Downtown Reykjavik Travel Guide
Reykjavik
Visit Downtown Reykjavik
Popular places to visit
Laugavegur
Brightly colored shopfronts spill into the street and add atmosphere to the sidewalk dining areas and designer stores of Reykjavík’s main downtown shopping strip.
Harpa
The sculptural glass façade of Reykjavík’s premier concert hall and conference center shines over the harbor, reflecting the water and the city’s energy.
Hallgrimskirkja
With its magnificent tower, this church is one of Reykjavík’s most famous landmarks, dominating the skyline and serving as a useful compass point.
Reykjavik City Hall
The dynamic architectural design and picturesque location of this modern civic building near the Tjörnin lakeside has made it a landmark in downtown Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Cathedral
This humble church is Reykjavík’s oldest. It holds great historical importance as both the center of Iceland’s Lutheran faith and the birthplace of independence.
Parliament House
After visiting Parliament House, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Reykjavik. Discover the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area or seek out the local tours.
Things to do
City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras
Sky Lagoon Admission Including Transfer
Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket - Optional Premium Upgrade
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik
Small Group Northern Lights Tour
Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual
Top hotels in Downtown Reykjavik
The Reykjavik EDITION
Everything was great!
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Center Hotels Plaza
Rooms were basic but clean . Enough room for one . Has old fashion radiators to control heat. Small fridge . Staff was great. For me - Jasmin was a great help for restaurants - making spa appts for sister hotels etc . Location is great for walking to restaurants / shops etc.
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
CityHub Reykjavik
Room, bed, showers and communal areas all really clean. Superb location for bars and food, plus only a 4 min walk to bus stations 6 and 14 where all the trips seemed to pick up from. Staff were really helpful and friendly assisting with check-in and phoning a taxi when requested.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
N
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Clean room, very convenient location for tour bus pickups (at hotel main street corner) and it is along main street for shopping and eating out
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Clean, spacious, easy to check in. Perfect for our stay
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Reykjavik
Norðurmýri
While Norðurmýri may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja.
Tún
If you're spending some time in Tún, Laugavegur and Hofdi House are top sights worth seeing.
Holt
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holt and surrounding area, you can visit Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur.
Vesturbær
The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.
Grandar
Grandar might not have many top sights, but Reykjavik Harbour and Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Hlíðar
Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.
