THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Reykjavik
Best Free Things to Do in Reykjavik
Category types
Types of Attractions
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
94 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Admission tickets from HK$312
Architectural Buildings • Theatres
Miðborg
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Miðborg
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Miðborg
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
…
Showing results 1-30 of 94
What travellers are saying
- ChristinaOttawa, Canada12 contributionsBeautiful, absolutely worth a visit. We happened to arrive in the tower level just as the bells ran and nearly had a heart attack! :)Written 9 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bea HHartford, CT139 contributionsInteresting exhibits, gorgeous view from the observation deck. The ice cave was nice.
Good restaurant, friendly staffWritten 30 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - lenusvyatPhiladelphia, PA74 contributionsBeautiful venue and place and performance. Came here to see African cirque performance - outstanding truly! Will def go again.Written 9 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PBPGYorkshire, UK6,897 contributionsJust along the sea front. Its a nice piece of sculpture at the side of the water. It is a sort of outline of a Viking boat. Well worth a visitWritten 5 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Karim MaaroufCairo, Egypt870 contributionsThis is the main shopping street in the city center. There are a lot of souvenir shops as well as good restaurants. In general nice to take a stroll here as the street is usually full of people as well.Written 8 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia19,408 contributionsDriving the Iceland's Ring Road or Route Nr. 1 is the best adventure you can do on your own to fully admire this amazing island.
Like its name says likewise in many cities worldwide Ring Road runs all around, but instead around the city it goes all around the island.
Here, I will give future travelers some tips I gathered during my two months research for our trip, which perfectly matched with our experience on ground.
- The very first advice in order to do it is to rent a car,
- I strongly advise 'Blue Car Rental' or their subsidiary 'Zero Car'. They're a local car rental company and you've probably never heard about them like me. But, after I did from our hotel's email recommendation, I canceled my booking at a major car rental company and booked with them. I checked their online reviews and never have seen such ratings for a car rental (4,5 to 4,9). I totally agree and rated them likewise.
- When renting (with any company) choose 'Full protection' coverage (at Zero Car it is mandatory). Iceland is a very unique and specific country - volcano ash, gravels and driving on unpaved roads could damage your rental which leads to orbit charges in one of the world's most expensive countries if you don't purchase Full protection,
- We rented from 'Zero Car' for several reasons. Everything is online - full prepayment (don't worry, you can cancel any time if plans change). Full insurance included at a slightly lower price than at 'Blue Car' and best of all - NO wait time. You get emailed your key box code, go directly for the keys in a key locker and then straight to your car. We were in our car after 5 min, while at the 'Blue Car' counter was a 10+ people line.
- Plan AT LEAST six days for a Ring Road drive. While the 1.300 km (800 mi) length could be comfortably driven in two days, you'd be a fool doing that and seeing nothing. Plan your lodging approximately every 200-300 km in order to have enough time to explore the area of that day. Beware, some attractions (ice caves, glaciers walks,...) you CANNOT do on your own, but with a tour, so plan accordingly. Start your day early, before sunrise to get most of it, specially in autumn/winter.
- Obey speed limits - fines are high and there's absolutely no reason to drive fast. Likewise most of Europe in residential area is 30 km/h, through town is 50 km/h, but on open road (ONE lane only in both directions throughout entire island) is 90 km/h. I must emphasize I rarely reached that 90 km/h and let others bypass me, as the scenery all around is so spectacular you're missing much if you drive fast.
- Refuel often, don't fall below half a tank - in some areas gas stations are rare and beware you could be stuck somewhere due to snow or strong winds with your engine running for heating. Fuel is very expensive (around 2,20 Euros per liter) - 'Zero Car' gives you a token with car keys valid for a discount at 'Olis' gas stations to save some money,
- Decide beforehand if you'd like to drive further inland on F-roads (unpaved) in order to rent an appropriate car. In that case you must rent a 4x4 (heavy fines if you don't and drive there with a normal car) and extend your journey to 7-8 days. We didn't do that, but had a Kia sport wagon driving only the paved roads.
