24 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is Iceland’s vibrant capital city which has small town charm with a population of 217,000 people, including the surrounding suburbs.

Many people skip Reykjavik on a quick trip to Iceland, but I think it’s worth at least one day of exploring. For a small city, Reykjavik has some fantastic museums and art galleries. In addition, the majority of trips to Iceland are nature based, which means you don’t get to interact with many Icelandic people (this is especially true if you’re camping), so that’s another reason why it’s nice to spend a little time in Reykjavik and experience some of the Icelandic culture.

However, Reykjavik, and Iceland in general, is very expensive to travel, but it is possible to travel on a budget.

24 FREE AND CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK

VISIT HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH AND ENJOY THE VIEW

It’s Reykjavík’s best known landmark and it’s the tallest building in Reykjavik, so it offers the best view in the city. Entering the church is free, but a trip up to the tower for the view will cost 1000 ISK (€7).

THE SÓLFAR SCULPTURE (the Sun Voyager)

This art piece symbolizes Iceland’s heritage and it’s especially beautiful at sunset.

ENJOY THE MIDNIGHT SUN OR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Every night in Reykjavík has the potential for a beautiful (and free) display in the sky, whether it’s the brilliant colors of the sunset or the ethereal aurora borealis dancing in the sky. This also means there are no limits to your sightseeing in Reykjavik (or Iceland) because you experience these things at night, and sometimes in the middle of the night.

When I arrived in Reykjavik in mid July around midnight, my friend and I walked around and explored for hours. There was no one around, the streets were peaceful, and we experienced over 5 hours of continuous sunset and sunrise, and it never got dark.

WATCH THE SUNSET

Grotta Lighthouse – 15 minute bus ride from the centre of Reykjavík.
Tjörnin – A small lake within the city centre
The Sun Voyager (see the above picture)
Anywhere near the water

VISIT THE PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM (Penis museum)

This is one of the weirdest and most unique museums you’ll ever see, which is partly why you should go! The museum was started as a joke, but it turned into a legitimate attraction that showcases penises from various species from land and sea. The museum is fairly small so you won’t need more than 30-60 minutes, but it’s rather interesting and informative. 1700ISK (€12) which includes a free audio guide

WINDOW SHOP ON LAUGAVEGUR AND SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR STREETS

These are 2 of the main streets in Reykjavik, so there’s lots of action to be found here.

Making friends on Skólavörðustígur Street

VISIT THE IMAGINE PEACE TOWER

Which is a memorial to John Lennon from Yoko Ono, located on the island of Viðey, just off the coast of Reykjavík. This tower of light is projected from a white stone monument, with the words “Imagine Peace” written in 24 languages. The light tower uses geothermal energy as its power source and on a clear night, the light can reach 4km high.

The Imagine Peace Tower is lit annually from:

October 9 – December 8
December 21 – 31
February 18
March 20 – 27

EXPLORE THE FREE ART GALLERIES:

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The Marshall House which houses the The Living Art Museum, Kling&Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson. It’s also a great stop on the way to Þúfa.

CHECK OUT THE VIEW AT ÞÚFA (Thufa)

Which means “little hill” and has a great view of Harpa Music Hall and Reykjavik’s surrounding mountains.

EXPLORE HARPA MUSIC HALL

Another one of Reykjavík’s landmarks and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates modern architecture. Admission is free, but you do need a guided tour to see the main hall or you can attend the 30 min concert in the main hall everyday at 12:30pm.

EXPLORE KOLAPORTIÐ, ICELAND’S ONLY FLEA MARKET

It’s a regular flea market with old clothes, wool sweaters, jewelry etc, BUT the food part of the flea market is the best part and there are loads of free food samples. There are tasty Icelandic baked goods, which are very reasonably priced, as well as chocolate, and fancy salts and jams etc. On Saturdays and Sundays from 11-5.

DRINK THE TAP WATER!

It’s the best and most pure water you’ll ever taste in your life. And this is coming from someone who is from Canada, which also has world class tap water. If you buy bottled water, you will be heavily ridiculed by the locals. So pack a water bottle and fill up!

TAKE A STROLL AROUND TJÖRNIN POND AND A PICNIC AT HLJOMSKALAGARDUR PARK

Located in the city centre, Tjörnin pond is a peaceful place to bird watch and enjoy life, especially on a sunny day and for sunset. And in the winter, Tjörnin freezes over for ice skating. Locals will picnic and sunbathe in Hljomskalagardur Park when it’s sunny and reaches a whopping 20C.

Enjoying the rare heatwave of 20C in Reykjavik

TAKE A “FREE” WALKING TOUR

And learn all about Reykjavik from a local. Bookings are necessary and it’s by tip/donation.

GO ON A STREET ART HUNT

See here for a map to help you find all the street art.

WALK AROUND AND OBSERVE LIFE AROUND YOU

Icelandic youth are so fashionable and they have really unique style.

VISIT THE REYKJAVIK PUNK MUSEUM

This museum is located in an old, underground public toilet (seriously) and it displays memorabilia from the 80-90’s punk scene in Iceland. Many of Iceland’s famous musicians and artists, like Björk and The Sugarcubes, originated from this iconic punk scene in Reykjavik. 1000ISK (€7).

IF YOU BECOME INSPIRED BY THE ICELANDIC STREET STYLE, VISIT SPÜÜTNIK

A massive vintage clothing store on Laugavegur Street.

BUY THE REYKJAVIK CITY CARD

It’s a great tool to explore the city and its culture for a moderate price. The City Card includes entry into some of Reykjavik’s museums and art galleries, pools, public transportation, 10% off most tours, and 10% off at a few restaurants. Costs:

24hours – 3900ISK (€28)
48 hours – 5500ISK (€40)
72hours – 6700ISK (€49)

VISIT PERLAN (the Pearl)

This spaceship-like museum and planetarium is another landmark of Reykjavik.

