TOP 10 CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK

1. VISIT HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH

This beautiful church is the main landmark of Reykjavik and can be seen from anywhere in the city!

It’s located in the centre of downtown Reykjavik.

You won’t miss it!

The church has a small entry fee to take the elevator to the top.

I highly recommend it. The views are insane (especially on days with clear skies)

Fun fact: It took us Icelanders 40+ years to build!

2. VISIT THE FAMOUS HOT DOG STAND

Go all the way to Iceland for a hot dog?

YES.

I’ve lived in Iceland for 26 years now and you’ll still find me here every other week ordering a hot dog.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (their name) is located in the centre of downtown Reykjavik.

A simple google maps search and find it!

Fun fact: The best place in Iceland for a hot dog will of course have a huge line!

The owners noticed this and of course, didn’t want their customers having to wait in line for a long time so they made a BIG change to their employee salaries.

Instead of paying an hourly wage to their staff. They decided to pay nothing by the hour – and instead pay an 11% commission on every single hot dog sold.

That’s how they motivated their staff to make hot dogs at incredible speed.

You’ll have your hot dog ready in a few seconds. It’s quite amazing to see.

P.S.
When you order your hot dog. Make sure you get a ‘Eina með öllu’ (one with everything)

You won’t regret it.

3. JOIN THE REYKJAVIK FOOD WALK

I recommend the Reykjavik Food Walk tour to all my friends on their way to Iceland.

Why?

Because this is without a doubt one of the most fun and delicious way to experience the culture of Reykjavik and it’s amazing foodie scene!

It’s a 3 hour food, city & history tour with a fun local where you will visit the best local restaurants and hidden gems of the city.

The price of the tour is approx. 115 USD per person – it is so very worthy as it has incredible quality of food.

… and a lot of it. You can skip lunch and dinner when doing this tour.

You can read all about and secure your spot on the food tour here.

(I recommend booking in advance as it gets fully booked ahead of time.)

You can also read the most recent reviews written from previous guests here:

4. VISIT A NATURAL HOT SPRING IN ICELAND

Fun fact:

You can find amazing Natural Hot Springs all over Iceland!

*This is technically something that happens outside of Reykjavik. But it’s such an awesome experience that I just had to mention it!

There are few things that beat relaxing in a warm and cosy hot spring while watching the Northern Lights (if you’re visiting during winter.)

Or simply getting some sun rays and enjoying a cold Icelandic beer (for those visiting during summer)

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy then my blog post: ‘Ultimate Natural Hot Spring Guide‘ will come in handy!

5. SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND

Seeing the Northern Lights is most likely on your to-do list if you are visiting Iceland during winter.

And I don’t blame you.

I believe that seeing the Northern Lights is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Their are two ways you can see the Northern Lights:

1. Renting a car and hunting them down on your own

or

2. Joining a Northern Lights tour

Both options have their pros and cons.

If you want to ensure that you have the highest possible chance of seeing the lights. Then I highly recommend checking out our blog post ‘Northern Lights Iceland | Best time & places to see them’

6. VISIT PERLAN

Perlan, or the pearl is that giant glass boob on the hill that can be clearly seen from downtown Reykjavik.

We don’t really know what actually goes on inside but we’ve heard that there is a really cool Ice Cave inside …

Also, they offer a 360° view all over the city that can be incredibly enjoyable on a lazy day.

7. VISIT HARPAN

HARPAN!

… Or as I like to call it ‘The Spaceship’

This is cool and unique Music & Conference centre located in the centre of down town Reykjavik!

It’s both fun to look at but also hosts a lot of fun events inside during the evenings (comedies, music events etc.)

It’s also the starting location for The Reykjavik Food Walk.

8. SWIMMING, HOT TUBS & SAUNAS

This is the most Icelandic thing you could do.

Us Icelanders love nothing more then to sit, relax and chat in a warm hot tub (especially during the winter time)

Reykjavik has a lot of great swimming pools to choose from.

My current favorite is ‘Sundhöll Reykjavikur’, the oldest swimming pool in Reykjavik.

It’s located right here!