I touched down in Iceland’s capital on a brisk May morning, fresh off a smooth Icelandair flight from the U.S. The cool North Atlantic air and late-spring light welcomed me as I set out to explore Reykjavik’s blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Over the course of my week-long stay, I immersed myself in the city’s quirky culture, Nordic cuisine, and stunning landscapes. This first-person Reykjavik travel guide recounts my recent journey through Iceland’s vibrant capital, highlighting eight unforgettable experiences (and a few practical tips) that made my trip so special.
Walking the streets of Reykjavik, I found the city compact and easy to navigate – most days I wandered on foot, with colorful houses and street art lining my route. Despite the midnight sun lingering in summer, the weather kept me layering a light jacket over my sweater. Credit card in hand (I hardly ever needed cash), I was free to indulge in everything from famed street food to geothermal spas. Here are the highlights of my Reykjavik adventure, each an experience I’d recommend to any traveler looking for the best of Reykjavik.
1. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – The Best Hot Dog in Town
I kicked off my culinary adventures at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Reykjavik’s legendary hot dog stand whose name proudly means “the best hot dog in town.” This unassuming red-and-white shack near the harbor has been serving up delicious sausages since 1937, and it more than lived up to its reputation. I joined a line of locals and tourists that snaked around the corner, the aroma of grilled onions and simmering lamb-and-pork hot dogs wafting through the air. It was well worth the wait – I ordered “eina með öllu,” or “one with everything,” and received a warm bun piled high with a lamb-based hot dog, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, remoulade, crispy fried onions, and raw onions. The first bite was a revelation: smoky, savory, and slightly sweet all at once.
Standing there amid hungry patrons, I understood why this humble stand was once voted the best hot dog in Europe. A photo of Bill Clinton visiting in 2004 is proudly displayed, proof of its celebrity appeal. But Bæjarins Beztu isn’t just a tourist trap – it’s a beloved Reykjavik institution. I chatted with an Icelander in line who told me grabbing a late-night hot dog here after a night out is practically a local tradition. At about 600 ISK (roughly $4-5) per dog, it was an affordable taste of Icelandic comfort food. Don’t leave Reykjavik without savoring this iconic snack – it’s the simplest culinary experience that somehow captures the warm, hearty spirit of the city.
2. The Rainbow Road – Strolling Skólavörðustígur in Full Color
The famous Rainbow Road on Skólavörðustígur was an explosion of color against the overcast sky, a vibrant carpet of stripes leading my eyes straight up to Hallgrímskirkja church at the hilltop. Back in 2015 the city painted this downtown street in rainbow colors to celebrate Reykjavik Pride, and it’s remained a joyful year-round symbol of diversity and welcome. As I walked this road, every step felt like a small celebration. I passed cheerful storefronts – from souvenir shops to boutiques selling Icelandic wool sweaters – all framed by the rainbow beneath my feet. Tourists (myself included) paused often to snap photos on the multicolored pavement. In the early morning, I nearly had the street to myself, the colors gleaming after a light rain, but by midday it bustled with visitors posing for that perfect Instagram shot.
Strolling the Rainbow Road wasn’t just about a photo op; it was also a chance to soak in the neighborhood’s atmosphere. I popped into a cozy bakery for a coffee and pastry, and later browsed a small art gallery showcasing local Reykjavik artists. The street’s official name is Skólavörðustígur, and beyond its rainbow paint it’s simply one of the busiest pedestrian lanes in the city, alive with cafés and creativity. Walking uphill, I felt a growing anticipation as the striking silhouette of Hallgrímskirkja grew larger at the end of the rainbow. This walk perfectly encapsulated Reykjavik’s charm – a mix of whimsical art, friendly vibes, and cultural pride.
3. Hallgrímskirkja – Views from an Iconic Church Tower
At the top of the Rainbow Road stands Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic concrete church that dominates Reykjavik’s skyline. I spent a drizzly afternoon exploring this architectural marvel, whose design was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns and mountains. The church’s façade, all sweeping columns and stark angles, is unlike any I’d seen – simultaneously modern and elemental. At 74.5 meters tall, Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland, and it took over 40 years to build. Standing at its base, I was struck by how the building resembles natural rock formations; architect Guðjón Samúelsson reportedly modeled it after hexagonal basalt columns, and you can feel that connection to nature in its design.
I ventured inside to find a bright, minimalist interior. Sunlight (when the clouds parted) streamed through narrow windows, illuminating the simple nave. My timing was perfect to hear a few resonant notes from the massive pipe organ – an impressive instrument of over 5,000 pipes that takes center stage inside. After wandering the sanctuary, I bought a ticket (a few dollars) to ride the elevator up the church tower. In seconds I was at the top, peering out from the observation deck at a panoramic view of Reykjavik. It literally took my breath away – below were the patchwork of colorful rooftops, the bay and harbor, and distant mountains encircling the city. I could spot landmarks I’d visited, from the Rainbow Road directly below to the shiny glass Harpa Concert Hall by the water. A statue of Leifur Eiríksson stood proudly in front of the church, surveying the scene. Despite a chilly wind at the top, I lingered, soaking in the 360° view that really put Reykjavik’s small size and stunning setting into perspective. Hallgrímskirkja was both a peaceful refuge and a highlight for scenic vistas – absolutely a must-do for any Reykjavik travel guide worth its salt.
