12 hidden gems in Reykjavik that are off the beaten path

Iceland’s capital may be home to iconic buildings and monuments, but there’s more to the city than meets the eye. Get off the beaten path in Reykjavik and discover the most underrated attractions. Wander the old town streets, see graffiti art on every corner, and taste unusual foods around the city. Skip the popular lagoons and relax in Laugardalslaug Baths. Or journey back into the past at Árbær Open Air Museum, which is a great day out for all the family. Whether you’d like to avoid the crowds or are keen to get off the beaten track, this list of secret places, underrated attractions, and hidden gems in Reykjavik is for you.

Reykjavik’s must-see hidden gems at a glance

Off-the-beaten-track places for art lovers: The Living Art Museum, Imagine Peace Tower, street art

Hidden gems for kids and families: Lava Show, Árbær Open Air Museum, food tasting

Lesser-known places with great views: Þúfa, old town, helicopter flight

Underrated attractions in Reykjavik: Laugardalslaug Baths, fishing in Faxafloi Bay, whiskey tasting

1. See a molten-hot Lava Show

While Iceland’s volcanoes are popular with many travelers, did you know you can see natural lava without leaving the city? Witness red-hot lava being poured into a showroom before you at Lava Show, one of the most underrated attractions in Reykjavik.

Insider tip

Extend your visit with the exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, where you’ll learn how lava is created and stored.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislod 73, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

2. Support local artists at The Living Arts Museum

A non-profit art gallery run by artists, The Living Art Museum may not be the most famous of Reykjavik’s art museums, but it’s not to be missed. Focusing on alternative and experimental pieces, the exhibits here change frequently, so there’s always something new to see — plus, entry is completely free.

Insider tip

The Living Art Museum is one of the oldest artistic spaces in Europe. It is located in a former herring factory (known as the Marshall House) in the old harbor, which is one of the best places in Reykjavik to visit other museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Address and opening hours

Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavik Open 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday.

3. Visit the Imagine Peace Tower

A memorial to John Lennon from his wife, Yoko Ono, the Imagine Peace Tower is a sky-high laser beam and one of the top things to do in Reykjavik at night. The tower may be off the beaten path as it is situated on Viðey Island, but is worth the trip — the outdoor art installation is a shining beacon to world peace.

Best time to go

The Imagine Peace Tower is literally a hidden gem in Reykjavik, as the beam only shines at certain times of the year, between October and March.

Address and opening hours

Videy, Iceland. The Imagine Peace Tower is lit October 9 – December 8, December 21–31, February 18, and March 20-27, one hour after sunset until midnight.

4. Relax in geothermal waters at Laugardalslaug

Iceland may be known for its world-famous geothermal lagoons, but you’ve probably not heard of Laugardalslaug. A complex of public pools and thermal baths, Laugardalslaug is a great budget alternative to some of the city’s more famous geothermal spas.

Best time to go

While the warming waters are pleasant all year round, the best time to visit Laugardalslaug is on a weekday when the pools are quieter than on a weekend.

Address and opening hours

Sundlaugavegur 105, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open 6:30 AM-10:00 PM, Mon-Fri; 8:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sat-Sun.

5. Climb the Þúfa

Stroll the spiral path to the top of the Þúfa (pronounced “th-oo-fha”) — a hill-top art piece by Olof Nordal. The wooden fish-drying shed at the top was designed to find serenity and calm in the city.

Highlights

The top of the dome-shaped hill offers 360-degree views over the mountains surrounding Reykjavik and Faxafloi Bay.

Address

Pufa 5338+QF4, Nordurslod, 101 Reykjavik.

6. Go fishing in Faxafloi Bay

While Iceland’s fish is one of the best foods to eat in Reykjavik, is there any better way to try it than after catching it yourself? Set sail into Faxafloi Bay and go fishing in Reykjavik, catching your own supper against the backdrop of snowy mountains.

Best time to go

Summer in Reykjavik is the best time to go fishing, with the salmon season running from June to September.

