10/21/2024 | 4:00 PM
We know: Iceland has a reputation for being an expensive destination. But don't be put off by tales of high prices. It's easy to find free things to do in Reykjavík, and free sights to see, or with a price that won’t break the bank. We’re talking unique Icelandic experiences that cost very little (or even nothing) but will leave you with a great photo, or even better – a vivid, heartwarming vacation memory.
The list of free and cheap things to do in Reykjavík extends to museums, sightseeing options, free walking tours, and more. And of course, the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of the city are free to admire and access.
For some priceless tips on living large while visiting Reykjavík on a budget, read on, and check out our map that pinpoints the budget-friendly places we cover.
Reykjavík is a compact city so getting around is easy, and traveling from A to B can be as swift or leisurely as you like. However, with plenty of sights to see, here are some ideas for how to take in the Icelandic capital while keeping costs low.
It may come as no surprise, but one of the best things to do in Reykjavík for free is exploring the city on foot! You can walk on a self-guided tour (with little chance of getting lost) to cover the highlights:
There are guided walking tours available daily, year-round, at no charge (with donations welcome – you pay what you think it was worth). Set aside around two hours for this. You'll hear a little about the history of Iceland and the evolution of Reykjavík as a city.
Alternatively, download an app to your smartphone and go at your own pace to delve into city-specific themes. The Reykjavík Art Walk is a free app developed by Reykjavik Art Museum, giving you the story behind 200 public artworks in the capital.
Got a thing for, say, cats? Or food? Maybe folklore? Our tours can put you in touch with the right people for that! We partner with high-quality local providers to offer guided walks that tap into city treasures and tales.
Try out the Reykjavík Walking Tour, or get your taste buds ready for the Reykjavík Food Lovers Tour, for insight into (and samples of) traditional local foods.
The Reykjavík Cat Walk is purr-fect for cat-lovers, while the Reykjavík Folklore Walking Tour takes storytelling to new heights, tapping into the Icelandic Sagas and tales of the hidden people.
It may be small, but Reykjavík has a big reputation for street art. The style influences and inspirations behind the works seen on some of the walls in central Reykjavík vary widely. This incredible diversity, along with the fleeting, ephemeral nature of wall art in general, makes a street-art walk in Reykjavík such a fun free activity.
There's no official map for this treasure hunt, just lace up your shoes and begin. There are some easy-to-find beauties along the main street, Laugavegur. Get a taste of things in this Iceland Magazine article and see what's local in this user-created map.
To explore Reykjavík at your own pace, what better way than a sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour? Get on the bus wherever you choose along the designated route, and get off the bus wherever you like, and stay there as long as you like. Or simply stay on board for the entire loop around the city and enjoy the audio commentary as you go. It's a great way to get your bearings.
With a ticket valid for 24 hours, you call the shots and explore Reykjavík according to whatever takes your fancy.
Traveling via public transport is another good way to get to know the city without breaking the bank. It's worth getting acquainted with Strætó, the local bus network. Strætó's website and app have a route planner plus information on how to buy a ticket. It's helpful to download the Klappið payment app before you travel.
You can also rent a bike to cover more ground with more speed, and scooters are widely available to hire. In fact, there are some beautiful coastal cycle (or scooter) paths in Reykjavík that offer some of the best views in the city. The path skirting the waterfront from the Grandi area of the city to the Seltjarnarnes peninsula is a particular favorite, featuring cool scenery and landmarks like Grótta lighthouse.
Reykjavík is a compact city so getting around is easy, and traveling from A to B can be as swift or leisurely as you like. However, with plenty of sights to see, here are some ideas for how to take in the Icelandic capital while keeping costs low.
It may come as no surprise, but one of the best things to do in Reykjavík for free is exploring the city on foot! You can walk on a self-guided tour (with little chance of getting lost) to cover the highlights:
There are guided walking tours available daily, year-round, at no charge (with donations welcome – you pay what you think it was worth). Set aside around two hours for this. You'll hear a little about the history of Iceland and the evolution of Reykjavík as a city.
Alternatively, download an app to your smartphone and go at your own pace to delve into city-specific themes. The Reykjavík Art Walk is a free app developed by Reykjavik Art Museum, giving you the story behind 200 public artworks in the capital.
