Reykjavik is where every Iceland campervan adventure begins. It's small enough to explore in a day but packed with enough charm to keep you busy for three. The trick?
Knowing exactly where to go and how to avoid wasting time or money. From iconic landmarks to local hangouts, this guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the best things to do in Reykjavik without the tourist traps.
You’ll also get smart parking tips, campervan-friendly spots, and a few must-know hacks for navigating Iceland’s capital like a pro. If you’re still planning your road trip, securing a campervan rental in Iceland before arrival ensures you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
15 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
Now, assuming you just arrived in Reykjavik and already picked up your vehicle, here's what you SHOULD NOT MISS while in our capital. We've included a good mix of free activities and paid attractions so that your budget doesn't suffer.
1. Visit Hallgrímskirkja & Get the Best City View
Hallgrimskirkja is hands down one of the best things to do in Reykjavik. You can't miss it (literally, it looms over everything). At 74.5 meters (244 feet), it's Iceland's tallest church and a city icon. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson to mimic volcanic basalt columns, it took 41 years to complete.
Inside, you'll find a stark but striking interior and a 15-meter (49-foot) pipe organ with 5275 pipes. When played, it fills the space with an earth-shaking sound (imagine a Viking opera). The real highlight?
The tower's 360-degree view over Reykjavik, the ocean, and distant mountains. It's open until 21:00 in summer, with an ISK 1400 (10 USD) fee to go up the tower. Parking a campervan nearby is tricky, so leave it at a larger lot and walk up Skólavörðuholt hill. Visit early or late to dodge the crowds.
2. Wander Reykjavik's Colorful Streets & Find Hidden Murals
Some attractions in Reykjavik are obvious, but the best street art takes a little exploring. Laugavegur is packed with murals, quirky boutiques, and cafés that could keep you caffeinated for days. The artwork changes often, so today's Viking warrior might be next month's cosmic puffin.
Keep walking uphill to Skólavörðustígur, also called Rainbow Street. Its colorful pavement leads straight to Hallgrímskirkja, making it a magnet for photographers. Along the way, you'll pass indie galleries, bakeries, and shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters at prices that will make you sweat.
A guided Reykjavik walking tour is the best way to catch hidden murals and hear the stories behind them. Parking is easy in paid lots, but if you're in a campervan, stick to designated areas unless you like high-stakes parallel parking.
3. Explore Reykjavik's Old Harbor & Waterfront
Once a rugged fishing district, Reykjavik's Old Harbor is now a buzzing mix of history, food, and salty sea air. Fishermen still unload their catch here, but now the biggest crowds are at seafood restaurants like The Sea Baron, where today's fresh haul ends up on your plate.
Looking for activities in Reykjavik that get you out on the water? This is the place. Whale-watching and puffin tours launch daily, offering front-row views of Iceland's marine life with the mountains as a backdrop.
Parking is a headache for campervans, so save yourself the stress and leave it near Grandí Mathöll. It's an easy walk, plus you'll pass some of the city's best bakeries. Grab a cinnamon bun on the way. You earned it.
4. Discover the Sun Voyager & Scenic Coastal Walks
Still wondering what to do in Reykjavik that won't leave your wallet crying? Start with the Sun Voyager. It's free, it's iconic, and it won't ask for an entry fee. Designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason, this dream boat symbolizes exploration, freedom, and whatever deep thoughts the wind blows into your brain.
It was commissioned in 1986 for Reykjavik's 200th anniversary and has since become a beloved landmark. For peak dramatic effect, visit at sunset. The golden light, the ocean, and Mount Esja in the background make it impossible to take a bad photo.
The sculpture sits along the Sculpture and Shore Walk, a coastal path packed with ocean views, public art, and a breeze that might slap you awake. It's free, it's stunning, and it won't judge you for taking a hundred photos.
5. Visit Harpa Concert Hall & Take in the Architecture
Harpa is not just a building. It is a show-off. Designed to reflect Iceland's dramatic landscapes, its glass panels catch the light in ways that make photographers drool. Walk by in the morning, and it shimmers blue.
