Solo in Iceland: Best things to do in Reykjavík

I still remember stepping out of the KEF airport into the Icelandic air- it felt different. Colder, cleaner, and magical. It was snow all around and I did struggle a bit reaching my B&B with my luggage and snow on the roads.

Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, was my first stop on my Iceland adventure. I based myself for my Icelandic adventure here for 7 days and explored the country with day trips -- which is a great way to see the countryside, esp if you’re traveling solo and in winter. Reykjavík is very conveniently located, as most of the nature attractions are doable as day trips from here.

KEF Airport

Though Iceland is known for its wild landscapes, this little city surprised me with its charm, color, and warmth. Although, most travellers focus on the nature in Iceland, I urge you to keep aside at least one full day for this charming capital. There is a lot to see and do here especially if you want a break from long drives and wish to chill for just a couple of days. You can get around the city either by yellow buses run by Straeto or simply walk. There are no Uber or Lyft available. Don’t be worried if you’re traveling here solo and walking all by yourself in the night- Iceland has been consistently ranked as the safest country in the world since many years & I never felt unsafe as a female solo traveller.

Best things to do in Reykjavík-

Free Walking Tour- One of the best things I did in Reykjavik was joining the Free Walking Tour of the city. I’m so glad I made time for it! Our guide was funny, full of personality, and knew so much about Iceland’s history and culture. He explained the Viking and Nordic naming traditions in such a hilarious way—who knew surnames could be this entertaining? We walked past colorful streets, heard stories from the settlement days, and stopped by Tjörnin (the City Pond) where ducks and swans glide peacefully across the water. It felt like walking through the city with a local friend. If you only have a short time in Reykjavik, this tour is a great way to connect with the city’s spirit. At the end of the tour, a small fee is expected starting from ISK 1000. Don’t worry, online payment is possible via a link, you won’t need cash to pay.

Hallgrímskirkja Church: The towering Hallgrímskirkja church is impossible to miss- its modern, volcanic design feels like Iceland itself. The church houses two large pipe organs and its best-kept secret is organ recitals & 50-person choir that regularly performs concerts here. I happened to attend a solo performance and loved it. It is also used as an observation tower (Adult fee- 1400 ISK). You can take a lift up to the viewing deck and view Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.

Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur) & aimless wandering- The story of Skólavörðustígur starts with Reykjavík’s first Pride festival in 1999 when the street running from the Hallgrímskirkja church down to the main shopping street, Laugavegur, was painted in the colours of the rainbow. Today, Rainbow Street is lined with cosy cafes and souvenir shops. Reykjavík Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Reykjavík with at least 100,000 people attending the parade each year. I loved how it captured Reykjavik’s playful, creative spirit. I spent a little extra time browsing art prints and handmade souvenirs here—it’s the kind of street you stroll, not rush through.

The best part about traveling solo is aimless wandering, and Reykjavík has a lot of options for you. Its harbour area is full of life—fishing boats, food trucks, design studios, and murals. If you love marine life, you can also visit the Whales of Iceland museum here- it’s especially great for kids or the curious-at-heart. You may also take a whale watching tour (best company is Elding) but the highest probability of watching them is during April to October so I skipped it in March. Other good area to wander is the Austurvöllur Square, for people watching & souvenir shopping. If you have the budget, buy the local and signature style handmade wool sweaters (lopapeysa) and accessories.

Street Art- One of the things I loved most while walking around Reykjavík was the unexpected street art. The city walls are full of bold, colorful murals—some playful, some powerful. It feels like the buildings are part of a living gallery. Every corner had a surprise, and I couldn’t stop taking photos! It’s a fun way to see the city’s creative spirit in action.

