With its coastal setting, bustling center, and historical and natural attractions, Reykjavik is arguably one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Here are a few ways to spend time there.

• Look for the northern lights. If you travel to Reykjavik in the wintertime, you might spot these dancing lights in the night sky.
• Explore Iceland’s history. If you’re a history buff, when you visit Reykjavik, head to the Saga Museum during your free time to learn more about the country’s founding, which is chronicled through a series of lifelike vignettes.
• See a show at Harpa. Music lovers who visit Reykjavik won’t want to miss seeing a live performance inside Harpa Music Hall, which is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and plays host to performers from around the world.
• Eat your way through the city’s food halls. Reykjavik is home to five bustling food halls that serve everything from sushi to smørrebrød (the latter is an open-faced sandwich that’s commonly served in Denmark), making the city a must-visit for foodies on trips to Reykjavik. Find more tips on what to eat in Reykjavik.

Here are some highlights travelers on Reykjavik tours can check out on a guided tour or during their free time.

• Hallgrimskirkja. With its striking exterior that was designed to resemble basalt columns, this Lutheran church in the center of the city is also the tallest in Iceland.
• Sun Voyager. This gleaming, steel sculpture by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason resembles a Viking longship and is, fittingly, situated along Reykjavik’s scenic waterfront. Travelers who visit Reykjavik on our Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road tour can see it during an introductory tour of the city.
• Perlan Museum. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this nature museum is popular among visitors on Reykjavik tours thanks to its insightful exhibits and its rooftop observation deck.  
• Harpa Concert Hall. Head to this performance and conference center on Reykjavik’s waterfront to take in a live performance, or simply to marvel at its modern design.  
• Blue Lagoon. Travelers on our Reykjavik tours can visit this popular spot outside the city for a soak in its warm, ghostly blue waters, whose concentration of silica is said to be good for the skin.
• Höfði House. In 1986, Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan met inside this whitewashed home on Reykjavik’s waterfront to end the Cold War.

Here are some essentials to add to your packing list when you book one of our Reykjavik tour packages.

• A camera. To capture Reykjavik’s colorful homes and grand, natural landscapes.
• Rain jacket, pants, and hat. The weather in Reykjavik can be unpredictable, and rain is common. These items will keep travelers on Reykjavik vacations dry and comfortable.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Travelers on group trips to Reykjavik will discover that the city is compact and walkable. The right shoes will make exploring on foot all the more enjoyable. If you’re considering Reykjavik tour packages in the wintertime, be sure to bring shoes or boots with a good grip, as sidewalks and other surfaces can be icy.
• A bathing suit. Pack your favorite bikini, one-piece, or trunks for a soak in the Blue Lagoon.
• Wool base layers and sweaters. Travelers who book Reykjavik travel packages any time of year will want to bring some wool base layers and sweaters along. Cotton can trap moisture against the skin, but wool will keep you warm and dry.  
• A sleep mask. Considering summertime travel packages to Reykjavik? A sleep mask will help block out natural light that lasts late into the night this time of year.
• A reusable water bottle. Iceland’s water is clean and delicious for drinking. When you visit Reykjavik, skip bottled water and bring your own to refill as you go.

• Hot dogs. It might come as a surprise to know that Icelanders are crazy about hot dogs. Here, they’re made mostly from Icelandic lamb, as well as pork and beef.

• Skyr. Thick, creamy, packed with protein, and naturally low in sugar, skyr, which is often compared to yogurt, has been a mainstay in Icelanders’ diet for more than a thousand years. Try it with fresh berries and a sprinkle of brown sugar.  

• Fish. Iceland is an island in the far north Atlantic Ocean, and its miles and miles of coastline mean that fresh fish and seafood is readily available to eat. Cod (þorskur, in Icelandic), Arctic char (bleikja), haddock (ýsa), langoustines (commonly referred to as Icelandic lobster), scallops, and mussels are common on restaurant menus in Reykjavik.

•  Lamb. If there’s one food Iceland is most known for, it’s lamb. Icelandic lambs graze freely in wild pastures and enjoy a diet of fresh berries and arctic herbs, giving the meat a pleasant and unique flavor.

  Check out What to eat in Iceland: The best restaurants in Reykjavik to learn where to find these and other must-try treats.

• Weather in Reykjavik can be very unpredictable, so be sure to check weather reports before you travel, and come prepared with clothes that will keep you comfortable in all kinds of conditions.
• In wintertime, daylight is limited (ideal conditions for spotting the northern lights), and in the summertime, it lasts almost around the clock.
• Buy tickets in advance for anything you plan to see or do during your free time, if possible. Restaurants, museums, performance venues, tours, and other ticketed attractions can book up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out.