7. Sample whiskeys in a local distillery

While Iceland may be known for spirits like Brennivín (Black Death), it also produces some top-quality whiskey. Visit a Reykjavik whiskey distillery to learn more about the production process and sample local drams.

Highlights

Learn about the local ingredients that go into whiskey, like barley and Icelandic spring water, and identify them as you try each tasting.

8. Seek out secret street art

While Reykjavik has many spectacular art museums, it also has a lesser-known but flourishing street art and graffiti scene. Wander through town and discover murals, paintings, and artworks on every corner.

Highlights

Many pieces of street art in Reykjavik focus on natural and environmental themes, depicting animals such as bald eagles, wolves, and fish.

9. Journey to the past at Árbær Open Air Museum

Once a 20th-century farm, Árbær Open Air Museum shows what life was like in Iceland in the 19th and 20th centuries and is one of the best museums in Reykjavik. Journey to the past in this outdoor museum and discover children’s toys and games from the last century.

Insider tip

Árbær Open Air Museum is located on the outskirts of the city but is worth the journey. It’s a great family-friendly activity in Reykjavik and makes for a great day out.

Address and opening hours

Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM daily.

10. Discover Downtown Reykjavik’s significant past

There’s no better way to discover the best hidden gems in the city than by walking around Reykjavik. Explore every corner of Downtown Reykjavik with a local guide who can show you the best secret spots in the city.

Highlights

As well as the main attractions like Hallgrimskirkja and the Sun Voyager Sculpture, you can also discover lesser-known places like the presidential residence at Bessastaðir, Alþingishúsið (the Icelandic Parliament building), the City Hall, and Höfði House, the location of the 1986 Reykjavík Summit which was an essential step toward ending the Cold War.

11. Sample authentic cuisine

Iceland’s capital may be home to some world-renowned restaurants, but there are also plenty of independent cafes and local eateries to discover. Sample the best food in Reykjavik by hopping from cafe to restaurant around the city, where you can gain local insight into the best places to eat and try new foods you might not have heard of before.

Highlights

Savor tasty meals, including hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and Plokkfiskur (fish stew), before sampling sweet treats like Kleinur (fried dough) and Skyr (Icelandic yogurt).

12. Gain a new perspective from a bird’s eye view

While most visitors to Reykjavik see the city’s sights at ground level, you can leave the crowds behind on a helicopter flight around the city. Soar high over the city and spot Reykjavik’s famous landmarks and monuments, including Hallgrimskirkja, the Sun Voyager Sculpture, Lake Tjornin, and Harpa Concert Hall.

Insider tip

Not only is a helicopter flight a unique way to sightsee, but it’s also one of the best things to do in Reykjavik for couples and is a great way to celebrate an anniversary or special occasion.

FAQs

What are Reykjavik’s most underrated attractions?

The Imagine Peace Tower is one of Reykjavik’s most underrated attractions. Its sky-high light beam is not only impressive but also a shining symbol of world peace. Skip a long day trip to Iceland’s volcanoes and visit the Lava Show to see lava up close. Or visit the Árbær Open Air Museum, which is worth a trip as it’s one of the best things to do in Reykjavik with kids.

What are some secret viewpoints in Reykjavik with great views of the city?

Climb the Þúfa for panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding snowy mountains. Or book a ride in a helicopter, leave the crowds behind, and get an aerial perspective of Reykjavik’s most iconic monuments and landmarks.

What is the best way to avoid crowds at Reykjavik’s major landmarks?

Getting off the beaten path and discovering Reykjavik’s best hidden gems is a great way to avoid the crowds that form at some of the city’s more famous attractions. Spring and fall in Iceland are also quieter times than winter and summer. If you’re keen to see the main sights without waiting in long lines, go sightseeing on wheels in Reykjavik.

Are there any hidden gems for food and drink in Reykjavik?

Taking a Reykjavik-guided food experience is a great way to discover hidden eateries and secret food spots, as your local guide can give you all the best, lesser-known recommendations. For something a little different, try whiskey tasting at a local distillery or catch your dinner on a fishing excursion in Faxafloi Bay.