Reykjavík is a small city that holds an outsized amount of personality. The compact downtown — just a few streets of colourful corrugated-iron houses, art galleries, and coffee shops — is the heart of the world's northernmost capital. Two-thirds of Iceland's population lives here, which makes the city simultaneously cosmopolitan and village-like in scale.
The energy runs in extremes that mirror the landscape. In summer the sun barely sets, and the city empties into the streets well past midnight. In winter, darkness drops by mid-afternoon, and the city turns inward into warmth: geothermal pools, wool and candlelight, and a music scene that punches far above its weight.
Outside the city, everything that makes Iceland famous is reachable on a day trip. But the city itself is worth two days of its own: the National Museum, Hallgrímskirkja rising over the roofline, whale-watching from the old harbour, and the knowledge that Iceland has no tipping culture and essentially no crime to worry about.
Real places in Reykjavík, pulled from the public library. Tap Add on anything that appeals — it lands in your list, no account needed.
New Nordic, Michelin-starred, book ahead.
Cast-iron pan fish, generous portions.
Legendary lobster soup, fishing-hut vibe.
Iceland's best baristas; excellent pastries.
Sourdough and cinnamon buns; always queuing.
Rocket-ship church; tower views of the city.
Olafur Eliasson facade; Iceland Symphony home.
1881 stone building; open when in session.
Settlement to today; the essential Iceland history.
Three buildings, all-in-one ticket.
Viking-age ruins preserved beneath a modern city.
Icelandic art from 1900 to now.
Weekends only; food, antiques, hakarl samples.
City centre lake; ducks and park benches.
Parliament square; perfect sunny-day picnic spot.
Ferry from Sundahöfn; Yoko Ono peace tower.
Design hotel, postcode 101, the cool address.
1930s landmark beside the parliament.
Former biscuit factory; bar and social hub.
Food hall in old bus station.
The experiences worth planning a day around — not a restaurant list, a way to eat the place.
Iceland's iconic hot dog stand by the harbour. Ask for it 'with everything': fried onion, raw onion, sweet mustard, remoulade. Queue and eat standing.
Iceland's ancient fermented dairy, thick and mild. Eaten for breakfast or dessert. Every cafe has it; the local version beats any export version.
Kjötsúpa: a spicy vegetable broth loaded with local lamb. Sold from vans near Hallgrímskirkja and Tjörnin. The best thing on a cold day.
Cod, haddock, and Arctic char straight from Reykjavík's fishing boats. The city's fish shops sell it cheaper and better than any restaurant.
Curated routes through Reykjavík from Sunday's editors and well-travelled members. Open one to see every place — or save the whole list at once.
The high-impact first-timer route — nothing padded.
Neighbourhood tables, no tourist traps. Built over three trips.
Cafés, parks and a market — the unhurried half of town.
Wine rooms, viewpoints at dusk, the last tram home.
A starter itinerary built from the city's most-saved places. Make it yours, then reshape it however you like.
The two things every trip starts with: when to come, and what to say when you get there.
Your list lives on this device for now. A free account keeps it safe, lets you share it, and turns it into a real itinerary.
Keep your saved places, build the days out on a map, and bring whoever you're travelling with. Free to start, thirty seconds to join.
Sign up freeSign in to add these places to your existing lists and trips.
Sign in to see your data