With just a few days in Reykjavik you can learn so much about Icelandic culture at these unique attractions.
You’ll come to Iceland for the wild nature, but its capital city is vibrant and youthful with a quirky side. If you’re like me and are looking for unusual things to do in Reykjavik, you’ll find unique art and culture, offbeat museums and science and nature attractions, all in a compact, easily walkable city.
Most things to see and do in Reykjavik can be enjoyed in under an hour. So whether it’s an Iceland Air stopover on your way to Europe, the starting point for a bigger trip around the island, or a long weekend city break, you can pack a lot in to a short trip to Reykjavik. I’ve visited four times over many years and find it one of Europe’s coolest cities. In this country where tourism has exploded and new things are opening all the time, I’m also always finding new things to discover.
Know Before you Go: Iceland standards of living are higher than North America and most of Europe, so budget accordingly. And many attractions are closed on Mondays. Other than that, enjoy this weird and wonderful city!
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Just looking for the list of unusual things to do in Reykjavik? Here is is!
The Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden
Icelandic Punk Museum
It used to be a public toilet. Now it’s a tiny museum dedicated to the history of punk music of Iceland, just steps from the city’s main souvenir shopping strip. A must-visit for alternative music fans.
I had the luck to be there for the opening in 2016 and returned in 2025 to actually read more of the information posted on the bathroom stall walls, cut and paste zine style. Found out that it was the Stranglers playing in Reykjavik in 1978—rumour has it 2% of the country’s population attended—that kickstarted the local punk rock scene. And that there’s a feature doc about the era called Rokk í Reykjavik. A photo of Bubbi from the first Icelandic punk band band Utangarðsmenn (“Outsiders”) is prominent, as are videos from the Sugarcubes. My fave discovery was the post-punk band Q4U, formed in 1980, with a more gothy/new wave leaning close to my dark heart.
If you don’t read anything, you’ll be in and out of this museum in five minutes. But wait! The museum has headphones dangling from the ceiling like old school record shop listening stations, so you can listen instead. They also sell vinyl from current local bands. Staff is friendly and happy to talk about the scene. Mobility note: downstairs and super small to navigate. Open daily 10am to 6pm, 1,500 KR/$16 CDN. This is one of the cheapest museums in Iceland!
Fischersund Perfume Gallery
Did you know that Jónsi from the band Sigus Rós is also a perfume designer? And has a collective with his siblings, also artists, dedicated to the art of scent?
Fischersund is the most unique shopping experience in Reykjavik. A perfume shoppe in a historic house, yes. But also an art gallery, where every item for sale comes with a story. Create your own travel-sized perfume kit at their Fragrance Bar. Look around for beautiful video art celebrating flora. Sign up for a personal Scent Tour, a full sensory experience highlighting the collective family history that will change the way you see, and smell, the land you’re visiting. In a city of craftspeople that has become dominated by souvenir shops hawking foreign-made gifts, this is a true product of Iceland that supports local artists.
Open 12noon to 6pm weekdays and 12noon to 4pm on weekends. Free to enter. Scent Tour for 2,900 KR ($30 CDN) includes a shot of Icelandic schnapps.
Lava Show
Would you like to see volcanic lava flowing up close—and not die?! The Lava Show is the only live lava show in the world and one of the most unusual things to do in Reykjavik. As someone who is jealous of volcanologists and other scientists who are able to see molten lava in the wild, I was excited to learn about this hour-long show. In a small dark theatre, first you watch a short documentary about Iceland’s geothermal core and historic volcano eruptions. Then…showtime!
With dramatic flair, your host opens the gates and real molten lava enters the showroom, flowing down a narrow chute to a small pool just feet away from the guests. The lava is actually from an eruption in 1918, and is reheated to 1100°C (2000°F) several times a day for these shows, then recycled. I loved the closed loop system of using a natural product to create real wonder for guests.
You can watch the glowing lava snap, crackle and pop as it comes into contact with ice, and the host manipulates it to show how it can be spun and cracked at different temperatures. It’s all completely safe, but it you can really feel the intense heat! In some ways, the Lava Show feels like an education experience designed for school groups. But as a solo traveller grown-up, I thought it was quite magical. And for science nerds of all ages, it’s really a no-brainer thing to do in Reykjavik.
