Top Things to do in Reykjavik
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Reykjavik, Capital Region
Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for many Icelandic visitors it also serves as a gateway to the rugged adventure options beyond. Recharge after outdoor pursuits in one of the many geothermal springs or luxurious indoor spas. We appreciate Reykjavik’s open-minded and energetic culture that includes a hip and internationally recognized music and arts scene, great food and notoriously "enthusiastic" nightlife.
Restaurants in Reykjavik
1. Eimverk Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
Eimverk Distillery is Icelands' first and only whisky distillery and a perfect destination for whiskey fans and for anyone with an interest in Icelandic Spirits. We are also the only distillery producing spirits from 100% Icelandic barley, we make Floki our whisky, Vor our premium Gin and Vit our old style traditional Icelandic Brennvin. In our Distillery tour you will have the opportunity to sample Floki Icelands' first and only whiskey learn about the processes involved in creating Icelandic spirits from Icelandic barley, as well as sampling Vor our premium pot distilled gin and Viti our old style Icelandic Brennivin all handcrafted from native herbs and botanicals. The whisky Distillery is located at Lyngas 13 in Garðabær which is 10 – 15 minutes taxi ride from downtown Reykjavik (35 min Bus). Tours are currently only available by appointment (so please book ahead), the tour last a little over an hour and include a tasting of our products.
Reviewed By Kramf1 - Greater London, United Kingdom
A wonderful and personable tour which covered Gin and Whisky making in Iceland’s only distillery. Our tour guide “Rock” covered the brief history of the distillery very well with amusing anecdotes and dipped into Icelandic history and myths. A very well balanced tour and enough Gin and Whisky sampling to keep everyone happy! The whisky is in it’s infancy but it is a great starting point and I can’t recommend the tour enough!
2. Tales from Iceland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 539 reviews
Dear traveler, we regret to announce that as of March 18, Tales from Iceland will be closed until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reviewed By tonyh486
If you want to find out about the country in a fantastic way this is a great place to visit. We had a discount on admission as a result of a trip to the golden circle but this is worth the full price of admission. The virtual reality tour of some of the wonderful sight's of this wonderful country is worth it on it's own. A bonus is complimentary hot and cold drinks, and you are not pressured to leave as at the moment there's not too many visitors finding this experience. 10/10
3. Arbaer Open Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 668 reviews
Árbær Open Air Museum - A day out of time Reykjavík's open-air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived. Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Reykjavík's early history is preserved in a series of lovingly-restored homes, where you'll encounter costumed guides, grazing animals and traditional crafts. Exhibitions, demonstrations and tours reveal how Reykjavík came to life, from a few scattered farms to a vibrant capital city. JUNE - AUGUST Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM. SEPTEMBER - MAY Open daily 1 PM - 5 PM. Daily guided tours in English, all year round, at 1 PM - no booking necessary. No guided tours on Dec 25, Jan 1, Good Friday & Easter Sunday. Árbær Open Air Museum is part of Reykjavík City Museum: One museum in five unique places. Welcome!
Reviewed By O3023AWmikes - Swansea, United Kingdom
Like St Fagan's in Wales this venue preserves Iceland's historic buildings and was a lovely place to visit with the fresh snow fall. Staff were very friendly and helpful, chatting about the structures and Icelandic culture, they also kindly gave us free coffee.
4. Hallgrimskirkja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,971 reviews
Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in the country, and towers over the centre of Reykjavik. Its 73-metre-high tower provides a wonderful 360° view over all Reykjavik, the mountains around and the ocean streaching west to Greenland and the Americas. Because of this, the tower is among the most visited tourist destinations in Reykjavik. Tower admission Adults: ISK 1000 Children: ISK 100 (ages 7-16) Tickets are sold in the church shop. Access to the tower is only by lift. At the top there are a few steps to the open-air viewing platform. Winter (October – April): 09:00 – 17:00. Tower closes 16:30. Summer (May – September): 09:00 – 21:00. Tower closes 20:30. The tower is closed on Sundays from 10:30 – 12:15 during mass at 11:00. Hallgrimskirkja is an active, working church and sometimes we may close the church without notice, especially due to weddings or funerals. Everyone is welcome to join services and concerts, but we ask visitors to stay the whole time to avoid disturbance.