Come back in the evening, and it glows like something out of a sci-fi movie. Architect Olafur Eliasson made sure it turned heads. Inside, you'll find sweeping staircases, open spaces, and the occasional musician warming up.
Guided tours spill all the details on its design and music scene. Parking? Easy. There's a garage underneath, and yes, campervans fit.
6. Learn Icelandic History at The Settlement Exhibition
If Viking history fascinates you, The Settlement Exhibition belongs on your list of things to do in Reykjavík. Built around the remains of a Viking longhouse unearthed in 2001, this underground museum throws you straight into 9th-century Iceland.
No dusty plaques, no boring timelines. Just interactive displays and multimedia exhibits that make the past feel alive. You will see how Iceland's first settlers lived, what they built, and how they survived in a land that was more lava than livable.
The museum also dives into Viking connections with other North Atlantic nations, so it is not just about Iceland. Parking a campervan nearby can be difficult, but the Vesturgata garage is within walking distance.
7. Enjoy Reykjavik's Famous Geothermal Pools
Icelanders don't just soak in geothermal pools for fun. We treat it like a daily ritual. Sore muscles? Hot water. Stress? Hot water. Existential crisis? You guessed it.
Laugardalslaug is the big one, with an Olympic-size indoor pool, a 50-meter (164-foot) outdoor pool, and more hot tubs than you'll know what to do with. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, built in 1937, is smaller but has that old-school charm, plus steaming tubs that make winter feel irrelevant.
Got a campervan? Park at Laugardalur campsite and make the short walk over. You'll want a solid base if you plan on spending half the day floating, eavesdropping on Icelandic grandpas debating politics from the comfort of a hot tub.
8. Visit Perlan for a 360° Reykjavik View & Ice Cave Experience
If you're looking for the best panoramic view of Reykjavik, Perlan delivers. Sitting on Öskjuhlíð hill, this glass-domed museum offers a 360° observation deck with unbeatable city and mountain views. Bring your camera or just stand there pretending you are in a nature documentary.
Perlan has the world's first indoor ice cave because why not build a glacier inside a building? The Northern Lights show lets you experience the auroras without standing outside freezing your face off.
The interactive exhibits actually make learning fun, which is saying something when the topic is geology. Feeling lazy? The planetarium lets you stargaze indoors with no thermal layers required. Driving a campervan? Perlan's massive parking lot means you won't have to squeeze into some impossible downtown spot.
9. Try Icelandic Street Food & Cheap Eats
If you are looking for things to do in Reykjavik that do not require selling a kidney, start with street food. It is fast, it is delicious, and for Iceland, it is practically a bargain.
First up, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It is a hot dog stand, but in Iceland, it is a national treasure. Order' eina með öllu' unless you enjoy disappointment. Want something fancier? The Fish & Chips stall at the Old Harbor serves crispy cod that could make a Brit weep.
For variety, head to Hlemmur Mathöll or Pósthús Food Hall, where you can eat like a king without the royal budget. Campervan travelers, do yourselves a favor. Hit Bónus, grab some groceries and avoid financial ruin. A home-cooked meal might not be exciting, but at least you can afford gas.
10. Step Back in Time at Árbær Open Air Museum
If you have ever wondered what Iceland was like beforeWi-Fi and overpriced coffee, Árbær Open Air Museum has the answers. This place is a full-blown time machine, complete with over 20 historic buildings, including classic turf houses that look straight out of a Viking drama.
The museum recreates a 19th-century Icelandic village, complete with a church, a school, and homes that somehow kept people from freezing to death in winters who laughed at the concept of warmth. Costumed guides roam the place, showing off old-school skills like knitting, wood carving, and, let's be honest, surviving without basic comforts.
Campervan travelers, rejoice! Free parking and wide-open spaces mean you won't have to attempt any embarrassing three-point turns. Only 15 minutes from downtown, it is an easy stop for history buffs, curious wanderers, or anyone looking for an excuse to wrap up in a wool sweater and pretend they belong in a different century.
11. Experience Reykjavik's Craft Beer & Cozy Bars
If your itinerary includes sipping Icelandic craft beer in a cozy bar, you are doing Reykjavik right. The city's beer scene is thriving, and no, it is not just Viking-sized pints of generic lager.