Perlan Museum (Entry- ISK 5,990)– Perlan was one of the most surprising highlights of my Reykjavik trip. Set inside a giant glass dome on a hill, it’s part science museum, part nature experience, and fully immersive. I walked through a real ice cave (yes, an actual one!), felt the chill of -10°C just like Iceland’s glaciers, and watched the mesmerizing Northern Lights show inside a planetarium dome. Everything here is interactive, fun, and beautifully designed. The observation deck on top offers a 360° view of Reykjavik—mountains, sea, and colorful rooftops all in one frame. It’s the perfect spot to pause and take it all in. If you're traveling with kids, or just curious like me, Perlan is an absolute must-visit. Set inside a futuristic glass dome, this museum completely surprised me.

The Lava Show (Entry- ISK 6,590)- I didn’t expect to be this wowed by molten lava, but the Lava Show turned out to be one of the hottest experiences in Reykjavik—quite literally. It is the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity! The show recreates a volcano eruption by superheating lava up to 1100°C (2000°F) and pouring it into a showroom full of people. You feel the heat, hear it crackle, and watch it glow as it flows onto a slab—just like a real eruption. It’s educational, but also theatrical and unforgettable. Book ahead—they fill up fast.

Harpa Concert Hall - Even if you’re not catching a show, it is worth a visit. Its glass façade sparkles like fish scales and reflects the sky in the most beautiful way. I stepped inside just to look around and ended up staying longer than expected—it’s peaceful, modern, and somehow feels like standing inside a giant crystal. If you love architecture or photography, don’t miss this.

Árbær Open Air Museum (Entry- ISK 2,450): While generally Iceland is not known for museums but a great way to start your Iceland adventure is with a gentle introduction to its history. Wandering through traditional turf houses, old-time buildings, and a charming church gave me a glimpse of Icelandic life in the past. While I soaked in the snowy village vibes, I took my time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stepped into a few reconstructed homes.

The Lagoons- Iceland is known for its soothing geothermal lagoons- natural hot springs that feel like stepping into a warm, dreamy cloud. The most famous of them all is the Blue Lagoon, located near Grindavík, not far from the airport. Many travelers visit right after landing or just before flying out, making it a perfect start or end to their Iceland journey.

I didn’t get a chance to visit the Blue Lagoon myself. At the time of my trip, there were safety concerns in the Grindavík area due to increased volcanic activity, so I chose to skip it. But it remains one of the top experiences in Iceland, and I’d still recommend looking into it—especially if the area is declared safe again. There is also other stunning lagoon worth exploring, like the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik with ocean views, which is quieter and more serene.

Grótta Lighthouse - Just a short walk or bus ride from downtown, Grótta Lighthouse felt like a quiet retreat from the city. The path along the coast was so calming, with waves crashing and birds flying overhead. It’s especially beautiful at sunset—and if you're lucky, it’s also a great spot to catch the Northern Lights in winter.

The Cafés and Bakeries- Iceland is expensive as we all know but one way to cut down costs here is to make your own meals by picking up groceries at the supermarkets or bringing some ready-to-eat stuff from home. While I made all my breakfasts and dinners at my B&B, I did splurge a bit on desserts from some of the famous bakeries here.

• Brauð & Co- try their cinnamon rolls

• Sandholt Bakery- popular and very busy always, try their sourdough bread pastries

• Café Loki- try rye bread ice cream

• Mokka Kaffi- supposedly the oldest café in Reykjavík. Its speciality is coffee with waffles and strawberry jam

• Café Laundromat- you can relax with a cup of coffee, eat breakfast, lunch or dinner or pick a book to read from their library – all that while you are doing the laundry.

• Icelandic Street Food- soup in bread bowl with unlimited servings and free waffles

Icelandic Street Food soup

Sandholt Bakery pastry

Café Loki rye bread ice cream

Brauð & Co

Reykjavík may be small, but it’s a place where you can slow down and still be surprised. If you’re heading to Iceland and spending about a week, don’t rush past Reykjavík. Give it at least 1-2 full days, and you’ll carry a little piece of it with you long after you leave.

*Prices mentioned are as of April 2025