Got a thing for, say, cats? Or food? Maybe folklore? Our tours can put you in touch with the right people for that! We partner with high-quality local providers to offer guided walks that tap into city treasures and tales.
Try out the Reykjavík Walking Tour, or get your taste buds ready for the Reykjavík Food Lovers Tour, for insight into (and samples of) traditional local foods.
The Reykjavík Cat Walk is purr-fect for cat-lovers, while the Reykjavík Folklore Walking Tour takes storytelling to new heights, tapping into the Icelandic Sagas and tales of the hidden people.
,It may be small, but Reykjavík has a big reputation for street art. The style influences and inspirations behind the works seen on some of the walls in central Reykjavík vary widely. This incredible diversity, along with the fleeting, ephemeral nature of wall art in general, makes a street-art walk in Reykjavík such a fun free activity.
There's no official map for this treasure hunt, just lace up your shoes and begin. There are some easy-to-find beauties along the main street, Laugavegur. Get a taste of things in this Iceland Magazine article and see what's local in this user-created map.
,To explore Reykjavík at your own pace, what better way than a sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour? Get on the bus wherever you choose along the designated route, and get off the bus wherever you like, and stay there as long as you like. Or simply stay on board for the entire loop around the city and enjoy the audio commentary as you go. It's a great way to get your bearings.
With a ticket valid for 24 hours, you call the shots and explore Reykjavík according to whatever takes your fancy.
,Traveling via public transport is another good way to get to know the city without breaking the bank. It's worth getting acquainted with Strætó, the local bus network. Strætó's website and app have a route planner plus information on how to buy a ticket. It's helpful to download the Klappið payment app before you travel.
You can also rent a bike to cover more ground with more speed, and scooters are widely available to hire. In fact, there are some beautiful coastal cycle (or scooter) paths in Reykjavík that offer some of the best views in the city. The path skirting the waterfront from the Grandi area of the city to the Seltjarnarnes peninsula is a particular favorite, featuring cool scenery and landmarks like Grótta lighthouse.
,Many of the city’s big name landmarks are reachable on foot and free to visit. With a range of museums and galleries to discover too, there are endless options for sightseeing in Reykjavík on a budget.
One of Reykjavík’s most famous attractions is Hallgrímskirkja – the rocket-shaped church that stands on a small hill in the heart of downtown. It took 41 years to build the church, from work beginning in 1945 until the church was consecrated in 1986.
It was designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, and its exterior design is inspired by the basalt lava columns found in nature all over Iceland. You need to pay to access the observation deck of its 74.5-meter (244ft) tower (reached by elevator), but the view is priceless.
It might surprise you that despite its domination of the skyline, Hallgrímskirkja isn't the capital's cathedral. The Dómkirkja, Reykjavík's cathedral, is a modest building consecrated in 1796. Around a century later, the national parliament (Alþingi), was built next door. So this area by Tjörnin pond is the historic heart of the city, but there's little of the pomp and grandeur that surrounds such buildings in other capital cities.
,As photogenic landmarks go, there are few better than Harpa, the concert hall and convention center on the city waterfront. It opened in 2011, and its award-winning design comes from Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson together with Henning Larsen Architects. Step inside to see the amazing interplay of light through the glass facade, and to see what's on. There are restaurants and a gift store inside.
From Harpa, a short walk east takes you to the captivating Sun Voyager monument, and with more time you can walk to Höfði House. This relatively modest whitewashed building is renowned as the site of a meeting between US president Ronald Reagan and Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev, which is said to mark the beginning of the end of the Cold War. While the building itself isn’t open to the public, it’s free to walk around and admire from the outside. Fun fact: a 4-ton piece of the Berlin Wall stands in the grounds of Höfði House.
Nearby is the picturesque yellow Hofði lighthouse, a popular spot for photos.
,There are plenty of attractions that combine education and entertainment to give you a taste of Iceland's unique wonders, though these experiences do have a fee attached.
We can help you with tickets to FlyOver Iceland, a virtual flight ride over stunning Icelandic landscapes; the Lava Show, which recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava; and Whales of Iceland, where you can investigate 23 life-size models of whale species found in the ocean waters around Iceland.