MicroBar and Session Craft Bar serve up a solid selection of local brews, while Bjórgarðurinn (Reykjavik Beer Garden) has over thirty Icelandic beers on tap. Want a behind-the-scenes look? RVK Brewing Company offers tours and tastings so you can learn while you drink.
Laugavegur is the nightlife hub, with Kaldi Bar and Lebowski Bar keeping things lively. Campervan travelers can park overnight at Reykjavik Eco Camp Ground or use the Harpa Concert Hall garage for a safe, central spot. But please, we beg you not to drink and drive. We have some of the strictest DUI laws on earth.
12. Walk Around Tjörnin (The Pond) & Reykjavik City Hall
If you need a break from Reykjavik's buzzing city center, Tjörnin (The Pond) is where things slow down. It is calm, scenic, and packed with more birds than people. Over 40 species, including Arctic Terns and Greylag geese, have claimed this pond as their personal hangout.
Reykjavik City Hall sits right on the water, looking modern and important, while the nearby Parliament Building is a reminder that Iceland somehow runs a country without looking like it tries too hard. Surrounding streets are lined with colorful houses and old-world charm.
Campervan parking on Fríkirkjuvegur and Tjarnargata is available on weekdays and Saturdays. If that fails, public transport is an easy option. Stroll around, watch the birds argue over breadcrumbs, and maybe enjoy a picnic in Hljómskálagarður Park. It is as peaceful as Reykjavik gets.
13. Visit the Reykjavik Art Museum
If activities in Reykjavik for cultured travelers are on your list, the Reykjavik Art Museum is worth a stop. Actually, three stops. It is Iceland's largest visual art institution, spread across Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn.
Hafnarhús, by the Old Harbour, is where contemporary art meets 'What does it mean?' moments, with the famous Erró collection stealing the show. Kjarvalsstaðir, by Klambratún Park, celebrates Jóhannes S. Kjarval, Iceland's favorite landscape painter. Ásmundarsafn? It is all about sculptures and is conveniently close to Laugardalur camping ground, making it an easy visit for campervan travelers.
One ticket gets you into all three locations, and the Reykjavik City Pass covers admission. If you appreciate art, go. If you don't, go anyway and pretend to understand it. Either way, it is a great way to spend an afternoon.
14. Explore the Grandi District – Reykjavik's Trendiest Neighborhood
If your time in Reykjavik feels too polished, head to Grandi. Once a gritty fishing district, now it is where creatives, foodies, and people who own too many wool sweaters hang out.
The Reykjavik Maritime Museum dives into Iceland's seafaring history, proving that battling the North Atlantic is not for the weak. Shopping? Farmers and Friends is great for wool goods that will actually keep you warm. Feeling indulgent? Valdís serves ice cream because Icelanders eat it no matter the weather, and Messinn dishes up fresh seafood worth every króna.
Campervan travelers can park for free near the old harbor, though expect gravel and potholes. Paid options are smoother. Just a 10-minute walk from downtown, Grandi blends old and new, making it the perfect place to explore, eat, and pretend you are effortlessly cool.
15. Take a Reykjavik Walking Tour for Hidden Gems
If you think you have seen it all, think again. The best things to do in Reykjavik are not always obvious, which is why a walking tour is a genius move. Led by locals who know the city better than Google Maps, these tours uncover hidden gems, quirky stories, and spots most tourists miss.
Pick your vibe. History tours dive into Viking sagas and scandalous past events. Street art tours showcase Reykjavik's ever-changing murals. Food tours? They let you eat your way through Icelandic cuisine without committing to a fermented shark.
Top operators like CityWalk and Your Friend in Reykjavik make sure you leave entertained, not just informed. Most tours start at Hallgrímskirkja or Ingólfur Square.
Where to Park & Camp Near Reykjavik
Finding a safe spot to park your campervan in Reykjavik is a game of strategy. Get it right, and you sleep like a king. Get it wrong, and you wake up to a fine or an angry local knocking on your window. Here is where you can park your campervan without having to worry.
- Reykjavik Eco Campsite – The go-to spot in Laugardalur. Hot showers, kitchen facilities, and close enough to downtown without the chaos. It is not glamorous, but it gets the job done.
