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Local Guide

If it’s happening in Reykjavík, it’s happening right here. From art to music to food, keep an eye on everything taking place in Iceland’s vibrant capital. Have a look through the activities to get a taste of the city.

Festivals & Events
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Design March 2025

This year's festival will be held from April 2-6 and aims to reflect the state of the world through a circus lens. Designers, architects, and creative individuals will host a variety of exhibitions, events, workshops, and tours throughout the city during these days.

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National Day of Iceland
National Day of Iceland

The National Day of Iceland is held on June 17th. This day is celebrated in Reykjavik with a grand program filled with all kinds of activities for the whole family in various places around the city.

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Innipukinn
Innipúkinn

The first week-end of the month of August is the biggest "go-out-of-town" week-end, when festivals are organised all around Iceland! For those staying in Reykjavik, Innipúkinn is the festival you do not want to miss, with performances all around the city!

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The merchant weekend

Every year on the first Monday of August, Icelanders get an extra day off in what is referred to as the day of the merchants; most locals leave the city on this three-day weekend to go to cabins in the countryside or camping. It is a vibrant and bustling time filled with numerous events taking place all over the country.

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Menningarnótt
Cultural Night

Reykjavik's annual Culture Night is a local favorite, offering diverse cultural events and concerts that culminate in a spectacular fireworks display—a perfect farewell to summer. Join the festivities on August 19th!

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Reykjavik Jazz
Reykjavik Jazz Festival

It's all about music - especially during the annual Reykjavik jazz festival, where you can see and hear the very best of Icelandic and international jazz.

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Tours & Activities
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Golden circle

The Golden Circle is a must see during your trip to Iceland - even if you've done it before! It is just one of those tours that you want to go on again and again. A spectacular waterfall, Geysir and natural beauty. Nothing beats a classic!


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Whale watching
Whale watching

If you are interested in seeing some of the ocean's most magical creatures - the whales - then you came to the right place! Reykjavik is located right by the sea and the city centre is within walking distance from the harbour.

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Þingvellir
Þingvellir

If you are short on time but would like to see something that fully represents Iceland, make Þingvellir your destination. It is a must-see. 

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Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are really one of those natural wonders you just have to see with your own eyes to believe. If you decide to come and visit Iceland during the winter time, you might be lucky enough to see them.  

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1. into the glacier
Into the Glacier

Ever wanted to visit a unique and remote man-made Ice Cave? Well, gear up and head over to Langjökull, one of Iceland's largest and most spectacular glaciers. Before you realize it, you find yourself standing on top of a vast ice-cap, ready to enter the glacier and explore its icy underworld!

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Lava tunnel
The Lava Tunnel

Up for a fun and exciting adventure? This is a tour for the senses. Experience a new world, hear the talk of the cave and sense the forces of nature like you have never done before. Learn new things and step out of your comfort zone. The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is one of the biggest in Iceland and gets up to 30 metres wide and 10 metres high!

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Activities
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Marshall House

This old factory has been transformed into a one-stop-art-shop with three galleries under one roof. There is even a restaurant in case looking at all that art makes you hungry.

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Kaffibrennslan

This coffee shop transforms into an evening bar, with one of the best happy hours in town. Cheap beer and a great atmosphere - what more could you want? 


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Swimming pool
Swimming pools

A "must do while in Iceland" is to visit one of our amazing swimming pools.  It shouldn't be difficult for you to find one since we have literally one swimming pool in every neighbourhood in the capital area. 



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Books
Eymundsson

If you are into the classics when it comes books and literature, you should make your way to Eymundsson - one of Reykjavik's oldest book stores.

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Christmas decoration
Litla jólabúðin

The "Litla jólabúðin" - translated directly into "The little Christmas store" is all about Christmas - all year round. Completely filled with all the amazingly festive things we love about Christmas.  

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Botanical Garden

Have you taken a stroll around the Botanical Garden yet? If not - what are you waiting for? Founded in 1961 and showcasing over 3,000 plant species from the northern temperate zone, it is perfect for education, research and relaxation, with a café offering vibrant summer events and year-round group receptions.

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Food & Drinks
Bæjarins bestu
Baejarins bestu

Disregard the sheep heads and rotten shark - our unofficial national dish is actually the humble hotdog and this outdoor stand in the city centre of Reykjavik is the best place in town to get one. 

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Hlollabatar
Hlöllabátar

This sub shop is a real institution for hungry locals looking for a tasty bite after a long night out partying. As expected, it's open late. 

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Bravó

Here's a wonderful choice if you are longing for a fun night out. Bravó offers a great variety of cocktails and drinks along with true Italian pasta and pizzas. 

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Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar

The menu at Jörgensen includes a good selection of Nordic cuisine mixed with international flavors. With pasta, fish, meat and good options for vegetarians and vegans along with a comfortable atmosphere and beautiful settings, Jörgensen has it all!  Open for lunch, dinner and drinks every day of the week from 11:30am to 22:00.

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SKÝ Lounge & Bar

A tasty selection of cocktails, beers and wines is what you get when visiting SKÝ, the top floor bar located right in the centre of Reykjavik.  And good drinks is not the only thing you are getting at SKÝ, since you also get to enjoy one of the most spectacular city centre and sea views you can get while visiting Reykjavik. Definitely something you should check out!