I also thoroughly enjoyed dressing up in a vulcanologist outfit for photos which is offered with the Premium Admission, which also includes a drink in a lava-themed lounge, view from the balcony, and backstage tour of the furnace. The show is under one hour so this was a cool thing to add on for more geeking out time.
The Reykavik location of the Lava Show is in the “Grandi Harbour” area—about a 30-minute walk from the city centre, easily reached by local bus, with lots of parking. It’s also steps away from Om Nom, Iceland’s internet famous chocolate and ice cream shop which is well worth the line-ups. Experience fire and ice in one afternoon!
Multiple shows daily from 10am to 8pm. Advance tickets recommended. Admission is 6,590 KR ($71 CDN) or 9,990 KR ($108 CDN) for Premium. Classic experience is wheelchair accessible.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
You can’t miss it. This is the largest church in Iceland and it looms large over all of Reykjavik. (Kind of like Toronto’s CN Tower, it makes a great navigational tool.)
It was built by the Lutheran Church of Iceland to outshine the previously tallest Catholic church, and it’s a stunner. Whether or not you go in or go up, you should go see the exterior up close.
The striking curved shape is meant to resemble the mountains and glaciers of Icelandic landscape, particularly its basalt columns. Commissioned in 1937, it took until 1986 to complete—one of my walking tour guides called it Iceland’s Sagrada Familia. As mentioned, this is not a Catholic cathedral so inside is more demure than you might expect. But check out the country’s largest organ—organ music medications are held during winter and special concerts happen the first Saturday of the month from September to June, check here for details and to purchase tickets.
Church is open 9am to 8pm in summer, 10am to 5pm in September to May (free) and observation tower hours are 9am to 7:45pm in summer, 10am to 4:45 September to May.
The Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden
Iceland’s first and most famous sculptor (1874-1954) created works inspired by the country’s mythology, folktales, and spirituality. There’s a dedicated Einar Jonsson museum, which opened in 1923 as the country’s first art museum, but you can see some of his great pieces for free at the outdoor Sculpture Garden. He sculpted mostly in plaster and clay, but for the garden they’ve cast his work in bronze. Twenty-six monumental works are on display, including “The Spell is Broken,” Jonsson’s version of St. George slaying the dragon, depicting good over evil, and a cast of his most famous work “Outlaws,” showing a man carrying his family while on the run. Look out for neighbourhood cats who hang out in the garden too. Open noon to 5pm year-round, closed on Mondays.
Want more Einar Jonsson? His work appears in public spaces all around Reykavik. From the corner of Hvertisgata and Laekjargata streets you can spot his sculptures of King Christian IX of Denmark, Viking explorer Ingólfur Arnarson, and The Water Bearers, a tribute to working class laborers.
Reykjavik Cat Café
Speaking of cats…. Reykjavik is a great city for cat lovers. There are so many cats wandering around downtown and a dedicated Cat Café to spend time with them. Kattakaffihúsið is the first cafe of its kind in Iceland, with a few resident cats (all up for adoption) you can visit with. The café serves vegan deserts and sandwiches.
Penis Museum
Fun fact: every single person I talked to in Reykjavik asked me if I knew about the penis museum. It certainly has captured the imagination of visitors and is probably the most unusual thing to do in Reykjavik! See the world’s largest display of penises—to be clear, these are mostly animals. More than 100 species of mammal, including a blue whale measuring 170cm in length and weighing 70 kilograms. Plus, one human male, donated. If you go, please write and tell me if they talk about the rapey duck penises!
Afterwards, enjoy penis shaped waffles in the Phallic Café. Open daily 10am to 7pm, 3,300 KR/$35 CDN.
Kolaportid Flea Market
This indoor market steps from the Penis museum sells unique items from local vendors. It’s a nice break from the gauntlet of Puffin souvenirs. The famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is across the street. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
Imagine Peace Tower (Seasonal)
Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower is a beautiful outdoor artwork dedicated to John Lennon, located on the small island of Viðey, just north of Reykjavik.
The tower of light is only illuminated at certain times of the year, mostly in winter. It is lit annually on John Lennon’s birthday, October 9, and shines until midnight on December 8, the day of his death. It’s also lit a few other dates, the week of Christmas, or Yoko’s birthday on February 18. If you’re in the city during these times, it’s well worth the time commitment to take the ferry over for a programme celebrating Lennon’s legacy and world peace. Up close you can also see “Imagine Peace” inscribed in the well in 24 different languages. But you can also see the light tower just from the city. See the official website for details and schedule.
