Skip to content

Reykjavik Holidays

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Overview

As the world’s most northerly capital and one of the most compact – Reykjavik, the ‘Bay of Smoke’ – never fails to surprise, at any time of year. Blending Nordic heritage with modern, and distinctly unique style, this vibrant city can be reached in less than 3 hours from many UK airports.

You can easily explore Reykjavik on a independent city break or spa getaway, but we recommend that you experience this intriguing city as just one element of your Iceland adventure. For what makes Reykjavik truly special is its proximity to a wealth of scenic wonders. Whether you choose on an escorted tour, where you will be led by an expert guide or prefer to explore at your own pace on a self drive combining urban chic with natural beauty.

No two explorers are the same, so you have the freedom to craft your experience exactly how you want.
Plan Your Trip

  • Highlights

    Perlan

    One of Reykjavik’s two most prominent landmarks is Perlan or ‘the Pearl’ which overlooks the city from the top of Oskjuhlid Hill. Six large, silver circular tanks hold naturally heated hot water for the city and above the tanks a glass dome houses a revolving, world class restaurant. At night a bright light shines skywards from the tip of the dome. Inside the building you’ll often find a craft fair or art exhibition to stroll around but once you step onto the outdoor viewing platform you’ll see why this is such a popular place to visit.

  • Highlights

    Hallgrimskirkja

    Vying with Perlan for the most distinctive building award has to be Reykjavik’s tallest, the centrally located Lutheran church. Beautifully sculpted out of concrete and finished in 1986, the building is said to mirror nature’s own basalt columns. For wonderful views over the city, take the lift to the top of the 250 foot tower.

  • Highlights

    Laugarvegur

    This is the original and main shopping street in Reykjavik, running east to west across the city. An eclectic mix of high fashion, Icelandic handicraft and book stores as well as quirkier offerings and a more favourable exchange rate are very tempting! In addition, Reykjavik has two more internationally styled shopping malls, Kringlan and Smaralind.

  • Highlights

    Old Town

    Austurvollur is the name given to the square in Old Town Reykjavik. Filled with flowers and outdoor coffee drinkers in the summertime, this square is surrounded by brightly coloured buildings, the city’s oldest church Domkirkja, the Parliament Building and elegant art deco Hotel Borg.

  • Highlights

    Old Harbour

    Separate from the commercial harbour, this is where visitors congregate to head out to sea on whale watching trips. Moored old fishing boats provide great photo opportunities.

  • Highlights

    Tjornin

    Although this translates as ‘the pond’ it is best described as a lake, which is located in the centre of town. It has a fountain and an abundance of birds, very willing to make friends in exchange for some bread.

iceland reykjavik city and lake tjornin rth

Reykjavik City

Iceland’s capital is just a 45-minute drive from the international airport at Keflavik, and is situated in the south-west corner of the island. Extended days under the midnight sun make this a very popular summer destination but with the prospect of sightings of the northern lights, winter also has a special draw.

Reykjavik is set on a peninsula, surrounded by several hills that provide stunning viewpoints of the moody Reykjanes and Esja mountains beyond. Full of life and local colour, the city hosts international festivals and sporting events but also has a lively culture of its own. There are museums to commemorate just about every interesting facet of the country and its history; galleries and concert halls that play host to an incredibly talented artistic community; a national opera and theatre together with shops and boutiques that range from the chic to the outrageous.

iceland aerial view of road1 through farmland south coast rth

Dining and beyond the city

Award-winning restaurants pride themselves on creating sensational dishes including the freshest seafood and mouth watering Icelandic mountain lamb – and in some wonderfully romantic settings. There is a lively cafe scene both day and night, perhaps not surprisingly since coffee is the national drink. Weekend nights are the time to join in Reykjavik’s legendary pub and club culture, but plenty of stamina is necessary.

This is a city with a ‘small and friendly’ appeal yet with everything you would expect from a modern city; Reykjavik is an ideal short break destination in its own right. But visitors, no matter how long they have here, shouldn’t miss an opportunity to explore beyond the city limits where nature most definitely rules!

