Are you planning to visit Reykjavik on a budget? You’ll need these tips then! Iceland is one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, with everything from car hire to guided tours to hotels coming in at eye-wateringly high prices. It’s no surprise then, that tourists often wonder what the best free things to do in Reykjavik are, so they can visit Iceland without breaking the bank. We’ve got everything you need to plan a fabulous trip to Reykjavik for cheap!
This article was written by Claire from Europe in Winter, with edits and additions by Claire from Tales of a Backpacker
Know Before You Go to Reykjavik
Before travelling to Iceland, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION IN REYKJAVIK:
$$ Alfred’s Apartments studio apartments with cooking facilities
$$: Reykjavik Lights by KeaHotels great value hotel a bus ride from the centre
$ Kex Hostel modern hostel housed in a historic biscuit factory
⭐ TOP ICELAND ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
2. From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip
3. From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers
🚌 Pre-book your bus transfer from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik
Why Visit Reykjavik?
Iceland is world-renowned for its dramatic nature (caused by ongoing geological activity) and Nordic culture. Unfortunately, it’s also infamous for its staggeringly high prices.
While many people visit Iceland for its epic scenery and natural wonders, Iceland’s capital city is often overlooked, but there’s a whole host of attractions and activities here that give a deeper insight into this unique country.
The unique architecture, friendly people, delicious food and wealth of cultural heritage all make Reykjavik well worth visiting during your Iceland trip.
But don’t worry if you’re counting your króna: there are some free attractions in Reykjavik to enjoy. Here are a few tips to help you to make the most of your visit to Reykjavik for cheap, plus the top free things to do in Reykjavik Iceland!
How to Visit Reykjavik on a Budget
I love finding cheap and free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time in Reykjavik with a very limited budget.
However, there are some things to see in Reykjavik that might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do it. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge on something else you really want to do.
For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in Reykjavik, and then treat yourself to a unique experience like a whale watching boat trip or a lava horse riding tour! Visiting Iceland in winter can also save you money as it is a less popular time to visit so you can find deals on accommodation.
In this article, I’ve picked out some of the best free Reykjavik attractions, plus some cheap places to stay in Reykjavik – and if you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular paid activities and Reykjavik tours that you might be interested in:
- Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers
- South of Iceland Full-Day Trip from Reykjavik
- Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual
- 3-Hour Foodie Adventure Walking Tour
You can browse more tours and attractions in Reykjavik here.
The Best Free things to do in Reykjavik
Stroll Along the Sculpture and Shore Walk
Everyone knows that Iceland is beautiful – but the city of Reykjavik isn’t half bad either! One of the best ways to take in the capital’s charms is by strolling along the Sculpture and Shore Walk.
This is a name given to the walkway that spans along the main road leading east from central Reykjavik. As you walk, you’ll see wonderful views over Faxaflói Bay and the rugged coastline.
Depending on when you visit Reykjavik, the walk could be green and lush, basking under a summer glow, or covered in snow with gentle light and early sunsets of winter.
While it snows in Iceland from October to April, frosty conditions aren’t always guaranteed in Reykjavik, due to its maritime location – but when I visited, the sculptures and shore walk, and the opposite coastline, was covered in sparkling snow!
This walk is home to attractions like the Sun Voyager statue which was constructed as a homage to Iceland’s connection with the sun, and the bright yellow Höfði lighthouse.
Stroll down Rainbow Street
From Hallgrimskirkja, you can take a walk down Rainbow Street, one of the most famous thoroughfares in Reykjavik. This street represents the country’s alliance with its LGBTQ+ community; it was created after a similar street was painted in Seyðisfjörður, a town in east Iceland.
The street in Seyðisfjörður was painted by a local who couldn’t make it to Reykjavik Pride one year (Seyðisfjörður is about an eight-hour drive from Reykjavik) and decided to have his own Pride celebration instead!
Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street is lined with shops and cafes, and it links Hallgrimskirkja with the city centre.
Do a Free Walking Tour
Yes, this one is free – although it’s highly recommended that you tip how much you think the tour was worth!
Iceland’s geological activity and remoteness have caused a unique culture to build up, and this walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about it.
Focusing on Reykjavik’s development as a city, along with information about Icelandic folklore and its history, the free walking tour in Reykjavik is a must-do if you want to uncover another side of Iceland.
See Hallgrimskirkja
An icon of the city, Hallgrimskirkja is the main church of Reykjavik (not to be confused with Reykjavik Cathedral). Its unique design is thought to be inspired by the landscape of Iceland and, apparently, by Thor’s hammer.
The outside is enchanting, and you can enter and see the inside for free. That being said, it does cost ISK 1300 for adults (and ISK 200 for kids up to 16) to ascend up to the top of Hallgrimskirkja and enjoy the view from the top of the tower, which is worth it if you have the cash to spend.
Look out for Northern Lights
Iceland is also famous as a great place to see the Northern Lights, and while there are plenty of excursions you can take to spot them, they certainly aren’t one of the cheap things to do in Reykjavik!
There’s always a chance that you could spot the Northern Lights in the city, although light pollution tends to make it less likely (although in the past, Reykjavik has turned off their street lights to make the Northern Lights brighter!).
Generally, the lights will be brighter the further away from the city you are. So, if there’s a good aurora forecast (you can check it out here), head to places like Grótta Lighthouse or Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach to try and catch them.
Remember, Northern Lights are only visible for part of the year. If you’re on a December, November, February or January trip to Reykjavik, you may well be lucky – they’re also sometimes visible in October and March, and less often in other months of the year.
As a general rule, the closer your visit is to December 21st (Winter Solstice), the darker it will be, and thus the higher your chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik will be!
