location.beaches.districts_subtitle
The heart of Reykjavik with Hallgrímskirkja church, Laugavegur shopping street, colorful houses, cafes, bars, and most tourist attractions. Compact and walkable.
Revitalized harbor area with whale watching tours, excellent restaurants, Whales of Iceland museum, and views of Mount Esja. Former industrial, now trendy.
Eastern area with Laugardalslaug (largest geothermal pool), botanical garden, zoo, and sports facilities. Local neighborhood with fewer tourists.
faq.subtitle Reykjavik
One of the world's most expensive cities. Budget €150-200/day minimum. Beer €10-12, meal €20-50, hostel €40-70. Save money: cook at Bónus supermarket, drink tap water (world's purest), free geothermal pools, camp in summer.
September to April, with peak season October-March. Need clear skies and solar activity. Check vedur.is forecast. City has light pollution - drive 30+ min outside or join tour for best viewing.
Keflavík Airport (KEF) is 50 km from Reykjavik (45-50 min). Flybus is best option (€25 one way). Book return in advance. Taxi costs ~€120 - not recommended.
Iceland's most popular day tour: Þingvellir (tectonic plates, parliament site), Geysir (erupting geysers), Gullfoss (massive waterfall). 300 km loop from Reykjavik. Can self-drive or join tour (~€60-80).
Not in the city - it's very walkable. But essential for exploring Iceland beyond day tours. Rent from Reykjavik for Ring Road or South Coast. Book in advance, especially summer.
Useful tips for visiting Reykjavik
Book Flybus airport transfer in advance online - cheaper than at airport. Return bus: book time slot as they fill up, especially early morning flights.
Tap water is world's purest - drink it freely. Bring reusable bottle. Bottled water is expensive and unnecessary.
Visit a geothermal pool - essential Icelandic experience. Laugardalslaug is locals' favorite (cheaper than Blue Lagoon). Shower naked before entering - it's the rule.
Shop at Bónus (pink pig logo) supermarket for cheapest groceries. Krónan and Hagkaup are also affordable. Alcohol only at Vínbúðin state stores.
Weather changes rapidly - dress in layers, always bring waterproof jacket. 'There's no bad weather, only bad clothing' is the Icelandic motto.
Average temperature by month
location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.bus | — | — | — |
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Hotels and rental prices
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.subtitle
Nearly CASHLESS! Buses stopped accepting cash June 2025. Only 2.3% passengers used cash. Contactless 7500 ISK limit. Probably don is t need cash at all!
Króna (ISK). TRULY CASHLESS! Strætó buses stopped accepting cash June 1, 2025 - only 2.3% used it! Contactless everywhere. 7500 ISK single tap limit, 15000 ISK total before PIN. Revolut/Wise cards avoid FX fees. Some businesses completely cashless. Markets accept cards. Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle tours card-only. Expensive island - budget carefully. Land of fire and ice - stunning nature!
Service included. Tipping not expected. Round up for exceptional service only.
Tourist area with low crime rate
Reykjavik is extremely safe - one of the world's safest capitals. Almost no crime. Main risks are weather-related. Trust locals completely.
Attractions and points of interest