Other Reykjavík favorites include Perlan (pictured), a nature 'exploratorium', and the Settlement Exhibition, which brings the Viking Age to life. The National Museum of Iceland gives you insight into the history of Iceland, from the Settlement to the present day.
Ready to pay to visit something out of the ordinary, something unique to the city? We've got you. The Icelandic Punk Museum houses a small but mighty collection of punk-rock historical artefacts. Did we mention that it’s located in a former underground public toilet? Or, for an even weirder way to spend an afternoon, check out the Icelandic Phallological Museum – a quirky exhibit displaying a collection of more than 200 genitalia from different species of Icelandic mammals.
,Another cheap thing to do in Reykjavík is to explore the many different museums and galleries. The vast range of options means you can delve into both the expected (Icelandic history, Sagas, maritime marvels, natural wonders) and the unexpected (penises and punk music, for example).
If you plan to visit a number of museums, consider buying the Reykjavík City Card, which gives you free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions. This includes free entry to the National Gallery of Iceland, the National Museum of Iceland, and branches of the Reykjavík Art Museum, to name just a few heavy-hitters.
It also includes free entry to local pools, and free local bus rides, so it’s ideal for making the most of Reykjavík on a budget. You can buy a card to cover 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Most museums in Reykjavík charge an entry fee, but there's a handful of places (including a number of artist-run galleries) where you don't have to pay admission. Contributions are often encouraged, but you decide if you donate and how much.
The Living Art Museum (Nýlistasafnið) is inside Marshall House in the hip Grandi harbor area. A non-profit, artist-run museum and association, venue for events, exhibitions, performances, discussions and research, it was founded in 1978 in reaction to Icelandic art authorities disregard for contemporary art practices. Entry is free.
The Einar Jónsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jónssonar) celebrates the life and works of Iceland’s most famous sculptor, Einar Jónsson, in a magnificent building that once served as both workshop, gallery, and penthouse apartment. The sculpture garden by the house is open all year round and admission is free (the museum itself charges a fee for entrance). It's right by Hallgrímskirkja.
,Visiting a library (or bookstore) is an excellent budget-friendly activity in Reykjavík, especially when you’re looking for some rainy-day shelter. Icelanders love books! In fact, Reykjavík is a UNESCO City of Literature, the first city to receive the designation that doesn't have English as its native language.
The Reykjavík City Library, also known as Grofín, is a hive of activity, with exhibitions, workshops, and events for all ages – from poetry slam evenings to craft sessions and kids' storytime.
As well as being housed in an architectural gem (designed by acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto), the Nordic House (Norræna húsið) is a venue for art, culture and language. It hosts exhibitions (many with free entry) and free summertime 'Pikknikk concerts' in the garden's greenhouse.
Reykjavík City Hall is an unmissable and integral part of the scenery around Tjörnin, the pond in central Reykjavík. More than just housing the mayor and other officials of the city, the building functions as a gallery and exhibition space. However, the biggest attraction inside City Hall – literally and figuratively speaking – is the giant 3D map of Iceland, on permanent display. It's free to enter City Hall.
,Exploring the great outdoors is arguably one of the best free things to do in Reykjavík. You can use Reykjavík as a springboard to the head-spinning landscapes that make Iceland so captivating. All that fresh air and nature come free of charge. Pack according to the weather and you won't be put off by a little rain, or wind... From the center of the city, it takes mere minutes by car to enter surroundings completely different to Reykjavík’s urban landscape – or any landscape, for that matter.
During the summer, you can marvel at Iceland’s near 24-hour daylight – also known as the midnight sun. Not only is it a wonderful free experience in itself, but the longer days mean you can tick off even more activities while staying in Iceland.
And do we even need to mention: when it's dark, look up! Nature's finest light show is free to observe, and you’ll have the best chance of spotting the aurora during Iceland’s winter months. In fact, you can often see the northern lights in Reykjavik.
,There's no better way to get into the local mindset than with a swim at one of the many local pools in Reykjavík. This is such a beloved pastime, there are 18 pools in the city.
There are wonderful high-profile lagoons in and around Reykjavík (you may have heard of the Blue Lagoon, and Sky Lagoon too?) – these don't fall into the 'cheap' category, but many visitors consider them very worthy of a splurge. Local pools offer a more economical way to take advantage of Iceland's abundant geothermal water.