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Lóa Bar

If you're in the mood for some tasty drinks in the buzzing city centre, then you must come by Lóa Bar. With Happy Hour every day from 4-6 pm and lively atmosphere, you can really get a glimpse of how the authentic Reykjavik lifestyle is. And if you get hungry, you can choose from a list of small courses to go with your drinks. 

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Drinks
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Bravó

Here's a wonderful choice if you are longing for a fun night out. Bravó offers a great variety of cocktails and drinks along with true Italian pasta and pizzas. 

More info
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Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar

The menu at Jörgensen includes a good selection of Nordic cuisine mixed with international flavors. With pasta, fish, meat and good options for vegetarians and vegans along with a comfortable atmosphere and beautiful settings, Jörgensen has it all!  Open for lunch, dinner and drinks every day of the week from 11:30am to 22:00.

More info
kaffibrennslan-whats-on-i
Kaffibrennslan

This coffee shop transforms into an evening bar, with one of the best happy hours in town. Cheap beer and a great atmosphere - what more could you want? 


More info
Plaza bar
Plaza bar

If you are looking for a cozy and comfy bar located right in the heart of the action, then Plaza bar is what you might be looking for. Good selection of drinks served to guests in comfy seats right in front of the fireplace. With daily Happy Hour from 4 - 6 pm. 

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Lóa Bar

If you're in the mood for some tasty drinks in the buzzing city centre, then you must come by Lóa Bar. With Happy Hour every day from 4-6 pm and lively atmosphere, you can really get a glimpse of how the authentic Reykjavik lifestyle is. And if you get hungry, you can choose from a list of small courses to go with your drinks. 

More info
sky 1
SKÝ Lounge & Bar

A tasty selection of cocktails, beers and wines is what you get when visiting SKÝ, the top floor bar located right in the centre of Reykjavik.  And good drinks is not the only thing you are getting at SKÝ, since you also get to enjoy one of the most spectacular city centre and sea views you can get while visiting Reykjavik. Definitely something you should check out!

More info
Music
sky 1
SKÝ Lounge & Bar

A tasty selection of cocktails, beers and wines is what you get when visiting SKÝ, the top floor bar located right in the centre of Reykjavik.  And good drinks is not the only thing you are getting at SKÝ, since you also get to enjoy one of the most spectacular city centre and sea views you can get while visiting Reykjavik. Definitely something you should check out!

More info
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Harpa concert hall

You can't visit Reykjavik without going to this spectacular icon. A building that is all about amazing architecture and music. Such a treat for your eyes and ears!  

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12 tónar
12 tónar

Record store and indie music label under one roof offering coffee, live gigs, specialist literature and even a cosy corner to sample music.

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Lucky records
Lucky Records

If you're into your music, you can't miss out on Iceland's biggest record store. An eclectic mix of Icelandic and international artists brought to you by fellow music lovers.

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Orchestra
Music
Tix

If you are searching for concerts, musicals, stand ups, theater or something related to the art scene in Iceland you should check out Tix.is.  They have it all!

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Art & Culture
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Marshall House

This old factory has been transformed into a one-stop-art-shop with three galleries under one roof. There is even a restaurant in case looking at all that art makes you hungry.

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Berg Contemporary

The place to go if you want to see contemporary Icelandic art - featuring a mix of both emerging and established artists with abstract art, installations and exhibitions.

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"Ode to Mother" Caratoes

This trippy music inspired "wall poetry" is pretty hard to miss, as it's taking over the whole building slap bang in the middle of Laugavegur, the main shopping and restaurant street in the city centre of Reykjavík.

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"Furry flight" Sara Riel

Is it a fish? Is it a bird? Is it made out of wool? This psychedelic mural is one of the most selfied pieces of street art in the city, by prolific street artist Sara Riel.

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Kjarvalsstaðir - photo by mbl.is
Kjarvalsstaðir

The first - and therefore the oldest - art museum in Iceland is Kjarvalsstaðir.  Located right in the city centre, the museum houses the works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval, one of Iceland's most recognised and influential Icelandic artist.

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Books
Eymundsson

If you are into the classics when it comes books and literature, you should make your way to Eymundsson - one of Reykjavik's oldest book stores.

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Centertainment
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Live music on Thursdays

Every Thursday from 18:00-20:00 Jörgensen Kitchen gets talented Icelandic Jazz musicians to entertain us while we sip on Happy Hour drinks and enjoy 20% off bar snacks. 

Free admission and everyone is welcome!

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Shopping
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Húrra

Love fashion? Then get yourself down to one Reykjavik's most popular stores among locals!  

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Wool
The hand knitting association of Iceland

If you are looking for something authentic, you need to visit the Hand knitting association of Iceland - (Handprjónasamband Íslands). A true gem when it comes to finding the perfect Icelandic wool sweater which is a must have when in Iceland!

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Aurum Jewlery
Aurum Jewelry

Here's something you should check out if you are in the search for a beautiful jewelry, preferably all Icelandic jewelry.  Aurum is an all-Icelandic jewelry store located in the city center of Reykjavík.

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Húrra Reykjavík
Húrra Reykjavík

If you like fashion and unique pieces, you should make your way to Húrra Reykjavík because you will find what you are looking for!

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Books
Eymundsson

If you are into the classics when it comes books and literature, you should make your way to Eymundsson - one of Reykjavik's oldest book stores.

More info
Gyllti kötturinn
Gyllti kötturinn

The store "Gyllti kötturinn" - filled with beautiful vintage and second hand clothes - has become in the last few years Iceland's vintage fashion landmark.

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