Apart from the significant historical and geological attractions that Iceland has to offer, you can also find some quirky and unusual sightseeing spots in this beautiful country. Visit Reykjavik’s modern attractions on foot, or opt for the breezier way via a Reykjavik hop on and hop off city sightseeing bus that travels up to 15 popular attractions in the city.
Perlan Museum
Built on the vision of Jóhannes Kjarval’s idea of a magnificent building where the heavens and earth could meet comes a glass dome building that sits amongst six huge tanks carrying geothermal hot water essential to locals. This prominent landmark in town is also one of Reykjavik’s best museums to visit and features exhibitions that allow a sensory experience of the power of volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy. Catch the sunrise or a glimpse of the northern lights reflecting off the beautiful glass dome here.
Admission fees: Children 1,490 ISK, Adults 2,690 ISK
Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Location: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Start your day with a bang at the world’s largest display of penises. The collection comes from a range of species including whales, seals and land mammals of Reykjavik. This museum was sparked out of curiosity for the reproductive organ and continuously searches for younger and larger artefacts all the time.
Admission fees: 1,700 ISK (US$12.50)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Location: Laugavegur 116, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Sun Voyager
Travel down to the coast of the town and along the walking path where you will see a striking steel sculpture that resembles a dreamboat. Sun Voyager was envisioned to be an ode to the sun; a symbolism of light and hope for the country. From the Sun Voyager, begin your journey to a line-up of contemporary attractions located along the coastline of the city.
Admission fees: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Beach Stone Pyramids
Keep walking along the coast, and just before you reach the Harpa Concert Hall, you will find a beach adorned with stone pyramids stacked and sculptured by fellow tourists and locals alike.
Admission fees: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Miðborg, Reykjavík, Iceland
Harpa Concert Hall
Overlooking the beach of stone pyramids is a unique boxy architecture furnished with over 700 glass panels. The concert hall has won prestigious awards such as the European Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Harpa illuminates at night with a colourful display of lights emitting from its exterior. In the day, it reflects the beauty of the nature surrounding the concert hall.
Admission fees: Free to enter, guided tours behind the scenes cost 1,950 ISK
Opening hours: 12:00 – 18:00
Location: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kolaportið Flea Market
Stop by a local market for some light grub or lunch. Kolaportið flea market hosts a range of quirky and hipster stalls selling vintage apparels, second-hand books, antiques and more. The locals frequent the market regularly, and tourists have reviewed this market as a place where one can get great products at a steal!
Admission fees: Free
Opening hours: 11:00 – 17:00 (Weekends only)
Location: Tryggvagötu 19 , Old Harbour Grófin Reykjavik Kvosin, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavik Museum of Photography
Said to hold approximately six million photographs of just about anything and everything, step into a still space where you will walk through a passage of past and modern artistic sociocultural works captured by both professional and amateur photographers.
Admission fees: Free for children below 17 years old, Adults 1,000 ISK
*Free entry for all Reykjavik City Card holders*
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Monday - Thursday), 11:00 – 18:00 (Friday),
13:00 – 17:00 (Weekends)
Location: Tryggvagata 15 Grófarhús, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Whales of Iceland
The abundance of whales in Iceland’s waters is slowly evolving to become a thing of the past with whale poaching becoming a common sight. Fun fact: Locals don’t eat whales, they fish whales to feed curious tourists at the restaurants. Visit Whales of Iceland where guests of all ages can learn about the majestic gentle giant in a high-technology, interactive and safe space.
Admission fees: Children 1,500 ISK, Adults 2,900 ISK
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Omnom Chocolate Factory
Continue your fun-filled journey with a trip to the chocolate factory! It is a perfect haven for children and adults alike. Join the guided tour where you and your family will learn the process of how chocolates are made from scratch and sample them all when it ends. Yum! Check out the souvenir store for shelves of heavenly chocolates packaged in pretty and attractive gift boxes. An amazing choice of souvenir (from 700 ISK) for your family and friends!
Admission fees: 1,000 ISK (US$7.50)
Opening hours: Subject to availability
Location: Hólmaslóð 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Þúfa
End your trail of contemporary attractions along the coastline of Reykjavik with this highly instagrammable view. Þúfa pronounced as, “th-oo-fha,” was designed by artist Ólöf Nordal as a place for tranquillity. Follow the spiral route up the top of the hill where the shed sits - an ideal place to reflect and reinvigorate your mind.
Admission fees: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Norðurslóð, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