4. The Icelandic Phallological Museum – Quirky and Unforgettable
One of the most unusual museums I’ve ever stepped into sits on Reykjavik’s main shopping street, Laugavegur. The Icelandic Phallological Museum, affectionately known as the “Penis Museum,” was a rainy-day stop that turned into a surprisingly fascinating visit. Inside a modest exhibit hall, I found display cases filled with specimens and models representing the phalluses of just about every mammal in Iceland – from tiny mice to massive whales. In fact, this museum houses the world’s largest display of penises and penile parts, boasting over 300 specimens from more than 100 species. I’ll admit I walked in snickering at the sheer oddity of it, but soon the mix of science, humor, and folklore won me over.
Wandering the exhibits, I saw a 36-foot sperm whale penis preserved in a tall glass tube, a polar bear’s member, and even the very tiny (2 mm!) penis bone of a hamster under a magnifying glass. Each display was labeled with species, size, and sometimes a bit of trivia. The collection also includes whimsical sections for mythological creatures – “elves” and “trolls” – with empty jars since, as the curator’s joke goes, those beings are invisible in folklore. The museum’s tone was lighthearted and educational; I learned about animal biology, mating rituals, and the story of the collector who started gathering these odd artifacts in 1974. There was even a section about human specimens, including one donated human organ (a rather shriveled example) and molds from some eccentric donors. It’s not a huge museum – I spent maybe an hour there – but it was thoroughly entertaining. By the end, I had to pick up a goofy souvenir from the gift shop (yes, they have plenty of phallic-themed merch). This quirky attraction isn’t for the very squeamish, but it added a fun, offbeat memory to my Reykjavik trip – the kind of story you can’t wait to tell friends back home.
5. Try the Icelandic Plokkfiskur – Comfort Food Done Right
Instead of going ultra-fancy, I opted one evening to try something hearty and homey: plokkfiskur, a traditional Icelandic fish stew that quickly became one of my favorite comfort foods on the trip. I found a cozy corner table at a local spot recommended by a Reykjavik native and ordered the dish without really knowing what to expect. What arrived was a creamy, piping-hot bowl filled with tender chunks of white fish, mashed potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce, all served with fresh rye bread and a generous pat of Icelandic butter.
It was rich and satisfying, the kind of meal that wraps around you like a wool blanket after a day in the cold. The flavor reminded me a bit of clam chowder but lighter, with that distinct sea-air freshness that only Nordic seafood can deliver. While you can find plokkfiskur at many casual bistros and cafes around Reykjavik, it’s worth seeking out a spot that serves it with love and a touch of home cooking. If you’re looking for something delicious, filling, and deeply tied to Iceland’s culinary roots – this is it. A dish of plokkfiskur may not have a Michelin star, but it absolutely deserves a gold one in the comfort food category.
6. Relax at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
After days of exploring Reykjavik’s streets and cultural corners, few things felt better than soaking in one of Iceland’s geothermal spas. I made time for the Blue Lagoon, the iconic hot spring resort located in a lava field about 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The milky-blue waters, rich in silica and minerals, were like a warm hug after a week of travel. Floating through the mist, mud mask on my face and a drink in hand from the swim-up bar, I felt every ounce of stress melt away.
For a more urban option, Sky Lagoon is just minutes from the city center and offers a sleek, oceanside infinity pool with views across the bay. The highlight there? Their seven-step Icelandic bathing ritual, which moves you through warm pools, saunas, cold plunges, and steam rooms – a full sensory reset. Both spas require advance booking and include changing facilities, towel rentals, and showers. If you’re short on time, I recommend Sky Lagoon for its proximity and slightly more relaxed vibe. Either way, don’t skip a soak – it’s one of the best ways to experience Icelandic culture and self-care.
7. Visit Harpa Concert Hall
Even if you’re not attending a show, Harpa Concert Hall is a must-visit architectural landmark on Reykjavik’s waterfront. Its glass facade, made up of geometric panels that reflect light like a kaleidoscope, makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the city. I wandered inside on a gray afternoon and was struck by the contrast between the moody exterior and the bright, open interior lobby.
Designed in collaboration with Icelandic and Danish architects, Harpa hosts everything from symphonies to electronic music festivals. I happened to catch a rehearsal while walking through, and the acoustics were stunning. There’s a café on site and a few souvenir shops, but even just sitting with a coffee and looking out across the harbor made for a peaceful, atmospheric stop. If you can time your visit with a live performance, even better.
8. Take a Golden Circle Day Trip
While Reykjavik is a destination in itself, I couldn’t resist venturing out on a classic Golden Circle tour – an easy day trip that introduces you to some of Iceland’s greatest natural hits. My journey included three unforgettable stops: Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart; Geysir, home to the regularly erupting Strokkur geyser; and Gullfoss, a thunderous two-tier waterfall that plunged into a deep canyon with such force I could feel the spray from the parking lot.
The whole loop is about 230 km and can be done in a day either by rental car or with a guided tour. I opted for a small group tour, which meant a knowledgeable local guide and a few surprise photo stops along the way. If you’ve only got one day outside the city, make it this one – the Golden Circle is the ultimate bite-sized adventure and a stunning reminder of Iceland’s raw natural power.
Final Thoughts
Reykjavik may be small, but it punches far above its weight in charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re soaking in a geothermal lagoon, chasing street art beneath the midnight sun, or digging into a hot dog with “everything,” the city has a way of surprising you at every turn. For me, it was the perfect balance of quirky and soulful, with enough nature and nourishment to recharge in all the right ways. If Reykjavik isn’t on your list yet, it should be — and if it already is, move it to the top.
