My Favorite Spots in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is small in the best way. It’s colorful, creative, and packed with tiny moments that sneak up on you—coffee with harbor views, warm pastries on cold mornings, art by the sea, and little local gems you only find by wandering. These are my favorite places in Reykjavík—the ones I actually went to, loved, and would go back to in a heartbeat.
One of the things I loved most about Reykjavík is how walkable it is. All of these places are close enough that you don’t need a car at all—you can literally pop out the front door, start wandering, and end up at coffee shops, bakeries, shops, views of the harbor, and some of the city’s best little gems. If you’re staying anywhere near downtown, everything on this list fits into an easy, low-stress walking day.
FlyOver Iceland
Souvenir photo from FlyOver Iceland
If you’re short on time (or the weather’s acting up), this is a fun way to experience Iceland’s dramatic landscapes without driving all over the island. It’s an awesome 3D flying experience over glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and coastlines. Total wow-factor. (To enter FlyOver Iceland, children must be at least 100cm (40") tall.)
DEIG bakery
Still drooling over the Choco sea salt donut!
DEIG is absolutely worth setting an alarm for. Their breakfast sandwiches are elite - we would grab them to eat mid-day on tours - but I’m still dreaming about the chocolate sea salt donut. They open at 07:00 and close at 16:00—unless they sell out (which they often do), so go early. Perfect fuel for a day of wandering and one of the earliest opening bakeries in the city.
Kolaportið flea market
This flea market + coffee shop combo is such a fun way to spend a slow weekend morning. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00–17:00. You’ll find everything from secondhand clothes to quirky local finds. Grab a coffee and wander - and support the locals! It’s right across from the harbor, centrally located to most things in the city.
Google Maps pin
Reykjavík Röst
A view of the harbor next to Reykjavík Röst
This is one of my favorite spots to slow down with a coffee and just stare at the water for a bit. The harbor views are beautiful, especially when the light hits the boats just right. A “quick coffee stop” can easily turn into a whole moment here.
Grandi Mathöll
THE chicken sandwich at The Gastro Truck
This food hall is clutch when you’re traveling with people who all want different things. There’s something for every craving—but my husband still raves about the chicken sandwich at The Gastro Truck here. If you’re indecisive or hungry in a hurry, this place saves the day. (We ate here twice because it was that good!)
Verzlanahöllin – The Best Resale Shop (In My Opinion)
Immediately started wearing the 66 North jacket we found in the resale shop!
Each stall here is run by a different seller who sets their own prices, which makes browsing extra fun. It’s hands down the best resale shop in the area, in my opinion. Great for secondhand finds and unexpected little treasures. I hit up a ton of resale shops while I was here and this one I returned to a few times - we even found my husband a 66 North jacket under $100.
Boho Gift Shop
Image via Google Maps
This shop is packed with unique gifts, antique items, and that cozy, bohemian, slightly magical vibe. You walk in “just to look” and somehow leave with something you didn’t know you needed. I bought a beautiful necklace and a jewelry holder here.
Omnom Ice Cream Shop
My dad is always first in line for ice cream!
This one feels like a little secret. The outside is super bright and colorful, making it a great photo stop, and it’s a bit off the main tourist path—which makes finding it even more fun. They now offer hot chocolate too, which is perfect when you want something cozy but still crave dessert energy.
Hallgrímskirkja
6:30 am at the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church
You can spot Hallgrímskirkja from almost anywhere in the city, and for good reason. The church towers over Reykjavík like a minimalist spaceship. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the colorful rooftops, the ocean, and—on a clear day—distant mountains. If you want pictures of the church without a lot of bystanders, you need to arrive early in the morning - I took this picture at 6:30am.
Kvika Foot Bath
My girls dipping their toes in the thermal bath - very few adults wanted to undress their legs
This little thermal foot bath is right by the ocean. You can soak your feet in warm geothermal water while looking out at the harbor and mountains in the distance. It’s free, super low-key, and the perfect way to rest tired legs after wandering all day. Bring a small towel to wipe off before putting your socks and shoes back on!
Harpa Concert Hall
Known for it’s architectural design, Harpa is stunning no matter the weather.
Even if you’re not catching a show, Harpa is worth visiting just to wander around inside. The glass façade changes with the light and weather and I loved standing by the windows watching the harbor while warming up from the cold outside.
Don’t skip the gift shop inside Harpa. It’s honestly one of the best gift shops in the city—full of unique pieces, thoughtfully curated, and priced fairly. If you want souvenirs that don’t feel touristy, this is the place.
Laugavegur
The only time Laugavegur is this empty - 6:30am.
Laugavegur is Reykjavík’s main artery and it’s full of cafés, bookstores, vintage shops, and colorful street art. This is where you wander with no plan, pop into random stores, and somehow end up buying pastries again. Another one of those must see at 6:30am if you want this same shot. It fills up with people - FAST.
If you’re planning your trip and want even more tips from our Iceland adventures, check out these guides:
Into The Glacier: Explore Iceland’s Hidden Ice World — Walk deep inside a glacier and experience giant ice tunnels.
How to Spend 5 Days in Iceland (Itinerary) — A complete trip plan from Reykjavik with practical tips and daily breakdowns.
(Don’t) Go Chasing Waterfalls — A deep dive into Iceland’s best waterfalls (and tips for visiting them).
What I Packed: Iceland in June — A packing guide for Iceland summer weather and unpredictable cliffs.
Silfra Snorkeling in Iceland — Snorkeling between continents in glacial water.
Day Trip Around Snæfellsnes Peninsula — A road trip with cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic coastline views.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Guide — Visit the diamond ice beach and glacier lagoon in the south of Iceland.
The Golden Circle Travel Tips — Classic Iceland attractions in one day with planning advice.