- Hafnarfjörður Camping – If Reykjavik feels too busy, drive 15 minutes south for a quieter stay. Fewer crowds, more nature, and actual peace and quiet.
- Overnight Parking Laws – You cannot just park anywhere and call it a night. Public areas are off-limits, so stick to designated campsites unless you like expensive surprises.
- Free Parking Tips – Avoid P1-P4 zones if you do not want to pay. Look for spots outside the city center, but always check signs to avoid private property drama.
What Campervan Fits Your Style and Needs?
Picking the right campervan for Iceland is like choosing the perfect travel companion. Get it right, and you will be cruising through glaciers, mountains, and volcanic landscapes with zero regrets.
Get it wrong, and you will be cursing your decision in the middle of nowhere. Whether you are traveling on a budget, prioritizing comfort, or heading into the Highlands, here are the best campervan options for you.
Best for Budget Travelers: Practical, Affordable, and Gets the Job Done
Not looking to spend your life savings but still want a solid campervan? These options keep costs low while giving you everything you need.
Dacia Duster 4x4 Roof Tent (Manual) – $97 per day
- Seats: 5 | Sleeps: 2 | Road Access: F-Roads
- A no-frills, go-anywhere setup with a roof tent. You get 4x4 capability without the luxury price tag. If you are cool with manual transmission and sleeping above ground, this is a steal.
VW Caddy Camper (Manual) – $131 per day
- Seats: 2 | Sleeps: 2 | Road Access: No F-Roads
- Small, efficient, and gets the job done. If you value function over flash, this is perfect. Compact enough to park anywhere, yet comfortable enough for two people who do not need fancy extras.
Best for Comfort Seekers: Because You Deserve a Bit of Luxury
If sleeping in a tent sounds like a nightmare, these campervans bring extra comfort and convenience without going full-on glamping.
Renault Trafic Camper (Manual) – $142 per day
- Seats: 3 | Sleeps: 3 | Road Access: No F-Roads
- More space, better sleep, and a real home-on-wheels feel. If you like the idea of stretching out without going full RV mode, this is a great option.
Mercedes Campstar 4x4 Camper (Automatic) – $199 per day
- Seats: 4 | Sleeps: 3 | Road Access: F-Roads
- A great mix of comfort and off-road capability. Automatic transmission makes it easy to drive, and the 4x4 means you are not limited to paved roads.
Best for Off-Road Adventurers: Take the Road Less Traveled
Want to hit the F-Roads and see the remote parts of Iceland? These beasts are built for the job.
Jeep Compass 4x4 Roof Tent (Automatic) – $142 per day
- Seats: 4 | Sleeps: 2 | Road Access: F-Roads
- A great mix of off-road capability and compact size. If you want to explore the Highlands without driving a tank, this is a good option.
Toyota Hilux 4x4 Camper (Automatic) – $209 per day
- Seats: 4 | Sleeps: 4 | Road Access: F-Roads
- The definition of rugged. A true workhorse with a built-in camper setup, perfect for long off-road trips. If you want a reliable, no-nonsense option for serious adventure, this is it.
Book Your Iceland Campervan Before It's Too Late
Our best campervans sell out fast, especially in peak season. Do not wait until the last minute and get stuck with a basic rental car while everyone else is off-road exploring. Secure your campervan now to guarantee an unforgettable road trip. Book your campervan in Iceland before it is too late.
FAQs About Things to Do in Reykjavik
How many days in Reykjavík is enough?
Three days are ideal for exploring Reykjavik's highlights, enjoying local experiences, and taking a day trip like the Golden Circle or South Coast.
What is the number one attraction in Iceland Reykjavík?
Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavik's top attraction, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views from the tower.
Is 2 nights in Reykjavík worth it?
Yes, two nights allow you to see Reykjavik's key attractions, explore its nightlife, and even take a short day trip.
Can I wear jeans in Reykjavík?
Yes, jeans are fine for Reykjavik, but bring waterproof layers for unpredictable weather.
Is Reykjavík expensive to visit?
Yes, Reykjavik is pricey, with dining and accommodation being the biggest costs, but budget-friendly options like street food and hostels help.
