsson Museum, you’ll see more than 300 pieces from national treasure Einar Jónsson, including his iconic plaster sculptures, drawings, and paintings. Less known outside Iceland, the artist is famous for Symbolist, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco pieces like Outlaws and Þorfinnur Karlsefni. If you’re willing to brave a few drops, venture into the outdoor sculpture garden for some of his bronze work.

Address and opening hours

Hallgrímstorg 3, Njarðargata 51, 101 Reykjavík. Open Thursday to Sunday, noon–5:00 PM.

FAQs

How much does it rain in Reykjavik?

If it’s your first time in Reykjavik, you should know that the city sees about 32 inches annually. October and November each get about 3.5 to 4 inches, while July and August see 1.5 to 2.5 inches each month.

What are the top things to do in Reykjavik when it rains?

Some of the top indoor activities in Reykjavik include visiting Perlan, FlyOver Iceland, and the Harpa Concert Hall. You can also visit one of the weirdest museums in the world, the Icelandic Phallological Museum.

What are the best indoor food halls in Reykjavik for a rainy day?

Grandi Mathöll is a top indoor food hall known for its street food specialties and views along the Reykjavik Harbour. Other popular halls are Hafnartorg Gallery and Pósthús Food Hall & Bar.

What’s the best way to travel around Reykjavik in the rain?

In lighter rain, wear rain gear and walk to top attractions. For activities on the city edges or in heavier rains, choose the Straetó bus system with 27 city routes.

Are there family-friendly things to do indoors in Reykjavik when it rains?

Yes. You can enjoy top indoor family-friendly Reykjavik activities like FlyOver Iceland, Perlan, and Aurora Reykjavik.