Skip to content
Voykit
Set your trip — dates, party, bagsPlanner

Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Things to do · Reykjavík

Things to do in ReykjavíkReykjavík

What's on tonight and this weekend, then every evening option by kind: bars, shows, cinema, spas, sport, classes, markets, family and rainy-day picks, with times, prices and whether to book.

Key facts

Picks
34
With set times
8
Categories
9
Checked
2026-09
Budget
With kids
Rain

Checking the forecast… Rain here is often sideways and short. Plan the outdoor sight for the dry gap, then move into a pool, a café or a museum. A shell and waterproof trousers beat an umbrella in the wind.

Tonight

What is on now and later today in Reykjavík, from picks with set times. Your device clock is converted to Reykjavík time.

Checking the time in Reykjavík…

Evening light

  • Old Harbour boats and mountainsBlue hourWind is strong at the water; hold your phone tight.
  • Grótta lighthouse at sunsetEveningCheck the tide: the causeway floods at high tide.
  • Northern Lights from outside the cityNightUse a tripod and a wide lens; get away from lights.

Plan tonight

Dinner, then a show or activity, then a bar or night market, built from picks with times. Walk and ride minutes are straight-line estimates.

Working out tonight from the Reykjavík clock…

This weekend

Weekend-only markets, walking streets and shows for the coming Saturday and Sunday in Reykjavík, plus festivals that usually fall this month.

Working out the dates…

Nightlife & bars

Bar streets, rooftops, pubs and late spots, with closing times and the usual traps.

Bars in the centre open in the evening and serve until about 01:00 on weeknights and 04:30 on Friday and Saturday nights (check the venue). The legal drinking age is 20. Alcohol above 2.25% is sold only in Vínbúðin (state shops) and in bars, and prices are high: a beer costs ISK 1,400–2,200.

  • Downtown bar crawlDjammið

    AfternoonEveningLateNo bookingIndoor

    On Friday and Saturday the bars along Laugavegur, Bankastræti and Austurstræti fill after midnight and the crowd moves between them; weeknights are quieter and cheaper during happy hour.

    When
    Happy hours often 16:00–19:00; bars until 01:00 on weeknights and 03:00 or later on weekends (check)
    Price
    ISK 900–2,200 per beer (happy-hour prices at the low end) (≈ US$8–18)
    Where
    Laugavegur and Austurstræti
    Getting there
    Everything is within a 10-minute walk; taxis line up on Lækjargata late at night.

    Reykjavík is very safe, but watch your drink in crowded weekend bars and dress for the walk home in wind and rain.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Kaffibarinn (Bergstaðastræti)

    EveningLate

    Long-running bar with a red door. A cafe by day and a bar at night; small and busy on weekends.

    When
    Until Late (check)

    Map ↗

  • Prikið (Bankastræti)

    EveningLate

    Café and bar with a DJ on Friday. One of the city’s oldest bars; also serves a hangover breakfast.

    When
    Until Late

    Map ↗

  • Skúli Craft Bar (Aðalstræti)

    EveningLate

    Craft beer bar. Rotating Icelandic taps; a good first beer.

    When
    Until About 01:00 (check)

    Map ↗

  • Kex Hostel bar

    EveningLate

    Bar in an old biscuit factory. Live jazz some nights; a relaxed room.

    When
    Until About 23:00 (check)

    Map ↗

  • Micro Bar or Session Craft Bar

    EveningLate

    Small craft-beer bars. Confirm locally: bar names change; look for tap lists on the door.

    When
    Until Late (check)

    Map ↗

  • Hot-pool bar or a pool café

    EveningLate

    A drink after a soak. Some pools serve tea; alcohol is not allowed on the pool deck.

    When
    Until Pool hours

    Map ↗

  • Craft beer

    Local IPAs, stouts and lagers, often from small breweries · Craft bars downtown

    When
    Until Bar hours

    Map ↗

  • Coffee

    Filter coffee and espresso, often with a free refill · Every café

    When
    Until Café hours

    Map ↗

Live music & shows

Concerts, jazz, circus and theater that work without the local language.

  • Concerts at Harpa

    Book a week or more aheadIndoorKids: Teens

    The harbor concert hall with a glass honeycomb facade is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and hosts pop and jazz too.

