A Culture Lover’s Guide to Reykjavik

Exploring Reykjavik’s history and culture will always lead travelers to the country’s rich Viking heritage. The past is never far away in the city—in fact, it’s literally underfoot, such as at the Settlement Exhibition. Built around the unearthed remains of a Viking longhouse dating back to AD 871, it’s a head-first dive into the past lives of Iceland’s first settlers. For more medieval intrigue, step into the Saga Museum, where life-size wax figures recreate the Icelandic Sagas. Then head to the National Museum of Iceland where weapons, tools, and delicate jewelry tell the tale of Iceland's early days.

Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other nation in the world. As a UNESCO City of Literature, Reykjavik celebrates storytelling with festivals, public readings, and a deep reverence for its literary heritage. The Icelandic Sagas—epic tales of Vikings and folklore from the Settlement Era—influence everything from modern novels to TV shows. To experience Reykjavik’s literary culture, browse through bookshops such as Penninn Eymundsson or Bókin, or even head to the National Library to see manuscripts dating back to the 13th century. If you're after Reykjavik art and history tours, visit in April during the Reykjavik International Literary Festival.

Some of the best cultural spots in Reykjavik revolve around art; the scene here is as unpredictable as the weather, with bold contemporary works rubbing shoulders with Icelandic classics. The Reykjavik Art Museum leads the charge with three unique venues: Hafnarhús for contemporary exhibitions, Kjarvalsstaðir for landscapes by Jóhannes Kjarval, and Ásmundarsafn for modernist sculptures by Ásmundur Sveinsson. For more of-the-moment creativity, check out independent galleries such as i8 Gallery or the Living Art Museum; or even just the city itself, home to fantastic street art.

Insider tip: The Reykjavik City Card includes admission to the Reykjavik Art Museum.

Whether hosting backroom gigs or headline festivals, the Reykjavik music and art scene turns up the volume louder than cities twice its size. Venues such as Kaffibarinn, Gaukurinn, and Iðnó are at the heart of live music in the city, offering live sets from indie darlings and experimental acts. For crate-diggers, 12 Tónar and Lucky Records offer a goldmine of vinyl treasures—Icelandic gems and global hits alike.

Insider tip: November is when Iceland Airwaves takes place across Reykjavik, with free “off-venue” gigs in cafés, bars, and pop-ups for those without tickets.

The English have their pubs; Icelanders have their pools. While the Blue Lagoon and those like it might be tempting, residents opt for Reykjavik’s local swimming pools to enjoy a soak, swap stories, and talk about everything from politics to the weather. Joining them in the water is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik for culture lovers. Vesturbæjarlaug is the neighborhood favorite, while Laugardalslaug offers hot tubs, steam baths, and water slides for a livelier scene. Come here to lounge in a hot tub, chat with locals, and experience one of Iceland’s most beloved cultural rituals.

Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre) is an architectural showstopper and one of the top cultural attractions in Reykjavik, perched on the edge of Faxaflói Bay. Inside, it hosts symphony concerts, indie gigs, and theatrical performances year-round. But even without a ticket, it’s worth a visit to admire its design: Inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns, the shimmering glass facade reflects shifting light in hypnotic patterns. With Mt. Esja rising in the background, it’s a striking symbol of Reykjavik as a city where modern design and raw nature meet.

Forget everything you may have heard about Icelandic cuisine. Traditionally, Icelanders have feasted on dishes such as fermented shark, but the days of winter survival are long gone. Today, foodies will be surprised at the quality of cuisine on offer in Reykjavik. The city's food scene swings from street bites to fine dining with the same creative flair seen in its art and music. Get a taste of the good stuff (and some questionable inclusions) on a Reykjavik food walking tour.

Did you know?: Icelandic rúgbrauð (rye bread) is traditionally baked underground using geothermal energy.

Iceland is home to the northernmost film festival in the world, held every year in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, an uninhabited area of wilderness in the Westfjords. But Reykjavik's cinematic heart lies at Bío Paradís, an independent cinema and Icelandic institution screening Icelandic films, cult classics, and arthouse hits (often with English subtitles). It's also the hub of the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF), where filmmakers and film lovers come together each autumn.

Reykjavik’s nightlife is the stuff of legend: unpredictable, unpretentious, and utterly unforgettable. Downtown Reykjavik is compact and perfectly proportioned for bar hopping: Small historic houses-turned-bars, cozy pubs, and sleek cocktail lounges all line the streets, each with its own vibe. Locals gather at home before heading out well past midnight, but once things kick off, it’s electric—from craft beer bars such as Skúli Craft Bar to thumping dance floors at Kiki Queer Bar or Kaffibarinn. You can pass the time waiting for things to really kick off with a craft beer tour of Reykjavik.