Reviewed By 10Raindrops - Uralla, Australia
This beautiful church stands out in the middle of Rejkavic and is definitely worth a visit.A beautiful Scandinavian interior is matched by a breath taking soaring ceiling and the whole experience is breathtaking.
5. Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
This sculpture garden and museum is steps away from the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church. It's filled with interesting, thought provoking art. The garden is calm and secluded from the outside noise of tourists visiting the church. One of my favourite places in Reykjavik. This garden with sculptures and the nearby museum have something magical. Free entrance to the garden , so definitely don't miss it.
6. Perlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,446 reviews
Perlan is a must-visit landmark and Nature Exploratorium. In our Wonders of Iceland exhibitions, you learn all about Icelandic nature in interactive and fun ways. Natural wonders come alive at your fingertips – volcanoes, northern lights, glaciers, ocean-life, seabirds, and so much more. You explore a real ice cave, sit back in a first-class Planetarium, have fun with interactive displays, and enjoy views all over Reykjavík city. You can catch our Áróra Planetarium show on the half hour in the English language and on the full hour in Icelandic from 10:30 AM until 5:30 PM, every day! On Perlan’s top floor, there is a café and fantastic views. (Free parking).
Reviewed By 539BarbaraS539
Visited on a free evening in Reykjavik, great planetarium show, also interesting exhibitions about Icelandic flora and fauna, geology and an ice cave, estaurant and bar at the top of the dome giving great views over the city, restaurant revolves so get a 360 degree view, worth visiting, interesting for children, lots of engaging activities
7. National Museum of Iceland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,800 reviews
Reviewed By Mjhorns - Bangkok, Thailand
The National Museum of Iceland was a great activity for our first day in Iceland. It runs through the history of the settlement of the country, with lots of interesting artifacts such as swords, broaches, tools, clothing, and more. It's incredible that Icelanders have survived multiple plagues and volcanic eruptions, as well as a famine. Additional highlights were free lockers to store coats, hats, backpacks; a lovely cafe and gift shop; and the ticket price includes entry to another museum in a different part of town, the Culture House. Highly recommend for learning more about this destination.
8. Sun Voyager
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,656 reviews
Reviewed By cazrichardson70 - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
A Stunning sculpture in fabulous location, definitely worth a visit and a great photo opportunity with the sea and mountains in the background.
9. Videy Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
Viðey Island - Peace, beauty, history An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore. The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat ride takes you to another world, to be explored in your own time. From nesting birds and panoramic views to Yoko Ono's famous 'Imagine Peace Tower' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones', you'll discover an oasis of peace, beauty and history. Close to shore, but a world away. Daily sailing during the summer but only on weekends during the wintertime. Viðey is part of Reykjavík City Museum: One museum in five unique places.
Reviewed By alice_lenthe - West Chester, United States
A short ferry ride from downtown Reykjavik but find another world on Videy. Easy trails, terrific views of Reykjavik and beaches and ocean too. Definitely worth the time but if you do not have a car, the bus lines do not run to the ferry dock in the winter. We walked from the closest bus stop (about 15 minutes) and were glad we did. The John Lennon Peace Memorial is also there - we went back at night to see it lit (separate review).
10. Icelandic Phallological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
The Icelandic Phallological museum opens after a major ʹfaceliftʹ The Icelandic Phallological Museum has relocated to a bigger space right by the harbor in downtown Reykjavik. With triple the space, scores of new exhibits, interactive features, and a phallic themed bistro, the visitorʹs experience is improved in every way. The new address is in Hafnartorg, and the entrance in Reykjastraeti
Reviewed By katedV4667XE
Honestly didn't know what to expect. Ended up going because we had a free morning and was surprised at how informative it was!. Just thought it was going to be a gimmicky museum. The staff were really friendly and although I never thought I'd say this about a penis museum, the atmosphere was great as well. Definitely a bit of fun if you have some spare time whilst in Reykjavik.
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