    When
    Symphony concerts often Thursdays at 19:30 in season; other events most evenings (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,000–15,000 per seat (≈ US$35–130)
    Where
    Old Harbour
    Getting there
    A 5–10 minute walk from Laugavegur and downtown.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Gaukurinn

    LateNo bookingIndoor

    A downtown bar with a small stage for metal, punk, drag and comedy nights, and regular karaoke; queer-friendly and relaxed.

    When
    Most nights from about 20:00 until 01:00, later at weekends (check the programme)
    Price
    ISK 0–3,500 entry (many nights are free) (≈ US$0–30)
    Where
    Tryggvagata, downtown
    Getting there
    A five-minute walk from Austurvöllur square.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Iceland Airwaves festival

    Book a week or more aheadIndoor

    A November music festival spread across downtown venues, from Harpa to small bars, mixing new Icelandic acts with international bands.

    When
    Early to mid-November, evenings over about three days (check the dates)
    Price
    ISK 25,000–45,000 festival pass (≈ US$250–400)
    Where
    Downtown and Harpa
    Getting there
    Every venue is walkable downtown.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Evening concert at Harpa

    EveningIndoor

    The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and touring artists play here.

    When
    Evening (check the programme)
    Price
    ISK 5,000–15,000 (≈ US$45–130)
    Where
    Old Harbour

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

  • Reykjavík Pride, Culture Night or Winter Lights

    Evening

    City festivals that change the streets for a day or a weekend.

    When
    Event dates (check)
    Price
    Free or ticketed
    Where
    Downtown

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

Cinema

Where films run in English (or with English subtitles) and what a ticket costs.

  • Bíó Paradís

    AfternoonEveningLateBook same dayIndoorKids: Teens

    The city's art-house cinema, a nonprofit showing Icelandic films with English subtitles alongside world cinema, plus a bar with its own happy hour.

    When
    Daily screenings from late afternoon until about 22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,800–2,500 per ticket (≈ US$15–25)
    Where
    Hverfisgata
    Getting there
    A five-minute walk from Laugavegur.

    Map ↗Official site ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

Karaoke

Private rooms by the hour: how pricing works and which places to avoid.

  • Gaukurinn

    Live music & showsLateNo bookingIndoor

    A downtown bar with a small stage for metal, punk, drag and comedy nights, and regular karaoke; queer-friendly and relaxed.

    When
    Most nights from about 20:00 until 01:00, later at weekends (check the programme)
    Price
    ISK 0–3,500 entry (many nights are free) (≈ US$0–30)
    Where
    Tryggvagata, downtown
    Getting there
    A five-minute walk from Austurvöllur square.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

Spas & massage

Bathhouses, massage and saunas: prices, tipping and what to wear (or not).

  • Sky Lagoon

    MorningAfternoonEveningBook a day or two ahead

    A geothermal infinity pool on the Kársnes shore looking over the ocean, with a seven-step sauna, cold plunge and steam ritual; open into the evening, when the northern lights sometimes appear in winter.

    When
    Daily, about 10:00–22:00; hours vary by season (check)
    Price
    ISK 12,000–25,000 per person (ritual and private-room packages cost more) (≈ US$100–250)
    Booking
    Timed entry; book ahead for sunset slots.
    Where
    Kársnes, Kópavogur
    Getting there
    About 15 minutes by car or taxi from downtown; a shuttle runs from the central bus terminal.
    Dress and etiquette
    Swimsuit; shower without it first in the changing room, as at every Icelandic pool.

    Map ↗Official site ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Neighborhood geothermal poolsSundlaugar

    MorningAfternoonEveningNo bookingKids: Under 5, 5–12, Teens

    Every district has a public pool with hot tubs, where locals soak and chat through the evening in any weather; Sundhöllin by Hallgrímskirkja, Vesturbæjarlaug and the big Laugardalslaug are the classics.

    When
    Most open about 06:30–22:00 on weekdays, shorter at weekends (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,300–1,800 per adult (children pay much less) (≈ US$11–15)
    Where
    City-wide
    Getting there
    Sundhöllin is a five-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja; Laugardalslaug is a short bus ride east.
    Dress and etiquette
    Swimsuit; you must shower naked before entering, and staff will send you back if you skip it.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Hot-pool evening

    Evening

    The pool is the local social space; 40 minutes in the hot pot is the norm.

    When
    Until about 21:30–22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,300–1,800 (≈ US$11–15)
    Where
    Any city pool

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

Sport & fitness

Matches to watch, runs, rides and lessons.

  • Icelandic horse riding

    MorningAfternoonBook a day or two aheadKids: 5–12, Teens

    A ride through lava fields on the small, sturdy Icelandic horse, famous for its smooth extra gait, the tölt; beginners are welcome.