Hólavallagarður Cemetery
If you’re like me, you find cemeteries a beautiful place to go for a walk and learn about the history of a place.
Reykjavík’s main cemetery is called Hólavallagarður. Consecrated in 1838, it’s the burial place for many of the city’s famed politicians, businessmen, artists, etc., and a lovely, leafy park easily reached by public bus. My favourite part of its history is that traditionally Icelandic graveyards are named for their “guardians”—the first person to be buried in a new cemetery. Hólavallagarður’s guardian is Guðrún Oddsdóttir, whose grave is marked by a large iron cross. (I did not check the folklore that the guardian bodies don’t rot!)
In the oldest part of Reykjavik at Ingólfur Square, you can see some grave stones marking Víkurkirkjugarður, one of Iceland’s first Christian cemeteries. Most of the remains have been exhumed and moved to Hólavallagarður, but when a new hotel was erected nearby there were some… surprises… uncovered. After some controversy, the city protected this part from development.
Perlan Planatarium
Iceland’s natural wonders are without compare. But sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you can’t get out into the wilderness. In Reykjavik, Perlan is a kind of one-stop shop for family-friendly nature experiences…indoors. Learn about glaciers, ice caves, volcanos, auroras with high tech video experiences in a planetarium. Located on a hill just outide the city centre, admission includes the observation deck with panoramic views. Tip: tickets are cheaper in advance than at the door. Sample prices 5,990KR ($65 CDN) for a Wonders of Iceland Pass.
Harpa Concert Hall
If you are lucky enough you might see Björk perform here, or any number of local pop or symphonic acts. If not, you can still visit this architectural gem on the Reykjavik waterfront. The geometric glass façade glimmers in the summer sun, outdoor a stainless steel sculpture produces sound as the wind travels through it. One-hour guided tours in English are sometimes available (see the schedule here) for 4,900 KR ($53 CDN). But you can also spend that money on lunch at their fine café.
Icelandic Saga Manuscripts at Edda
For my literary history nerds…. the exhibit World in Words showcases rare and precious Icelandic manuscripts, including ancient and renowned sagas and poems, plus scientific texts related to chronology, astronomy and geography. For example, one map contains a treatise on mathematics which derives from the work of ninth-century astronomer Muhammad Ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī. The books are on display at The Edda, a striking building near the University of Iceland. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, Admission 2,500KR ($27 CDN)
Chromo Sapiens Hair Cave
The artist’s name is Shoplifter. The installation is Chromo Sapiens, a surreal cave made of brightly coloured synthetic hair. Walk through it, touch it, lay down on the carpet. It’s like a chill out room in Fraggle Rock. This piece debuted in 2019 at the Venice Biennale and now has a permanent home at Höfuðstöðin, a design shop and a café. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission 2,350KR ($25CDN)\
Reykjavik Street Art
One of my fave murals, a colourful vampire, has been here for years. Other artworks change with the political times. Wherever you may roam around Reykjavik, keep an eye out for street art. And maybe let me know if you ever see a polar bear the same size as a puffin….
Kvika Natural Footbath
Sometimes you may take a long walk out to a lighthouse. Like, the Grótta Lighthouse, a popular place for Northern Lights spotting at night on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula just west of the city centre. And if you would like to rest your feet you might enjoy this tiny hot spring “footbath” surrounded by stone and gorgeous views of black sands, sea and bird life. Because the best things in Iceland are often free!
Where to Stay in Reyjavik
As mentioned, prices for everything in Iceland are high, including lodging. But the level of service and cleanliness is also very high. Here are some top choices for different budgets.
Reykjavík – Loft HI Hostel (budget)
Everything you need for a basic stay with shared bath, including activities for meeting fellow travellers.
Center Hotels Klopp (mid-range)
Comfortable, youthful and clean, Center hotels are a solid choice and this one has a great location close to bars and restaurants.
Hotel Reykjavík Saga (mid-range)
Perfectly located beside Tjornin lake and Reykjavik’s main shops, this 4-star hotel has modern designed rooms, plus good sauna and steam room and gym.
The Reykjavik Edition (luxury)
A Marriott hotel with panoramic views of the harbour from its well appointed suites, a wraparound rooftop deck, and close to Harpa Concert Hall and launching points for whale watching tours.
I hope this list of unusual things to do in Reykjavik was helpful! Ready to visit some Icelandic spas next?
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