Hotels in Reykjavik

Best time to visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a distinct summer and winter season. Winter temperatures can plummet as low as minus 86 degrees Fahrenheit but the sight of fresh snow on the ground is quite spectacular, especially when you travel in sleds. Just pack the right thermal gear and enjoy a winter visit if you wish. The Northern Lights appear from September – April but the best time to see them is September – October and February – March around the time of the equinox. June – August are the months of the midnight sun. The long days, fully operational highland roads and average temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit make it a great time to explore the city. Bear in mind that many roads in the mountains are closed from late September – June due to snow and ice, so you may not have access to certain parts of the city during that time.

Getting around Reykjavik

Reykjavik relies heavily on public transport and has an excellent bus network all over the city. A regular fare for a single ride is 440 ISK, while a 1-day pass with unlimited travel costs 1,560 ISK. Taxis run by private companies operate around the city center, and fares depend on the taxi service and number of miles traveled. You can also consider the Reykjavik Excursion bus tours to explore the city. Tours cost between 6,800 ISK – 29,900 ISK depending on the package you select. If you don’t mind familiarizing yourself with the various driving and safety rules of Iceland, then hiring a car may be a good way to explore, as many of the tourist attractions are further away from the city center. It is definitely worth checking for deals on rental cars with momondo.

Best places to stay in Reykjavik

Colorful buildings, captivating art, rich culinary choices, eye-popping design, architecture and the great outdoors, are just a few of the highlights of the world’s northernmost capital. For a capital city, Reykjavik is quite compact but has very diverse neighborhoods. Choose where to stay based on what you intend to spend the most time doing in Reykjavik.

Miðborg – City Center (101)

The heart of Reykjavik and home to several attractions, restaurants and bars, the city center will put you right in the middle of all the action and activity. Stay in spacious contemporary rooms at the 101 Hotel, next to the Icelandic Opera. Enjoy the central location of the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik, set in a charming and historic building just a short walk from the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral.

Vesturbær (107)

This charming neighborhood is a 30-minute walk west of the city center and well-connected by public transport. If you are looking to stay at a slightly quieter place near the sea, but close to downtown, this is the perfect neighborhood for you. Check out the colorful and quirky Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina, located next to the Slippur dry dock and surrounded by funky cafés and edgy art galleries. You can also consider the vibrant accommodation of Radisson Blu Saga Hotel, Reykjavik which features well-appointed rooms with views of Reykjavík’s surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Hlíðar (105)

A short walk east side of city center, Hlíðar is well-connected by buses but does not have too many bars or restaurants. You’re sure to find budget accommodation in this area that’s close to the city center. Consider the warmly decorated modern rooms of the Eyja Guldsmeden hotel set in the shopping street of Laugavegur, just a 15-minute walk from the waterfront Sun Voyager statue. You can also check out Hotel Phoenix which offers spacious rooms and is located within a short walk of the swimming pools, museums and other attractions of Reykjavik.

Laugardalur (104)

Home to the Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo, and Reykjavik Botanical Garden, Laugardalur is away from the city center, but offers a lot of outdoor activities. It’s a great neighborhood to stay if you are traveling with children. Choose contemporary accommodation offered by the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica hotel located close to the Reykjavik Botanical Garden or go for the northern-lights inspired Reykjavik Lights hotel, offering beautiful rooms with Scandinavian décor.

Háaleiti og Bústaðir (108)

This neighborhood features a lot of trails and popular outdoor activities, and is the perfect location if you wish to explore Icelandic nature instead of the city. Check out the cozy and comfortable rooms of the Arctic Comfort Hotel or opt for the beautifully designed rooms of the family-run Hotel Lotus, a short walk from the Laugardalur neighborhood.

Seltjarnarnes (170)

This lovely neighborhood, well-connected by public transport, is on the outskirts of Reykjavik and surrounded by the sea. If you are visiting during the winter months and wish to see the northern lights, this area, with the Grótta Lighthouse nearby, offers fantastic views. Book a room at the Blue House B&B located at the edge of the Seltjarnarnes Park.

Cheap hotels in Reykjavik

There are quite a few cheap hotels and hostels available in Reykjavik. Check out the lively Bus Hostel Reykjavik, located in a residential neighborhood, just a 3-minute walk from the BSI bus terminal. You can also try the Oddsson Hostel at the heart of the city center which offers hotel-like accommodation at hostel-like prices. You also have the funky B47 Hostel located in a redbrick building, just a 2-minute walk from the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, and close to the popular shopping street of Skolavordustigur. At the heart of the city center, you can stay at the Captain Reykjavik Guesthouses at 2 locations, Bergstaðastræti 60, a 2-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja cathedral or at Ránargata 11, a 2-minute walk from the Old Harbor area.

Whether you are an art and history enthusiast, a culture vulture, a nature lover, a shopaholic, or a health freak, the colorful city of Rekyjavik has something for everyone. An array of museums and cultural centers, an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and vibrant nightlife are only some of the things the city offers.

• Visit the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, a picture-postcard style white church which dominates the skyline and is visible from miles away in Reykjavik city.
• Watch a show or performance at one of Reykjavik’s distinguished landmarks, the sparkling Harpa concert hall which boasts a stylish, colored glass façade and is situated at the western end of the Sculpture and Shore Walk.
• Spend the day at the geothermal mineral spa, Blue Lagoon, located about 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik. Find yourself mesmerized by the sight of the blue waters and steam rising from its surface.
• Visit Reykjavik’s most iconic sculpture called Sun Voyager, which mimics a Viking ship. It is located along the waterfront at the Sculpture and Shore Walk.
• Drive along the 190-mile-long Golden Circle route that runs by the Thingvellir National Park. Admire the Golden Falls and the geothermal Haukadalur valley’s Strokkur geyser that gushes water 60 to 100 feet into the air every 5 minutes.
• Watch the breathtaking sight of emerald green swirls of the northern lights, a natural phenomenon which is best viewed from the outskirts of Reykjavik city.
• Stroll along the Laugavegur street to shop at boutiques selling clothes, souvenirs and specialty foods. Enjoy a meal at the wide array of restaurants offering all varieties of international cuisine.
• Visit the National Museum of Iceland for an interactive lesson in Icelandic history; from pagan rituals to contemporary art and fashion.
• Learn about Reykjavik’s first settlers at The Settlement Exhibition, and get a glimpse of life in 19th-century Iceland at Árbaer Open Air Museum.
• At Culture House, enjoy the superbly curated exhibition of artistic and cultural heritage of Iceland, and admire priceless artefacts arranged by theme.
• Wander around the buzzing Old Harbor area which is a vibrant entertainment zone lined with several museums, restaurants, cafés, and ice cream parlors.
• Don’t miss a dip in one of the many thermal pools and spas all over the city.