Once a maritime and fishing district, Old Harbour now buzzes with restaurants, cafes and places to discover. Stroll along the waterfront or hop on a boat and explore the harbour.
Soak up the atmosphere of Reykjavík with a stroll along the Old Harbour. Amble along the quay, through the charming cobble-stoned lanes and past the fisherman’s sheds that now home galleries, cafes and tour ‘operators’.
Head to the harbour for a tour and explore the abundant natural wonders that Reykjavík has to offer. Hop on a boat and set sail to see the colonies of puffins or whale watch. Join a fishing charter, and with some charters offering to barbeque your fish while you are on board, take the whole day to relax on the water. If you are visiting during the winter months be aware that the seas can be rough and fewer operators will be sailing at these times. If dry land is more your preference, head to The Cinema or the Volcano House. These places schedule daily films about Iceland’s natural landscape.
Another great way to see Reykjavík is to join a walking tour. Discover the main attractions and get a few insiders tips about the history and the best places to go. Most of the tours start at the harbor and some of them are free, though a tip at the end is usually expected. Otherwise, meander along the quay and explore the area at your own pace. Gaze out at the colourful boats in all their different sizes, from small sailing boats to large whaling vessels.
There are a number of places to shop on the Old Harbour, as well as galleries to browse, craft shops and places to pick up souvenirs. Enjoy a light snack or dress up for the evening and dine in one of the restaurants by the sea. This area is known for its excellent dining and views of the water. Try the local seafood fusion dishes or have an Icelandic hotdog. Discover the emerging Nordic cuisines that are a welcome departure from the traditional cuisines such as pickled rams testicles or putrefied shark.
Walk east along the waterfront to Reykjavik’s New Harbour, where you can see boats being built. The change from the Old Harbour to the new is striking. Keep walking along the waterfront to see the sleek, modern Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Another scenic walk from the Old Harbour is the Sculpture to Shore walk, which passes one of the city’s most renowned public artworks, the Sun Voyager.