  • Nearby highlights

    Blue Lagoon

    A world-famous attraction is just a 30 minute drive from the capital. This surreal powder-blue, steaming lagoon surrounded by a craggy jet black lavascape is indeed a sight not to miss and to swim there is an unforgettable experience. The Blue Lagoon can offer a very pleasant detour on the way into Reykjavik from the airport at Keflavik or when returning to the airport at the end of a holiday.

  • Nearby highlights

    Golden Circle

    Check out Iceland’s trio of natural wonders in the south west countryside. Geysir geothermal area, the impressive two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park, a geological and historical hot spot.

Trip ideas

View Our Trips

Trip experiences

  • Sky Lagoon

    Iceland

    Enjoy captivating views from the geothermal Sky Lagoon as you soak in rejuvenating waters on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

    From £69

    At leisure

    Year Round

    Discover More

  • Volcano Flightseeing

    Iceland

    Take an unforgettable flight over the volcanic landscapes of Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, site of the Fagradalsfjall eruption.

    From £300

    30-35 minutes

    Year Round

    Discover More
    iceland helicopter flying over fagradalsfjall eruption lava mar21 by rth sigurdsson

  • Whale Watching, Reykjavik

    Iceland

    White-beaked dolphins and minke whales are commonly sighted off Reykjavik's coast, while other species, such as humpback and orca whales occasionally make an appearance.

    From £94

    4 hours

    Year Round

    Discover More
    reykjavik whale watching minke st

  • Inside the Volcano

    Iceland

    Explore inside a volcano descending 120m/400ft through the top crater of dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano down to the ground floor of the magma chamber.

    From £294

    6 hours

    May-Oct

    Discover More
    iceland inside thrihnukagigur volcano rth

  • Snowmobiling on Langjokull

    Iceland

    An exhilarating snowmobile trip on Iceland's second largest glacier, this journey heads to the sparkling expanse of Langjokull, which stretches to a mind-boggling 953km².

    From £182

    3 hours

    Year Round

    Discover More

  • Reykjavik Whale Watching

    Iceland

    An island whose whale-rich waters are world-famous, a journey out onto the ocean on a whale watching excursion.

    From £88

    3 hours

    Year Round

    Discover More
    iceland wildlife humpback whale rth

  • Northern Lights by Superjeep

    Iceland

    Go in search of the spectacular Aurora Borealis heading out of Reykjavik away from the city lights into the Icelandic countryside by Superjeep.

    From £187

    4 hours

    Jan-Apr & Sep-Dec

    Discover More
    iceland south west superjeep aurora adstk

  • Golden Circle Classic by Coach

    Iceland

    A classic guided tour of Iceland's famous trio, this is a good way to learn all about the country's world-famous Golden Circle.

    £75

    8 hours

    Year Round

    Discover More
    iceland south west strokkur geysir rth
  •  

Accommodation ideas

  • Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel Reykjavik

    Iceland Superior Hotel

    Located within walking distance of Reykjavík's main shopping street and not far from Hlemmur Square, Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel is a small boutique property with sustainability at its core.

    Discover More
    eyja guldsmeden hotel double room

  • Skuggi Hotel, Reykjavik

    Iceland Standard Hotel

    The stylish Skuggi Hotel is located on Hverfisgata, one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, a short walk to the main shopping street Laugavegur.

    Discover More
    iceland reykjavik skuggi hotel lounge

  • Reykjavík Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

    Iceland Superior Hotel

    A fresh and funky hotel with a lively vibe in a great downtown location.

    Discover More
    hotel reykjavik marina exterior

  • Hotel Klettur, Reykjavik

    Iceland Standard Hotel

    Hotel Klettur is situated a short walk from the heart of Reykjavik.

    Discover More
    iceland reykjavik hotel klettur bar

  • Hotel Borg, Reykjavik

    Iceland Deluxe Hotel

    This 99-room hotel is set in a Reykjavik landmark from the 1930s that was only recently restored to its original Art Deco brilliance.

    Discover More
    hotel borg exterior
  •  

Other Iceland regions