Reykjavik holidays

From the small army of galleries, arts venues and museums to the street art and unique architecture, culture abounds in Reykjavik. Stalwarts include Reykjavik Art Museum – a fish warehouse turned contemporary art hub – and the National Museum. The most amusing has to be the Icelandic Phallological Museum, where you'll find jars containing the private parts of whales, humans, hamsters and more, if you've always wondered...

Having given rise to such international acts as Björk and Sigur Ros, the music scene is still strong in Iceland too, with the capital leading the way. Live music is a regular nightlife feature. The striking waterfront Harpa concert hall has an excellent line-up, and the city hosts around 40 annual festivals. Events include indie-focused Secret Solstice in June and on-the-pulse Iceland Airwaves in November.

Looking for a relaxing break? You’ve come to the right place. The city is home to numerous natural spas, with outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and steam rooms. Nauthólsvík Beach has an artificial hot tub and lagoon for swimming, both heated by diverted thermal waters. They’re separated from the ocean, where you can always jump in for a much more bracing dip.

A Reykjavik holiday also gets you close to nature and wildlife. For days out, Lake Tjornin is populated by Arctic terns, greylag geese and swans, while Hellisgerdi Park has an Elf Walk that's ideal for children. Then, there are boat trips to see the puffins on Lundey and Akurey islands, as well as whale watching around Faxaflói bay – a highlight for many who holiday in Reykjavik.

Weather in Reykjavik can be unpredictable at any time of year, but especially during spring and autumn. Clear skies can suddenly give way to mist or heavy rain with little warning, and high winds are common, so be sure to pack for all eventualities.

July and August have the best chance of sunshine, with average temperatures of 11C (and that’s warm by Reykjavik’s standards!). The days are longer at this time of year so it’s ideal for sightseeing, but hotels do come at higher prices. With the sun rising as early as 3am, you may also need an eye mask to get some decent shuteye.

Temperatures often dip below zero between November and March, but there's adequate compensation: you may well see the Northern Lights. The cheapest Reykjavik holidays are available at this time, though Christmas and New Year often attract a premium.

A compact city, Reykjavik is easy to explore on foot. Within a day’s wandering, you can pack in a couple of museums, an art gallery and even a concert. Elsewhere, head to the harbour for boat trips to spot whales and puffins, and enjoy a dip in a thermal pool.

Hallgrimskirkja

It's visible from virtually everywhere, but that's not the only reason Reykjavik's hilltop church catches the eye. Designed by Icelandic architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, and made from brilliantly white concrete, Hallgrimskirkja's distinctive cascades are meant to resemble basalt lava flows.

Inside, stop by the 15m (49ft) high church organ, then take the lift to the viewing platform at the top of the tower to see spectacular views across the city.

Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa's all-glass facade gleams with multi-coloured lights after dark, making it equally striking day or night. Inside, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra makes the most of the hall’s exceptional acoustics, hosting everything from jazz and techno concerts to classical music recitals.

A guided tour is a great way to find out more about the building’s history and remarkable architecture – they usually occur daily but check the website for any special events or cancellations.

Nauthólsvík Thermal Beach

For outdoorsy things to do in Reykjavik, thermal pools rank among the most popular – and you don't have to go as far as the Blue Lagoon to enjoy them.

Laugardalslaug is one of the city's main dipping areas, with an indoor pool, several outdoor pools and ‘hot pots’ (small pools of naturally hot water). The geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík takes things a step further by pumping hot water into a freezing Atlantic lagoon. Brace yourself for a cold dip, and then warm back up in a hot tub – the practice is said to have a host of health benefits.

National Gallery of Iceland

With so many museums and galleries in Reykjavik, it’s hard to know where to begin. The National Gallery of Iceland, a small lakeside gallery of 19th and 20th-century Icelandic art, is as good as any. The permanent collection rotates between works by the country’s favourite artists such as sculptors Sigurjón Ólafsson and Nína Sæmundson.

Past exhibitions have also featured work by international legends like Pablo Picasso.

Whale watching

Take a boat trip from Reykjavik’s atmospheric old harbour to go to Faxaflói bay in search of minke whales and humpbacks. Weather permitting, the three to four-hour cruises depart throughout the year and are an unforgettable chance to see these majestic creatures up close.

You may also consider combining your trip with a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, where you can see enormous to-scale models of the whale species found in the ocean close to Reykjavik.

For families

Reykjavik holidays are packed with child-friendly attractions, making it an excellent choice for a family getaway. Base yourself in Laugardalur to be near the zoo, the botanical gardens and the popular outdoor swimming pool and hot tub complex, Laugardalslaug.

Central hotels are convenient for walking between museums and to the harbour, but it can get noisy after dark. Vesturbaer is a quieter residential area where you’ll find a few apartments and guest houses away from the main hubbub. From here, it’s a pleasant stroll past Lake Tjornin to get into town.

For travellers on a budget

Iceland is notoriously pricey, but there are ways to make your Reykjavik holiday cheaper. Staying in hostels is one – some in the downtown area have affordable private rooms and kitchens for self-catering. All are within a short walk of the city’s main attractions.

Alternatively, consider heading outside of the city centre towards Hafnarfjordur to save money on accommodation. From the outskirts, it’s only a short drive or bus ride to the city centre – and you’re also perfectly positioned to explore further afield, to places like the Blue Lagoon.

For food and drink

Downtown Reykjavik is where many of the city’s restaurants are located, with several good options for vegetarian and vegan diners. You’ll also find local craft beer bars aplenty in this area, as well as gin and cocktail bars. Handily, there are many hotels here too, so you won’t have to walk far on a full stomach to get back to base.

At the old harbour, there’s another foodie hub, with cafes and gourmet restaurants that overlook the water. This area is particularly good for local cuisine and seafood. While there, pop into the Maritime Museum to learn about the fishing industry in Reykjavik, as well as where your fresh fish dinner came from.

For nightlife

Microbreweries, live music bars and daily happy hours are just part of the reason Reykjavik’s lively nightlife is so much fun. Just don’t be surprised if it’s light outside by the time you’re ready to go back to the hotel – in summer, the sun rises as early as 3am.

The majority of the late-night bars and nightclubs are in the downtown and central area, where you’ll also find hotels for all budgets. Further towards the harbour is also a good option for accommodation if you’re planning an evening out at the Harpa.

For culture

Stay in the centre and around Lake Tjornin to be in the heart of Reykjavik’s cultural attractions, as well as the city’s distinctive and colourful houses. From here, you can walk to the National Museum of Iceland and the National Gallery.

Alternatively, head further downtown and towards Laugavegur high street to be near the Hallgrimskirkja church, as well as several more museums and galleries. This will also place you close to the Laugardalslaug swimming complex, where you can experience the local tradition of having regular soaks in a hot tub.