Perlan is known for its Wonders of Iceland exhibitions where you can see, hear and feel the power of volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy; watch a Northern Lights show; and walk through a 100m long man-made ice cave so you can experience a glacial environment in a safe and sustainable way. And the viewing deck offers a great view of Reykjavik.

Wonders of Iceland – 3990 ISK (€29)
Wonders of Iceland and Arora Northern Lights Show – 4990ISK (€36)
Observation deck – 890ISK (€6.50)
Admire Perlan from the outside (which I highly recommend) – free

You can take a free shuttle from Harpa Music Hall to Perlan, if you have a ticket to visit Perlan. Or you can walk there, like I did. From Hallgrímskirkja church, it’s 1.8km (about 25 mins).

NAUTHÓLSVÍK GEOTHERMAL BEACH

It’s popular on warm summer days in Reykjavik. The beach has a man-made lagoon, steam baths, hot tubs, changing facilities and showers. It’s located near Perlan and it’s free in the summer.

HIKE MOUNT ESJA

Located 10km from the Reykjavik at 900m above sea level, Mount Esja offers amazing views of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. The hike takes a few hours and make sure you check the weather before you go as it’s not advisable to hike in rain or snow. Weatherproof clothing is always a must in Iceland because the weather changes quickly.

EXPLORE THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Which is home to over 3,000 plant species in a beautiful, serene green space. It’s free to visit and there are free tours in the summer months. There is also a cafe that’s open in the summer.

VISIT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

Which showcases Icelandic artwork from the 19th and 20th century. 1500ISK (€11).

LEARN ABOUT ICELANDIC FOLKLORE AT THE SAGA MUSEUM

Iceland was first inhabited by Vikings in the 9th century and this museum of high-action wax sculpture scenes is a fun and informative way to learn about the Viking era, when harsh elements were rough and life was even rougher. 2200ISK (€16)

NIGHTLIFE

THE MIDNIGHT SUN OR NORTHERN LIGHTS FOR FREE!

LOFT HOSTEL’S ROOFTOP BAR for reasonably priced drinks and a lovely view.

THE APPY HOUR APP to help you find all the best happy hours in town! On Android and iPhone.

Check out the the bars and clubs on Friday and Saturday nights AFTER you pre-drink beforehand, which will save you a significant amount of money (locals do this too). The clubs get going late (around 1am) and they close around 5am.

WHERE TO FIND CHEAP EATS

If you’re staying at a hostel (or a place with a kitchen), you can make your own food and save A LOT of money by doing so, which is what I did. Bonus is the cheapest grocery store. And there are quite a few vegetarian and vegan meal options in Reykjavik, including a fair amount of vegan restaurants.

Most restaurants close around 10pm. Sometimes a little earlier and sometimes a little later. This was kind of a problem for my friend and I because with such a late sunset, it’s REALLY easy to stay up late and have dinner super late. So it’s a good idea to have snacks on hand just in case. Or…

MANDI – For quick and cheap kebab and falafel. It’s one of the very few places in Reykjavik that is open late (till 1am).

HOT DOGS – They’re the favorite Icelandic street food, they’re cheap at only 400-500ISK (€3) and they’re often open late.

THERE IS A COSTCO IN REYKJAVIK! It’s far outside of the city centre, but it’s conveniently located near my campervan rental place (GoCampers). The fast food area has the cheapest food you’ll find in Iceland, with pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches and ice cream etc. A massive pizza slice is 400ISK (€3). However, you do need a membership to shop at Costco.

ICELANDIC STREET FOOD RESTAURANT – Where you can get all you can eat soup! This was the one proper Icelandic meal I “splurged” on and I was very happy I did. It’ll set you back 1690-2190ISK (€12-16), depending on whether or not you opt for the seafood soup and a bread bowl. It also included some kind of tasty fish and potato salad. It’s a really charming place and on the night I went, they had free homemade macaroons, waffles and jam made by the employee’s grandma.

HLEMMUR MATHÖLL – A classy food court with a wide variety of food options like tacos, pizza, salads, sandwiches, drinks, a wine bar and vegan options. Near the penis museum.

KLAPPARSTIGUR STREET (off Laugavegur) has a bunch of cute bars with happy hours.

GET IN

Take the bus from the airport to the city centre, which takes 45 minutes. Don’t worry if your flight is delayed or if you arrive late at night because the bus will wait for everyone. There is even wi-fi on the bus. 3299ISK (€24).

GET AROUND

Walk. Reykjavik is not a big city. I walked everywhere.

The bus within the city is cash only.

Reykjavik doesn’t have Uber at this time.

WHERE TO STAY

COUCHSURF – Reykjavik has a thriving couchsurfing community.

BUS HOSTEL REYKJAVIK is the cheapest hostel in Reykjavik at €21/night for a 20 bed dorm during high season. There are 16, 10, 6 and 4 bed dorm options as well. The hostel is slightly out of the way, so it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to get to most places.

HI LOFT HOSTEL is by far the best hostel in Reykjavik and it’s actually one of the nicest hostels I’ve ever seen in all of my travels to over 75 countries. It has a great location right in the heart of Reykjavik on Laugavegur Street, a charming rooftop patio with a view, a bar, a kitchen, large common areas, and tours. The hostel also offers activities like pub trivia and speed “dating” (which is more like getting to know your hostel mates), and yoga, etc. And it’s spotlessly clean. It’s not cheap at €48/night during high season, but it’s manageable if you’re only staying for one night. But during low season, it’s only €25/night.

There are also other hostel options with prices in the middle of these two hostels.