- Watch for wildlife on the road. Animals are mostly fenced just by the roadside and you can park and approach to pet them, they're very friendly and people used. However, we saw them crossing the road once and apart from car damage and trip ruin you could face a law suite from the animal owner. When parking along the road do that with caution parking with your entire vehicle aside the driving lane.
- Unusually, many car parks by nature attractions in the middle of nowhere ARE paying. There's a paying machine and you'll be fined if you don't pay parking no matter how silly it looks. Parking is also pretty expensive (mostly around 900 ISK, 7 Euros flat rate no matter you stay one hour or half a day). Luckily, all the natural attractions are free so this is the only expense.
- Restaurants are very expensive, so you might opt for self catering apartments to prepare your own food. 'Bonus' and 'Kronan' are two huge food store chains present in every bigger town to stock yourself. Beware, you cannot buy alcohol here (only 2% low alcohol beer). For real stuff you must find a liquor store ('Vinbudin" is widely present) and be prepared for skyrocket prices.
TIP: Buy alcohol when you land at Keflavik airport. There's a free shop at arrival (you pass through it). Still expensive, it is around 20% cheaper than elsewhere.
- Weather can change within minutes. Have layers of clothes to act accordingly - waterproof clothes are must, as well hiking boots, gloves,...
Please remember these are only my tips and advices to prepare you, not to scare you. Following them you'll have a terrific time in this amazing country. We had absolutely no problems and brought back lifetime memories.
Enjoy to the fullest the Land of Fire and Ice.Written 12 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JaniceGlasgow699 contributionsBeautiful location outside Reyjavik away from the city, would recommend taking the coastal path to get to the lighthouse. With the tide out you can cross to the lighthouse and walk around the island.Written 25 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- product-of-canadaToronto, Canada2,473 contributionsThe Bonus pig logo is a classic, and I'm a sucker for gimmicky merch. I got the Bonus piggie hoodie, reusable bag and t-shirt. When I wear the clothing, it gets a lot of comments!
FYI, the Reykjavik Bonus located by the harbour is nicer and has more merch than the one right downtown off the main road. We were staying downtown with no car, and those are the two walkable locations.
FYI part II. Kronan (competing grocery store) is actually a better option for selection and prices. This was our experience with the harbour location, which is practically across the street from Bonus. However, Kronan does not really have the merch going for it like Bonus does.
On the down site, I noticed that the Bonus hoodie is a cheap material the pills easily.Written 27 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sunneva Líf SigurdardottirReykjavik, Iceland12 contributionsThis beach is nice you feel like your walking on a nice sand as in Spain the pools are cozy and hot it's really close to the ocean so it's so nice to jump in after a cold take in the ocean which is nice and refreshing in the usmmer the place has an shop so if you want an ice cream it got you've covered! I recommend and it's so nice to go there and lau on your towel there wether it's in the sand or on the little hill which is part of the zone! The showers are good cozy and big it's really nice! :)Written 20 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PBPGYorkshire, UK6,897 contributionsLots of information available of things to see or do in the area. Very friendly staff very helpful, good chat about what to see in the area and recommendations of what and where to eatWritten 4 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PBPGYorkshire, UK6,897 contributionsSet at the side of City Hall, quite a lot of wildlife live on the lake, ducks, swans etc. Good setting for city hall. Worth a few minutes to have a lookWritten 5 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FaithfultravelerHalifax, Canada2,364 contributionsThe Leif Eiricsson Memorial is a statue of Norse explorer Leif Erikson created by American artist Alexander Stirling Calder. The artwork was commissioned by the United States government as a gift to the Icelandic people for the 1,000th anniversary of the Alþingi in 1930.
See pics.Written 23 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Thomas VOakland, CA17,499 contributionsThe Opera performs in the amazing Harpa center, which also has shops and places to eat and drink. The building is very striking, a true landmark and the theater for the Opera is also quite amazing. We saw a mini performance here.Written 24 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ianwebb75London, UK1,507 contributionsA good sized mall with all the shops that you need including a cinema. A good place to visit as a tourist if the weather is poor and soak up a couple of hours. Nice food court with a good variety.Written 25 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rory TLondon, UK529 contributionsA very beautiful hike that is very close to Reykjavik. It's only around 10 to 15 mins outside of the city centre. Different levels of hikes to choose from.Written 19 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
