10 magical things to do in Reykjavik at night

While there’s an endless list of fun activities to do in Reykjavik during the day, it’s nighttime when the city comes alive. Watch the sunset from a geothermal lagoon or head up to the viewing platform at the top of Perlan’s large glass dome. After dark, the summer months see never-ending daylight as the midnight sun refuses to set—the perfect excuse to continue sightseeing in the evening. Don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the Northern Lights. Start your evening trip planning with this list of the best things to do in Reykjavik at night.

Ranked: Reykjavik at night

Best attractions to visit at night: Northern Lights, Imagine Peace Tower, Aurora Reykjavik
Best for nightlife: Bar crawl, food tasting, whiskey tasting
Best sunset spot: Perlan, Blue Lagoon
Best views at night: midnight sun cruise, FlyOver Iceland

1. See The Northern Lights dance

Is there anything more magical on Earth than seeing the Northern Lights? Witness this once-in-a-lifetime display and watch the Aurora dance over the night sky on a Northern Lights excursion in Reykjavik.

Why do this at night?

A natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights can only be seen after dark in winter, making it one of the best things to do in Reykjavik at night.

2. Take in the view from Perlan

A fascinating natural history museum, Perlan is one of the best museums in Reykjavik. Explore the wonders of Icelandic nature, from waterfalls and volcanoes to glaciers. You can even walk through an ice cave made from real snow.

Why visit this at night?

At night, head up to the panoramic viewing platform and see the city lights twinkle from the vantage point of the enormous 360-degree glass dome.

Address and opening hours

105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

3. Sail on a midnight sun cruise

Enjoy eternal daylight in the summer months as the sun refuses to set beyond the horizon in a natural phenomenon known as the midnight sun. Get off the beaten path in Reykjavik and ride an ATV under the midnight sun, exploring hidden gems and natural wonders. Or sail around Faxafloi Bay on a boat trip, looking for wildlife like whales and puffins.

Why do this at night?

The extended daylight hours in Reykjavik in summer mean plenty of time for sightseeing, even after dinner.

4. Bathe in the warm waters of Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik, meaning that it’s very popular. Avoid the crowds and book a night visit to Blue Lagoon — bathe in the relaxing pool, apply a silicon face mask, and sip a drink from the swim-up bar.

Why do this at night?

Timing your visit with dusk and watching the sunset in the warm, milky-blue waters is one of the most romantic things to do in Reykjavik and a great date night idea for couples.

Address and opening hours

Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland. Open daily, 7:00 AM-12:00 AM.

5. See the Imagine Peace Tower shine

See the Imagine Peace Tower’s sky-high laser beam shoot into the starry sky. A memorial to John Lennon from his wife, Yoko Ono, the Imagine Peace Tower is a shining beacon to world peace and one of the best things to do in Reykjavik at night.

Why visit this at night?

The Imagine Peace Tower only shines at certain times of the year, one hour after sunset between October and March.

Address and opening hours

Videy, Iceland. The Imagine Peace Tower is lit October 9 – December 8, December 21–31, February 18, and March 20-27, one hour after sunset until midnight.

6. See the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavik

Discover more about the stunning spectacle of the Northern Lights and their role in nature and local mythology through informative exhibits and engaging displays at Aurora Reykjavik. Watch a timelapse film of a dazzling display and learn to read the Northern Lights forecast —great practice to equip you with the skills to spot the lights on your own.

Why visit this at night?

Also called The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik is your chance to see the dazzling Northern Lights at night without venturing outside in winter.

Address and opening hours

Aurora Reykjavik, Fiskislóð 53, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open June, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; July-August, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; from September, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

7. Soar over waterfalls and volcanoes at FlyOver Iceland

Embark on an exhilarating journey as you soar over Iceland’s geological wonders at FlyOver Iceland. Thanks to advanced screen technology, a spherical screen, and motion seating, fly over the country’s impressive natural landscape, seeing waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers.

Why visit this at night?

FlyOver Iceland is a great family-friendly after-dinner activity and one of the best things to do with kids in Reykjavik at night.

Address and opening hours

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

8. Bar hop Reykjavik’s best pubs

Discover the city’s best bars and most lively clubs on a Reykjavik bar crawl. Grab your dancing shoes and drink in some of the city’s top party spots. From a bar made entirely of ice to fancy cocktail bars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — it’s no wonder Reykjavik is considered one of the top nightlife destinations in the world.

Why do this at night?

Hopping from bar to bar is a great way to end the day, and you’ll likely discover some of the best hidden gems in Reykjavik in the process.

9. Taste authentic cuisine

Taste your way through town and sample the best food in Reykjavik. From hearty lamb stew to warming lobster soup, there’s something for every taste. If you’re an adventurous eater, don’t miss trying fermented shark. If that’s not your cup of tea, choose Skyr, a mild but tasty Icelandic yogurt.

Why do this at night?

A great way to try multiple dishes in one dinner, a food market like Hlemmur Mathöll offers a more varied dinner than a sit-down experience — plus, you can get great recommendations from your local guide.

10. Try local whiskeys at a distillery

Go behind the scenes of the whiskey-making process at a whiskey distillery in Reykjavik. Discover more about the history of whiskey in Iceland, the distilling process, and the local ingredients and Icelandic spring water used to make whiskey.

Why do this at night?

Sampling local whiskeys is a great way to end the day and finish a delicious dinner of authentic Icelandic cuisine.

FAQs

What are some of the top nighttime attractions in Reykjavik?

Seeing the Northern Lights is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik at night in winter when the dazzling display dances across the starry sky. Perlan is also a popular nighttime attraction, and the vast glass dome provides panoramic city views.

What are the most popular night tours in Reykjavik?

Joining a guided food experience and sampling Reykjavik’s best street food is a popular way to spend the evening. Afterward, you can go on a pub crawl and discover the city’s top bars and clubs. Or head to a whiskey distillery to sample some local drams.

What are the best areas for a nighttime stroll in Reykjavik?

The coastal area of Ægisíða is perfect for an evening stroll, and you’ll see the moon reflect in the water on a clear day. Alternatively, leave the city behind and head to Hljomskalagardur, a public park with good walking paths perfect for a leisurely evening walk.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Reykjavik at night?

FlyOver Iceland is a popular family-friendly attraction in Reykjavik, and kids will love virtually soaring over Iceland’s landscape. Alternatively, head to Aurora Reykjavik and see the Northern Lights on-screen without leaving the city.

What are the best spots for a romantic night out in Reykjavik?

Cruising under the midnight sun is one of the most romantic things to do in Reykjavik at night and a great way to spend a summer evening. Couples will also love relaxing in the restorative waters of Blue Lagoon — time your visit with sunset for a more magical experience.