Downtown Reykjavik Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Reykjavik
Popular places to visit
Laugavegur
Brightly colored shopfronts spill into the street and add atmosphere to the sidewalk dining areas and designer stores of Reykjavík’s main downtown shopping strip.
Harpa
The sculptural glass façade of Reykjavík’s premier concert hall and conference center shines over the harbor, reflecting the water and the city’s energy.
Hallgrimskirkja
This stunning church with a tower that looks like molten lava is one of Reykjavík’s most renowned landmarks and also serves as a compass point.
Reykjavik City Hall
The dynamic architectural design and picturesque location of this modern civic building near the Tjörnin lakeside has made it a landmark in downtown Reykjavík.
Iceland Phallological Museum
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Iceland Phallological Museum in Reykjavik. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.
Reykjavík Cathedral
Reykjavik’s oldest church is historically important as the heart of Iceland’s Lutheran faith and a landmark in the country's bid for independence.
Activities
From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Cocoa
Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual
City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras
Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos
Sky Lagoon Geothermal Spa Experience including Admission and Transfers
Sky Lagoon Admission Including Transfer
Our pick of the best Downtown Reykjavik Hotel Deals
Center Hotels Plaza
Great location, central to everything. Great, filling, free breakfast w a decent variety but get in quick if you like a quiet corner to chill and munch early. Friendly, helpful staff and front desk.
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
The Reykjavik EDITION
Everything was great
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
My only disappointment was that the breakfast and parking where very expensive
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik
What an amazing hostel. Really liked this place. Felt very safe, spacious, clean, comfy beds. Great storage space in kitchen for food and to cook. Lots of seating on each floor. Fantastic reception and staff. Ideal location, stunning views and seen the northern lights across the road from the hostel. ...
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
CityHub Reykjavik
Clean, comfy bed and concierge welcoming
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Wonderful hotel within a short walking distance to shopping and restaurants. Definitely recommend!
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Check Downtown Reykjavik hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Reykjavik
Norðurmýri
While Norðurmýri may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja.
Tún
If you're spending some time in Tún, Hofdi House and Laugavegur are top sights worth seeing.
Holt
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holt and surrounding area, you can visit Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur.
Vesturbær
The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.
Grandar
Grandar might not have many top sights, but Reykjavik Harbour and Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Hlíðar
Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.
