Reykjavík has a serious side: the museums, the history, the weather discussions. This guide is about the other side. The city of 140,000 that produced Björk, Sigur Rós, and a man who became mayor as a joke does fun with a particular deadpan enthusiasm, and visitors are welcome to join.
Daytime Fun
1. FlyOver Iceland
A flight simulator ride that swoops you over glaciers, volcanoes, and fjords with wind and mist effects. Touristy, yes. Also the best preview of the country ever built, and the correct rainy day opener.
2. Perlan’s Ice Cave and Planetarium
A real indoor ice tunnel built from 350 tons of snow, a northern lights planetarium show, and a 360 degree observation deck, all inside the city’s old hot water tanks on the hill.
3. Whales of Iceland and the Maritime Quarter
Life size models of every whale in Icelandic waters (the blue whale must be seen to be disbelieved), then Omnom chocolate tasting and Valdís ice cream in the same Grandi block.
4. Rent a Bike or E-Scooter for the Coast Path
The Sculpture and Shore Walk runs flat along the whole north shore: Sun Voyager, Harpa, harbour, and Esja views with the wind doing half the work in one direction.
5. The Lava Show
Real molten lava, re melted and poured down a channel an arm’s length away, hissing against ice while a host explains why your eyebrows feel warm. The Reykjavík edition adds a balcony view of the pour.
6. Puffin and Sea Angling Boats
In summer, short boat trips from the old harbour circle the puffin islands of Akurey and Lundey, and angling trips let you catch and grill your own cod on deck.
7. Swim at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
A golden sand cove where hot water is pumped into the Atlantic, plus hot tubs on the beach. In winter it becomes the headquarters of the city’s sea swimming masochists; joining them once is a badge of honor.
Evening and Night
8. The Beer Scene (Banned Until 1989)
Iceland legalized beer on March 1, 1989, and has been making up ground since: Kaldi Bar for the original craft pioneer, Session for the taps, RVK Brewing for the brewery floor experience, and Beer Day every March 1 for the anniversary.
9. Karaoke and Quiz Nights
Gaukurinn’s karaoke nights are a democratic institution where everyone from metalheads to ministers takes a turn, and several bars run English language pub quizzes midweek.
10. Live Music Any Night
The scene that produced improbable global exports plays small rooms constantly: Kex Hostel’s free gigs, Mengi for the experimental end, Húrra and Gaukurinn for everything louder. November’s Iceland Airwaves festival takes over every venue in town.
11. The Rúntur
The weekend crawl starts after midnight along Laugavegur and Austurstræti: Kaffibarinn (the institution), Lemmy (rock), Pablo Discobar (cocktails upstairs), Röntgen (DJs). Closing time is 4:30 am and the morning hot dog queue afterward is part of the ritual.
12. Midnight Sun Activities (June and July)
Golf at 11 pm, sea swims at midnight, hikes up Esja in full daylight at 1 am. The city simply stops pretending night exists, and joining the pretense is the fun.
13. Northern Lights Hunting (Winter)
The in town version: walk or drive to Grótta on a clear night, thermos in hand. The full version: a super jeep tour chasing clear skies wherever the forecast points.
14. Comedy in English
The Secret Cellar runs stand up in English most nights, where Icelandic comedians explain their country to visitors with brutal honesty.
15. A Late Night Pool Soak
Laugardalslaug stays open until 10 pm: hot tubs under the stars (or the midnight sun), steam rising, the day’s adventures reviewed at 40 degrees. The most Icelandic nightcap available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reykjavik fun for families?
Extremely: FlyOver, Perlan, the pools with their slides, whale models, and puffin boats cover every age.
What is nightlife like on weekdays?
Quieter but alive: live music and quiz nights midweek, with the full rúntur reserved for Friday and Saturday.
Is Reykjavik expensive for a night out?
Bar prices are steep (around 1,400 to 1,800 ISK (about $13 / €12) a pint). Locals manage with happy hours, which most bars run from 4 to 7 pm; the Appy Hour app tradition of hunting them is itself a local sport.
