​Free and cheap things to do in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a compact city so walking around is easy, and getting from A to B doesn’t have to be time-consuming.

Walk the city!

You can walk on a self-guided (with little chance of getting lost) to cover the highlights:

• Do a zig-zag of main downtown shopping and dining streets Skólavörðustígur, Laugavegur and Hverfisgata. At one end of Skólavörðustígur is Reykjavík's landmark church; at the other end is the well-known rainbow painted on the street.
• Circumnavigate Tjörnin, the pond right in the city center, and neighboring parks and landmarks.
• Stroll the harborfront, stopping at photogenic landmarks like Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager (pictured).

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Free walking tours

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.

Themed walking tours

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.

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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, make a street-art walk in Reykjavík such a fun 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.

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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 and explore Reykjavík according to whatever takes your fancy.

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You can rent a bike to cover more ground with more speed, and scooters are widely available.

It's also worth getting acquainted with the local bus network, called Strætó. 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.

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Wandering the streets of Reykjavík is a worthy activity, and free. Admire the street art, the colorful houses, and the views of majestic Esja mountain across the water.

The big-name landmarks of the Icelandic capital are easy to admire for free. Hallgrímskirkja is 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.

Another photogenic landmark is 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 Sun Voyager monument, and with more time you can walk to the photogenic yellow lighthouse at Höfði.

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There are plenty of attractions that combine education and entertainment to give you a taste of Iceland's unique wonders. None of these are free, however!

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.

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Reykjavík is home to loads of museums and galleries where you can delve into the expected (Icelandic history, Sagas, maritime marvels, natural wonders) and the unexpected (penises and punk music, for example).

Reykjavík City Card

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 (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. You can buy a card to cover 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Free museums and galleries in Reykjavík

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.

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Libraries (and bookstores) are excellent options for 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.

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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. 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.

And do we need to mention: when it's dark, look up! Nature's finest light show is free. In fact, you can often see the northern lights in Reykjavik. 

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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 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.

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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.

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There’s a lot of green space in the city – it's 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.

Laugardalur

The Laugardalur neighborhood is popular for all sorts of outdoor activities. 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

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. Access points 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 is around 15 minutes by car from downtown Reykjavík. Another interesting spot for a fantastic yet easy hike is the Búrfellsgjá lava channel.

Elliðaárdalur

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.

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Grótta lighthouse, and the paths in the area, are a favorite spot for a stroll, 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 across the water.

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.

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There are plenty of ways to experience the local culture that don't cost the earth.

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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) cncerts 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.

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Track down live music events

There's loads of live music 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 KEX and 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.

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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:

• Don't buy bottled water. Drink tap water – it's second to none. Bring (or buy) a reusable bottle and refill it from cold-water taps everywhere.
• If you’re staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, consider cooking your own meals. Supermarkets like Bónus (look for the iconic pink pig) and Krónan offer lower prices compared to other stores. Don't buy supplies at 24-hour convenience stores like 10-11, you'll pay considerably more than you should.
• Consider eating your main meal at lunch. Many restaurants offer lunch specials where dishes are significantly cheaper than during dinnertime. This is a great way to try out higher-end places without the steep prices.
• Local snacks are the way to go: hot dogs (of course), but also try high-protein skyr (like yogurt) and dried fish called harðfiskur. And don't miss out on the great variety of local candy.
• Icelandic Coupons is an app that helps you find affordable deals across Iceland when dining, drinking and shopping, as well as discounts on tours, entry to lagoons, and more.
• If you enjoy a drink, you might suffer sticker shock in Iceland! Bring alcohol in your luggage from home, or follow the locals' lead and stock up at duty-free when you arrive at Keflavík airport.
• Make use of the happy hours in various bars across the city. Most bars have a designated happy hour period when drinks are offered at a discount, usually in the early evening. There are listings websites that can guide you to the best deals, such as Visitor's Guide or What's on Reykjavík. The print version of the Reykjavík Grapevine (pick it up around town) lists happy hours, and the app Barhopp is a good one for this information, too.

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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.

Additionally, 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 such places, including Hafnatorg Gallery, Borg29 Mathöll, and Grandi Mathöll (yes, 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).