Visiting Reykjavik for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

Perched on a hill in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja) appears to shoot toward heaven on curved white concrete wings, dominating the city’s skyline for miles.

Just as impressive at ground level, the church also offers an unmissable view of the city and its surroundings. Take the elevator up to the top and admire the postcard-perfect image of the city’s colorful roofs below.

Get a taste of Iceland’s unique swimming culture by visiting one of Reykjavik’s public swimming pools, such as Sundhöllin in the city center, or the enormous Laugardalslaug hot springs which feature two swimming pools, seven hot tubs, a steam bath, and a giant water slide.

Much like British people going to the pub, soaking in a public hot tub is a social pastime for Icelanders. It's a great way to have an authentic local experience and make new friends. Just remember to shower first.

Discover Reykjavik’s Harpa, a concert hall and conference center that’s one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Home of the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the shimmering building was designed by renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Its glass façade features honeycombed panels that change colors as they reflect the sky and the ocean.

Admire the exterior by strolling along the seashore, then pop inside for a closer look and to browse the shops or eat at one of the restaurants. The best way to experience Harpa is by attending an event, so check out the calendar to see what's on.

Don’t leave Reykjavik without trying some traditional Icelandic dishes, such as fish, skyr (a yogurt-like dairy product), and Icelandic lamb soup. A guided food walk can take you to some of the city’s best food spots, from food trucks to fine dining restaurants.

Tours typically include a visit to the much-loved Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which has been serving hot dogs to Icelanders and tourists for 90 years and counting—order yours eina med ollu (with everything), which includes raw onions, fried onions, brown mustard, ketchup, and mayonaise based remoulade sauce.

Reykjavik is a maritime city, so soak up some fresh sea air with a whale-watching cruise to Faxafloi Bay from the city’s Old Harbour. If you visit during summer, combine whale watching with a cruise to Akurey to see its puffin colony. Budding anglers should take the opportunity to catch their dinner on a sea angling tour aboard a traditional wooden fishing boat.

If you're visiting during the winter months, you have a reliable chance of spotting the northern lights, but it’s best to do so away from the bright lights of the city. A number of aurora-hunting tours depart from Reykjavik each night.

These tours are led by guides who know where to find the best viewing spots depending on the evening’s conditions, so you can be sure to maximize your chances of experiencing the magical phenomenon. If you don’t see them, many tours will let you join again the following evening for another chance.

Related: How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Cute, woolly, and exceptionally sturdy, the Icelandic horse was first brought to the island by the Vikings. Today, Icelandic horses remain beloved icons of the nation.

Several rural farms offer horseback riding tours, including pickup from Reykjavik, that match you with your mount and lead you on a ride across the moss-covered countryside past mountains, lakes, and lava fields. You’ll also get the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s unique fifth gait, the smooth tolt.

Reykjavik is the jumping-off point for trips around Iceland’s Golden Circle. The famed driving route is made up of three top natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Even if you don’t have much time in Iceland, you can easily do the trip in one day by booking a tour with hotel transfers. You can even add on an additional activity, such as snowmobiling on a glacier.

Dive into the fascinating history of the small island nation at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum’s extensive collection provides insights into the earliest settlements of the Middle Ages through to the emergence of the independent Icelandic nation. "The Making of a Nation" permanent exhibit is staged as a journey through time, starting with a ship used by Iceland’s early settlers to images of Reykjavik's modern and bustling airport.

Related: 9 Under-the-Radar Museums in Iceland

Perhaps Iceland’s most famous attraction, it’s not difficult to understand the appeal of the Blue Lagoon, which is around an hour’s drive south of Reykjavik. Soaking in the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool is the perfect way to relax after a day spent exploring the city. For the full pampering experience, add on a treatment at the spa, cocktails at the swim-up bar, and dinner at the restaurant.

Set aside at least one evening to experience Reykjavik’s lively nightlife scene. If it’s the weekend, celebrate like a true Icelander by embarking on a runtur (“pub crawl”) downtown, largely in and around Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. If you’re not sure of where to go, book a guided nighttime tour and let your guide lead you to some of the best spots in town.