    When
    Rides daily, usually morning and afternoon (check)
    Price
    ISK 12,000–22,000 per person (hotel pickup usually included) (≈ US$100–180)
    Where
    Stables on the edge of the city
    Getting there
    Most stables pick up from downtown hotels or bus stops; about 20–30 minutes out.
    Dress and etiquette
    Warm layers; stables lend helmets and rain gear.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

    Kids: 5–12, Teens

    A soak with a view; the slot is the constraint.

    When
    Book a slot that fits your transport
    Price
    ISK 12,000–20,000 (≈ US$100–170)
    Booking
    1–3 days; a week in summer

    Map ↗

Classes & workshops

Cooking, crafts and guided tastings: a morning or evening you learn something in.

  • Downtown food walk

    AfternoonEvening

    A guided walk tasting lamb soup, fish and skyr; check the number of stops.

    When
    Afternoon or evening (check)
    Price
    ISK 12,000–20,000 (≈ US$100–170)
    Where
    Downtown

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

Family fun

What works with kids, by age band.

  • Reykjavík is small and safe for families, but wind, ice and short winter days shape the plan. Bring waterproof layers for everyone and a warm stroller cover; a carrier is easier on icy or steep streets.
  • Pools are the family activity: children get in cheaply or free, there are shallow pots and slides at Laugardalslaug, and the shower rule applies to children too (check the current child fares).
  • Whale-watching trips from the Old Harbour take 2.5–3 hours and can be cold and rough; check the minimum age and bring hats and gloves.
  • The Perlan museum has a snow-cave exhibit and a planetarium; the Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur suits a dry afternoon (check hours).
  • Family rooms in the centre are small and pricey; apartments in Vesturbær or Laugardalur give more space and a kitchen.
  • Supermarkets (Bónus, Krónan) sell food and drink at lower prices than cafés; a picnic in a hot-pool car park is a common plan.

  • Northern lights tour

    Book same dayKids: 5–12, Teens

    An evening bus or small-van trip out of the city lights to look for the aurora; operators watch the forecast and many rebook for free if nothing shows.

    When
    Roughly September to April, departures about 19:00–21:00, weather permitting (check)
    Price
    ISK 7,000–20,000 per person (small groups and photo tours cost more) (≈ US$60–170)
    Booking
    Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast and the operator's free-rebooking rule.
    Where
    Pickups downtown
    Getting there
    Pickups at numbered bus stops downtown or the central bus terminal.
    Dress and etiquette
    Warm layers, hat and gloves; you will stand outside in the cold.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Perlan

    MorningAfternoonEveningBook same dayIndoorKids: 5–12, Teens

    A glass dome on hot-water tanks above the city with a walk-through ice cave, a glacier exhibit, a planetarium aurora show and a 360-degree viewing deck.

    When
    Daily, about 09:00–22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,500–7,500 per ticket (children less) (≈ US$40–65)
    Where
    Öskjuhlíð hill
    Getting there
    A 20-minute uphill walk from downtown, a short taxi ride, or a free shuttle from Harpa (check).

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • FlyOver Iceland

    MorningAfternoonEveningBook same dayIndoorKids: 5–12, Teens

    A flight-ride simulation over glaciers, volcanoes and fjords, with seats that tilt, wind and mist; a good fix when bad weather cancels a day tour.

    When
    Daily, about 10:00–22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,500–6,500 per ticket (≈ US$40–55)
    Where
    Grandi, Old Harbour
    Getting there
    A 15-minute walk west along the harbor from Harpa.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Whale watching from the Old Harbour

    Book a day or two aheadKids: 5–12, Teens

    Three-hour boat trips into Faxaflói Bay to look for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins and puffins in summer.

    When
    Several departures daily in summer, fewer in winter (check)
    Price
    ISK 11,000–20,000 per person (children less) (≈ US$90–170)
    Booking
    Most operators offer a free second trip if no whales are seen.
    Where
    Old Harbour
    Getting there
    Ticket huts line the Old Harbour, a 10-minute walk from downtown.
    Dress and etiquette
    Warm, windproof layers even in July; boats provide overalls on some trips.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Reykjavík Family Park and ZooFjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn

    MorningAfternoonWalk inKids: Under 5, 5–12

    A small park of Icelandic farm animals, seals, reindeer and foxes, with rides and play areas in summer; next to the big Laugardalur pool.

