My Favorite Spots in Downtown Reykjavík
- Ashley Sundquist
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Reykjavík. A city of raw beauty, vibrant culture, and more than a few delightful oddities. My husband Josh and I recently embarked on an adventure here, blending work with an unabashed exploration of Iceland's capital. Forget the standard tourist trail; I dove headfirst into everything from molten lava to late night walks with my husband, fueled by amazing food and a good dose of Icelandic humor.
Here are some of my favorite spots in Reykjavík.
While Josh and I were filming, my mom took our toddler to embrace the chill at Perlan – Wonders of Iceland. They plunged into the Perlan Ice Experience (the Ice Cave is truly something else!) before being completely mesmerized by their Northern Lights Show. It’s an incredible simulated experience that gives you a taste of the aurora's magic even if the real lights are shy. There is also a highly rated volcano show!
Address: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily (Check their website for exact seasonal hours and specific show times)
You'll also love the Harpa Concert Hall – a spectacular architectural marvel by day, shimmering with its unique glass facade reflecting the city and sky. By night, it hosted an oddball comedy show called "How to Be Icelandic." It was a hilarious dive into the quirks of local culture, teaching us the ins and outs of Icelandic life with plenty of laughs. Totally goofy! There's also a volcano show on the lower level that plays every 20 minutes.
Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Varies, generally open 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Check for specific event times)
You can't explore unabashedly on an empty stomach, and Reykjavik's food scene did not disappoint! We started our mornings at Mokka Kaffi, a timeless institution. Their coffee and waffles were the perfect cozy start to chilly days.
Address: Skólavörðustígur 3A, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Everyone in Mokka Kaffi was eating waffles...I regret not ordering one as they looked amazing!
For a taste of tradition, Cafe Loki near Hallgrímskirkja was a must. Their smoked trout on flatbread was truly delicious and authentically Icelandic. We also tried the rye bread ice cream, which was super odd but I couldn't stop eating it!
Address: Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (often opens later on weekends)
The smoked trout on flatbread at Cafe Loki was the perfect light summer dinner.
And oh, Brauð & Co.! We made multiple pilgrimages for their phenomenal baked goods. The cinnamon roll is legendary, but don't sleep on the pretzel croissant – it's a savory-sweet masterpiece. Grab a coffee and enjoy your eats by the tiny "playground" in the square.
Brauð & Co. (Laugavegur location, as it's a popular one)
Address: Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Sat-Sun: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Yum! Brauð & Co is known for their iconic cinnamon rolls...you really can't go wrong!
For classic seafood comfort, Reykjavik Fish hit the spot after 15 hours of travel. Their fish soup and fish and chips were exactly what we craved after long days of exploration. Our hotel room wasn't ready just yet, but Reykjavik Fish welcomed us in with all of our bags (and a hungry toddler).
Reykjavik Fish (Vallarstræti location)
Address: Vallarstræti 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Daily 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
And for a truly elevated dining experience with a view, Raðagerði Veitingahús (which functions more as an event and fine dining venue, often for specific bookings) offered incredible brunch platters, a breathtaking view, and an all-around memorable experience. The chefs at Raðagerði Veitingahús have an open kitchen and there's a giant outdoor seating area with a view of the water. This is one to book in advance! Our entire film crew ate here after shooting our commercial for Össur.
Address: Hrauntungur 15, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland (just outside Reykjavik)
Hours: Varies significantly based on events/bookings. Best to check their website or contact them directly.
We also found two more excellent spots for salmon: KOL Restaurant with its lively open kitchen downstairs provided a fantastic salmon dish with diced crunchy apples and a foamy dill sauce. The perfect date night ambience.
Address: Skólavörðustígur 40, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Daily 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
And for very good salmon in a more casual but lively environment, don't miss Salka Valka eldhús/kitchen.
Salka Valka eldhús/kitchen
Address: Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Sun: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Finally, for authentic Icelandic flavors including delicious Viking recipes and fish stew, ÆGIR 101 Bar - Taproom is a must-visit. Their stew hit the spot on a chilly summer evening! There are board games and cards if you're planning to linger over a pint with friends.
Address: Ægisgarður 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Of course, no trip to Reykjavik is complete without a visit to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja. We spent a lot of time admiring its striking architecture and listening to the soul-stirring organ and chimes – a truly exhilarating experience. Definitely take the elevator to the bell tower and don't be too startled when it starts to chime!
Address: Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Church: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily; Tower: 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM daily (check for mass/event closures)
It sounds like a tourist trap, but the Lava Show was another absolute highlight. We sprang for the premium ticket, and it was 100% worth it for the up-close view and the sheer heat radiating from the flowing molten rock. We even got to enjoy a behind the scenes tour afterwards! An unforgettable experience that educates you on Iceland's volcanic culture.
Address: Víkurgarður, Fiskislóð 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Varies by show schedule; typically multiple shows daily. Check their website for exact times.
For a more leisurely pace, we loved wandering down Rainbow Street, enjoying the window shopping and popping into the charming boutique art galleries. It’s a wonderfully vibrant and colorful part of the city. And for bringing a piece of Iceland home? We discovered Mjúk for incredibly cozy hats, ponchos, and shawls – perfect for Iceland's climate and beautiful keepsakes. It means soft in Icelandic. For the best high-end gift shop, Rammagerðin was my favorite. They have multiple locations and offer a fantastic selection of quality Icelandic crafts, woolens, and design items.
Reykjavik truly offers an "adventure unabashedly" – from the deep history and natural phenomena to the warm hospitality and incredible flavors. It's a city that invites you to explore, learn, and embrace every single moment. We're already dreaming of our next visit!
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