See Reykjavik Cathedral
Hallgrimskirkja is often thought of as “Reykjavik Cathedral”, but it’s actually a Lutheran church close to Tjörnin and the City Hall.
Dating back to the 1800s, it’s a small building that’s free to enter – although it’s not always open. If you’re in the area, it’s worth popping by and seeing if it’s open!
Walk around Tjörnin Lake (The Pond)
Reykjavik’s “pond” is right in the city centre. It’s actually a series of five connecting pools and marshland, which is widely regarded as one of the best places in the city for a walk.
Of course, exploring Tjörnin is completely free of charge.
Explore the Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center
The Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center is at one end of the Sculptures and Shore Walk, and it’s a contemporary building made, as the name suggests, to host concerts.
Icelandic music generally reflects the country’s rugged nature; Sigur Ros and Of Monsters and Men are two of the most famous artists from Iceland.
Concerts at the hall do cost, and there are also paid-for tours. However, you can visit independently and explore the outside and take a look inside for free.
Hike to Grótta Lighthouse
Overlooking Faxaflói Bay, Grótta Lighthouse sits on Grótta Island (which is attached to the mainland by a spit). It’s around a five-kilometre (three-mile) walk from Reykjavik City Centre, taking around an hour to walk the distance.
The lighthouse dates back to 1947, replacing an earlier one that was constructed in 1897. The island and lighthouse are fantastic places to watch the sunset, or go birdwatching – it’s famous for Arctic terns.
If you’re lucky, you might even see whales out in the ocean! Bear in mind that Grótta Island is closed from 1st May to 15th July, which is during Artic terns’ nesting season. You’ll also need to time your walk to catch low tide – the spit is inaccessible during high tide.
Reykjavik City Hall
While a city hall isn’t usually on the list of top attractions for a city, Reykjavik’s is worth popping into, largely because there is a giant topographical map of Iceland here.
You could spend hours gazing at the map, exploring deep fjords and sky-high mountains – it’s particularly prudent if you’re about to plan a road trip around the country (or have returned from one and want to see where you’ve been!).
The City Hall also offers free toilets and WiFi as an added bonus!
Enjoy Reykjavik’s Best Street Art
The art galleries and museums in Reykjavik are generally on the pricier side for entry, but there’s one that doesn’t have any charge – Reykjavik’s outdoor art gallery!
Street art in Reykjavik has increased in popularity over the years, only adding to its reputation as an effortlessly cool city. Most Reykjavik street art is legal – meaning the wall owner has given permission for it to be there.
When walking around the city, you’ll find pieces inspired by Iceland’s nature, murals related to Reykjaivik’s history and some featuring modern culture (such as “Heavy Stones Fear No Weather” which was inspired by Icelandic band “Of Monsters and Men”).
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Located on the southern part of the Reykjavik peninsula, Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is completely free to visit, although the geothermal pool charges for entry.
The beach is home to a geothermal pool, and while the sea isn’t warm, it’s partially heated here by the geothermal water. So if you do want to swim in the sea in Reykjavik, here’s probably your place!
The geothermal pool is fairly cheap, making it a good alternative to Iceland’s costlier lagoons like the famous Blue Lagoon if you’re visiting Reykjavik on a budget.
Cheap Things to Do in Reykjavik (That are Nearly Free!)
Laugardauslaug
Laugardauslaug is a spa complex consisting of a heated swimming pool and hot tubs, and while it isn’t free, it’s well worth a mention to anyone wanting to visit Iceland on a budget.
While it’s not quite as dramatic as the Blue Lagoon, you can visit for a mere fraction of the price. Laugardauslaug is typically visited more by locals than tourists and the entry fee is less than $10.
Fish and Chips by the Harbour
You’ll need to pay a little for this – but you’ve got to eat, and Iceland’s renowned for its fish! If you’re looking for cheap eats in Reykjavik, one of the best ways to save money is to buy takeaways.
And what’s the best takeaway? Fish and chips!
This decidedly British dish is popular in Iceland because of the abundance of fresh cod in the waters.
Fish and chips Vagninn is right by the harbour, so you could buy your food and take a seat as you watch the boats bob on the marina and enjoy views out to sea.
Cheap Places to Stay in Reykjavik
Like anything in Iceland, accommodation in Reykjavik isn’t cheap, but there are a few options for budget hotels and hostels in Reykjavik.
Kex Hostel is located in a historic biscuit factory and often tops the list of best hostels in Reykjavik. With a fun, chilled-out vibe and contemporary dorms and private rooms, it’s easy to see why it’s a backpacker favourite. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Alfred’s Apartments is a good option for couples in Reykjavik; offering studio apartments comfortable beds and cooking facilities (so you’ll save money on eating out!) in the heart of the city, it’s a highly rated place to stay close to the centre. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Reykjavik Lights by KeaHotels is a comfortable, modern hotel with contemporary rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet – it’s cheaper than similar hotels in Reykjavik because it’s around a 40 minute walk to the city centre (although regular buses ply the route). >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
BROWSE HOTELS IN REYKJAVIK
Reykjavik on a Budget Is Possible!
While many of the best things to do in Iceland and Reykjavik (like the Golden Circle tour, Blue Lagoon, Fly Over Iceland and the city’s museums) do have a price tag, you can still explore a lot of the city for free or at a low cost.
Reykjavik’s urban culture oozes out of its buildings and into the streets, so even just taking a walk around the Icelandic capital is a memorable travel experience.
So whether you’re trying to spend as little money as possible in Iceland or just want to save a little before heading out to see the nation’s epic nature, it’s relatively easy to prioritise Reykjavik’s free activities when visiting!
About the Author
Claire is a UK-based travel writer and blogger. She’s travelled all over Europe and particularly loves the continent in the winter. On her blog, Europe in Winter, she aims to inspire other travellers to visit Europe in the cooler months.