    When
    Daily, about 10:00–17:00; longer hours in summer (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,000–1,800 per ticket (rides extra) (≈ US$9–15)
    Where
    Laugardalur
    Getting there
    City bus from Hlemmur, or a 10-minute taxi from downtown.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Whale-watching trip

    Kids: 5–12, Teens

    A 2.5–3 hour boat trip in Faxaflói; sightings are likely but not guaranteed, and refunds or rebooking apply on some tours.

    When
    Several departures daily in season (check)
    Price
    ISK 11,000–16,000 (≈ US$90–130)
    Where
    Old Harbour

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

  • Puffin boat trip

    LateKids: 5–12, Teens

    A short trip to the islands where puffins nest.

    When
    Late April to mid-August (check)
    Price
    ISK 7,000–10,000 (≈ US$60–85)
    Where
    Old Harbour

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

  • Horse riding tour

    MorningAfternoonKids: 5–12, Teens

    A 1–2 hour ride on Icelandic horses; check the age and weight limits.

    When
    Morning and afternoon (check)
    Price
    ISK 12,000–20,000 (≈ US$100–170)
    Where
    Near the city

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

  • Neighborhood geothermal poolsSundlaugar

    Spas & massageMorningAfternoonEveningNo bookingKids: Under 5, 5–12, Teens

    Every district has a public pool with hot tubs, where locals soak and chat through the evening in any weather; Sundhöllin by Hallgrímskirkja, Vesturbæjarlaug and the big Laugardalslaug are the classics.

    When
    Most open about 06:30–22:00 on weekdays, shorter at weekends (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,300–1,800 per adult (children pay much less) (≈ US$11–15)
    Where
    City-wide
    Getting there
    Sundhöllin is a five-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja; Laugardalslaug is a short bus ride east.
    Dress and etiquette
    Swimsuit; you must shower naked before entering, and staff will send you back if you skip it.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Concerts at Harpa

    Live music & showsBook a week or more aheadIndoorKids: Teens

    The harbor concert hall with a glass honeycomb facade is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and hosts pop and jazz too.

    When
    Symphony concerts often Thursdays at 19:30 in season; other events most evenings (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,000–15,000 per seat (≈ US$35–130)
    Where
    Old Harbour
    Getting there
    A 5–10 minute walk from Laugavegur and downtown.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Bíó Paradís

    CinemaAfternoonEveningLateBook same dayIndoorKids: Teens

    The city's art-house cinema, a nonprofit showing Icelandic films with English subtitles alongside world cinema, plus a bar with its own happy hour.

    When
    Daily screenings from late afternoon until about 22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,800–2,500 per ticket (≈ US$15–25)
    Where
    Hverfisgata
    Getting there
    A five-minute walk from Laugavegur.

    Map ↗Official site ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Icelandic horse riding

    Sport & fitnessMorningAfternoonBook a day or two aheadKids: 5–12, Teens

    A ride through lava fields on the small, sturdy Icelandic horse, famous for its smooth extra gait, the tölt; beginners are welcome.

    When
    Rides daily, usually morning and afternoon (check)
    Price
    ISK 12,000–22,000 per person (hotel pickup usually included) (≈ US$100–180)
    Where
    Stables on the edge of the city
    Getting there
    Most stables pick up from downtown hotels or bus stops; about 20–30 minutes out.
    Dress and etiquette
    Warm layers; stables lend helmets and rain gear.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

    Sport & fitnessKids: 5–12, Teens

    A soak with a view; the slot is the constraint.

    When
    Book a slot that fits your transport
    Price
    ISK 12,000–20,000 (≈ US$100–170)
    Booking
    1–3 days; a week in summer

    Map ↗

Rainy day

Indoor picks for a wet afternoon.

  • National Museum of Iceland

    Indoor

    A well-organised history museum; allow 90 minutes (check hours).

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

  • Perlan museum

    Indoor

    Indoor exhibits and a viewing deck; bus or taxi (check tickets).

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

  • Café stop on Skólavörðustígur or Laugavegur

    Indoor

    Coffee with a refill; a pastry and a table.

    Map ↗

  • Kolaportið market (weekends)

    Indoor

    Indoor market by the harbour.

    Map ↗

  • Sky Lagoon

    Spas & massageMorningAfternoonEveningBook a day or two ahead

    A geothermal infinity pool on the Kársnes shore looking over the ocean, with a seven-step sauna, cold plunge and steam ritual; open into the evening, when the northern lights sometimes appear in winter.