There's also a beach here. It's true! Nauthólsvík is a beach (free admission) with a large hot-pot on the shore (payment required for using the hot-pot). In addition, warm water is pumped into an artificial lagoon on the sand and the outcome is a refreshing swimming area averaging 15-19°C (59-66°F) in summer.
,While it's not in Reykjavík, one of the capital's most beloved free activities is not too far away – reached by driving about 50km (31 miles) to the town of Hveragerði.
The geothermal river Varmá, in Reykjadalur valley, can be reached by an uphill hike (around 45-60 minutes each way) from a car park and trailhead near the town. It's a popular destination, with visitors enjoying the novelty of bathing in a 'hot river'. You can move to different spots to find your optimum water temperature (the further upstream, the warmer the water). There are limited facilities here, BYO towel!
,For a nice hike with ample rewards, go for Úlfarsfell, a small mountain west of Reykjavík (the drive to reach the parking lot here should take around 12 minutes from the city center). The hike will get you a panoramic view over the capital and probably a slight sweat from the effort.
Hiking to the top of the 914-meter (2999ft) mountain Esja (also known as Esjan) is another popular way to gain big city vistas and earn some local kudos. Do a little homework before you undertake this – and always check the weather forecast before setting out.
,Visiting the city’s many parks and green spaces is another excellent free activity in Reykjavík. These spaces are especially pretty dressed in white in winter, and in spring when the first blossoms bloom. In summer, when the sun is out, these are where you’ll find the locals soaking up any and all vitamin D.
The Laugardalur neighborhood is popular for all sorts of free and low-cost outdoor activities, making it a good place to go in Reykjavík while on a budget. It's home to sports facilities such as Reykjavík's largest swimming pool complex (Laugardalslaug) and the main football pitch (called Laugardalsvöllur). The main campsite for the city is here too, and a family-focused HI hostel.
Fun fact: Laugardalur means 'hot spring valley'. The name comes stems from the fact that until the 1930s, women used to wash laundry in the area's hot springs. You'll see a few statues in the park comemmorating this. The local women who came here to do laundry walked along Laugavegur, which is how Reykjavík's main street got its name.
Within the area are the shady paths of the Botanical Garden (Grasagarðurinn) – look out for free guided walks in summer, and stop for a coffee at the garden bistro Flóran. Nearby, the small Reykjavik Park and Zoo is a sweet, family-oriented place to check out. Also referred to as Húsdýragarðurinn (the 'farm animal zoo'), it features both domesticated and aquatic animals, wild mammals and birds.
Heiðmörk is the largest outdoor area in the vicinity of Reykjavík, home to walking, cycling and horse-riding trails. It’s a lovely place to see the fall colors, and take part in seasonal activities like berry-picking between mid-August and mid-September.
Access points to Heiðmörk nature reserve are numerous (a car or bike is useful to get here). Especially recommended are Rauðhólar ('Red Hills'), a cluster of lava hills ranging in color from scarlet to crimson. The trip to Rauðhólar is around 15 minutes by car from downtown Reykjavík. Another interesting spot for a fantastic yet easy hike is the Búrfellsgjá lava channel.
Should you fancy some lovely natural surroundings for a quiet and contemplative walk (or run) with the calming hum of a small river flowing by, we have the place for you. It’s called Elliðaárdalur and is among the best-kept secrets of Reykjavík and its surroundings.
This lush and lovely oasis within the city’s limits is a valley (dalur in Icelandic) through which the Elliðaá river runs, complete with a network of paved paths which makes access easy for everyone. There's a large play area for kids, too, close to the cafe in the redeveloped power station area (Ellíðaárstöð). Getting there is a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. Buses can also take you there.
,Grótta lighthouse, and the paths in the area, are a favorite spot for a stroll or cycle, or for watching the northern lights in the darker months. It lies at the western tip of the city, and enjoys great views of Esja mountain.
Öskjuhlíð is the small central hill that’s home to Perlan. It’s a favorite woodland area for walkers, joggers and cyclists. You can combine this with a visit to Perlan and maybe a dip at Nauthólsvik.
