Free things to do · Reykjavík · Iceland
6 free things to do in Reykjavík
Reykjavík without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Helmut Seger, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Reykjavík without paying an entry fee: Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur and Tjörnin and City Hall are all free. Public geothermal pools give a lagoon-style soak for a fraction of the price of the big spas.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 4
- Cost level
- Very expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- January, April and November
Free sights and experiences
Landmark · Sæbraut
1.Sun Voyager
Walk the shoreline path from Harpa to the sculpture around sunset, which in winter happens mid-afternoon.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Couples
Architecture · Old Harbour
2.Harpa Concert Hall
Climb to the upper foyers for framed views of the harbour and Mount Esja, then come back after dark to see the facade lit up.
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- After dark
- Photo spot
Street · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
3.Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
Many bars on Laugavegur have happy hours in the late afternoon, the best-value time for a drink in Reykjavík.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
Park · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
4.Tjörnin and City Hall
In hard winters the pond freezes and locals skate on it; part is kept ice-free by geothermal water for the birds.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
Nature · Seltjarnarnes
5.Grótta lighthouse and Seltjarnarnes
Check the tide table before crossing the causeway, and note that the island is usually closed to walkers during the spring nesting season.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- After dark
- Off the beaten path
- Views
Garden · Skólavörðuholt
6.Einar Jónsson sculpture garden
Enter from Freyjugata, behind the museum, when the main square is full of tour groups.
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Sæbraut | Sun Voyager | 20 minutes |
| Old Harbour | Harpa Concert Hall | 30–60 minutes |
| Downtown (101 Reykjavík) | Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur and Tjörnin and City Hall | 1–3 hours + 45 minutes |
| Seltjarnarnes | Grótta lighthouse and Seltjarnarnes | 1–2 hours |
| Skólavörðuholt | Einar Jónsson sculpture garden | 20–30 minutes |
Worth a small ticket
Religious site · Skólavörðuholt
Hallgrímskirkja
Go up the tower on a clear morning; on cloudy days the view is short and the queue is long.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Experience · Laugardalur
Laugardalslaug geothermal pool
Shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering, as required; staff and locals take this rule seriously.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Active
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Island · Kollafjörður
Viðey Island
Ferries are more frequent in summer; check the schedule and take the return times seriously, as the island has few facilities.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- History
Zoo · Laugardalur
Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo
Combine it with Laugardalslaug pool next door for a full day with young children.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
More ways to save
- Public geothermal pools give a lagoon-style soak for a fraction of the price of the big spas.
- Buy alcohol at the arrivals duty-free shop at Keflavík; it is much more expensive in town.
- Shop at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets and refill a bottle with excellent free tap water.
- Drink during bar happy hours, which can cut prices considerably.
- A Reykjavík City Card saves money if you plan several museums and pool visits in a short time.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Reykjavík expensive to visit?
Reykjavík is very expensive for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Reykjavík?
Sun Voyager: Walk the shoreline path from Harpa to the sculpture around sunset, which in winter happens mid-afternoon.