    When
    Daily, about 10:00–22:00; hours vary by season (check)
    Price
    ISK 12,000–25,000 per person (ritual and private-room packages cost more) (≈ US$100–250)
    Booking
    Timed entry; book ahead for sunset slots.
    Where
    Kársnes, Kópavogur
    Getting there
    About 15 minutes by car or taxi from downtown; a shuttle runs from the central bus terminal.
    Dress and etiquette
    Swimsuit; shower without it first in the changing room, as at every Icelandic pool.

    Map ↗Official site ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Concerts at Harpa

    Live music & showsBook a week or more aheadIndoorKids: Teens

    The harbor concert hall with a glass honeycomb facade is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and hosts pop and jazz too.

    When
    Symphony concerts often Thursdays at 19:30 in season; other events most evenings (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,000–15,000 per seat (≈ US$35–130)
    Where
    Old Harbour
    Getting there
    A 5–10 minute walk from Laugavegur and downtown.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Gaukurinn

    Live music & showsLateNo bookingIndoor

    A downtown bar with a small stage for metal, punk, drag and comedy nights, and regular karaoke; queer-friendly and relaxed.

    When
    Most nights from about 20:00 until 01:00, later at weekends (check the programme)
    Price
    ISK 0–3,500 entry (many nights are free) (≈ US$0–30)
    Where
    Tryggvagata, downtown
    Getting there
    A five-minute walk from Austurvöllur square.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Bíó Paradís

    CinemaAfternoonEveningLateBook same dayIndoorKids: Teens

    The city's art-house cinema, a nonprofit showing Icelandic films with English subtitles alongside world cinema, plus a bar with its own happy hour.

    When
    Daily screenings from late afternoon until about 22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 1,800–2,500 per ticket (≈ US$15–25)
    Where
    Hverfisgata
    Getting there
    A five-minute walk from Laugavegur.

    Map ↗Official site ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Perlan

    Family funMorningAfternoonEveningBook same dayIndoorKids: 5–12, Teens

    A glass dome on hot-water tanks above the city with a walk-through ice cave, a glacier exhibit, a planetarium aurora show and a 360-degree viewing deck.

    When
    Daily, about 09:00–22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,500–7,500 per ticket (children less) (≈ US$40–65)
    Where
    Öskjuhlíð hill
    Getting there
    A 20-minute uphill walk from downtown, a short taxi ride, or a free shuttle from Harpa (check).

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • FlyOver Iceland

    Family funMorningAfternoonEveningBook same dayIndoorKids: 5–12, Teens

    A flight-ride simulation over glaciers, volcanoes and fjords, with seats that tilt, wind and mist; a good fix when bad weather cancels a day tour.

    When
    Daily, about 10:00–22:00 (check)
    Price
    ISK 4,500–6,500 per ticket (≈ US$40–55)
    Where
    Grandi, Old Harbour
    Getting there
    A 15-minute walk west along the harbor from Harpa.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Iceland Airwaves festival

    Live music & showsBook a week or more aheadIndoor

    A November music festival spread across downtown venues, from Harpa to small bars, mixing new Icelandic acts with international bands.

    When
    Early to mid-November, evenings over about three days (check the dates)
    Price
    ISK 25,000–45,000 festival pass (≈ US$250–400)
    Where
    Downtown and Harpa
    Getting there
    Every venue is walkable downtown.

    Map ↗Times and prices: check (checked 2026-09)

  • Evening concert at Harpa

    Live music & showsEveningIndoor

    The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and touring artists play here.

    When
    Evening (check the programme)
    Price
    ISK 5,000–15,000 (≈ US$45–130)
    Where
    Old Harbour

    Map ↗Times and prices: check

How this page is built

Built from Voykit's data; times and prices change

14 picks come from Voykit's entertainment notes for Reykjavík, checked 2026-09. The rest are drawn from this guide’s own Reykjavík lists: the things-to-do list, experiences and tours, drinking spots, weekly events, the rainy-day plan and the like-a-local picks. A city gets this page with at least 6 picks across 3 kinds.

“Tonight” and “this weekend” use your device clock converted to Reykjavík time (Atlantic/Reykjavik) and only list picks with set times in our data. Walk and ride times in the planner are straight-line estimates. The rain switch uses a live Open-Meteo forecast. Prices are local currency with an approximate conversion; anything marked check can change, so confirm on the venue’s own site before you go.