Klambratún is a favorite neighborhood park not far from downtown, where you’ll find a branch of the Reykjavík art museum, plus playground, frisbee field and more.
Viðey is a unique option – a small island accessible for walks and calmness, especially in the summer. It’s accessed by a short ferry ride (weekends only in winter). It’s appeal lies in its combination of art, history and nature. The island is home to the Imagine Peace Tower, designed by Yoko Ono as a tribute to her late husband John Lennon.
,There are plenty of ways to experience the local culture that don't cost the earth. These cheap and free activities in Reykjavík will give you a true taste of local life.
,Reykjavík is home to festivals throughout the year that you can enjoy without spending a dime.
Culture Night, or 'Menningarnótt', held in August, is a perfect example. The event transforms the city into a hub of activities with free concerts, art exhibitions, and performances. Another great choice is the Winter Lights Festival in February, which celebrates both the winter world and the growing light after a long dark winter, featuring free events, light installations, and more.
December is another good time to visit for the pre-Christmas vibe: fairy lights adorn the city, Christmas markets are held, and there are often free (or cheap) concerts in churches. On New Year's Eve, the fireworks that light up the Reykjavík skyline are brilliant, loud, colorful and free!
In summer, there's a lot of streetlife on show. Fishermen's Day (early June) and Icelandic National Day (June 17) offer free events such as parades, music, and performances. Reykjavík Pride is a big week of LGBTQ-friendly events in August, culminating in the Pride parade and concert. Similarly, the biennial Reykjavík Arts Festival showcases a range of artistic events, some of which are free or offer tickets at a reduced rate for early bookings.
,If you’re after some evening entertainment while sticking to a budget in Reykjavík, lean into the city’s live music scene. There's loads of live gigs around town, if you know where to look - and for that, you can't beat local listings in the Reykjavík Grapevine or the Visit Reykjavík website.
Record stores, bookstores, libraries, museums, hostels (such as Loft), pubs, and hotel bars are great places to check out live bands, small concerts, classic troubadors, quiz nights, and DJ events, often with smaller crowds.
Churches host regular music performances and choir concerts. Harpa concert hall occasionally offers free concerts in the lobby or lower-priced tickets for early-bird bookings. On weekends, the downtown area sometimes features street musicians.
And if you're prepared to spend to see something unique, there are some great music festivals to center a trip on, including the superb three-day Iceland Airwaves held each November.
,Enjoying the culinary delights of Reykjavík on a budget can be both satisfying and surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. Food in Iceland is generally delicious and high quality, so it would be a shame to miss out on traveling your taste buds!
Our best tips:
Reykjavík’s street food scene provides affordable, delicious options. Try the famous Icelandic hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, where a hearty hot dog costs much less than a sit-down meal – making it one of the best cheap eats in Reykjavík.
Scattered around town, popular food halls like Hlemmur Mathöll and Pósthús Food Hall and Bar offer a range of cuisines (pizza, burgers, seafood, sushi etc) at relatively low prices, allowing you to sample various dishes without overspending – and there's the added bonus that you don't need a reservation for such places. The city has a number of theseplaces, including Hafnatorg Gallery, Borg29 Mathöll, and Grandi Mathöll (mat means food, höll means hall).
Another great choice for delicious and reasonably priced food is the excellent bakeries of Reykjavík. Seek out bakeries such as Brauð & co, Brikk, Sandholt and BakaBaka in downtown Reykjavík and surrounding neighborhoods. You can't leave town without trying a snúður (cinnamon bun).
,An extra tip: While you're in the neighborhood of Reykjavík's finest hot dogs, pop into Kolaportið, a weekend flea market where you'll find a true smorgasbord of Icelandic goods. It's a great place to pick up a well-priced lopapeysa (woolen sweater), the perfect souvenir of a trip to Iceland, or there's vintage clothes, vinyl, books, trinkets, and souvenirs. There are also a few food vendors selling local delicacies (yes, including the infamous hákarl, or fermented shark).
Whether you’re a foodie, culture vulture, or have a love for the great outdoors, you definitely won’t be short of finding cheap and free things to do in Reykjavík.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our capital so you can experience our exciting range of attractions and activities for yourself. Get inspired by viewing our full range of tours and excursions, or find out more about the best time to visit Iceland for you.
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