Iceland · REYKJAVIK SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Weather in Iceland changes by the hour, so it pays to know exactly what you are buying. These 10 reykjavik sightseeing tours come with prices, durations and what other travellers said about them.
Ride a 24- or 48-hour Reykjavik sightseeing bus with recorded commentary in eight languages. The route links Harpa and the Old Harbour with museums, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, Kringlan and Laugardalur. Hop off to explore, then use the next bus to continue. A full loop takes about 80 minutes.
“Very easy to use ,just delayed the first time probably due to being busy.”
Explore Reykjavík with a 1, 2 or 3-day City Card covering listed museums and galleries, eight geothermal pools, city buses and the ferry to Viðey Island. You must exchange your digital voucher for a physical card at a participating museum before using it. Discounts are also available at some shops, tours and services.
“Great list of places to visit, most were walkable so we visited most. Was able to drive to some of the further places. All were close enough that we visited most in the 24hr period so we definitely got our money’s worth. Impressive museums, especially the Settlement and Maritime museums. The art museum was underwhelming.”
Explore Reykjavik on a double-decker bus with 16 stops, recorded commentary in eight languages, and a pass valid for 24 or 48 hours from first use. Ride the full 80-minute loop for an overview, or hop off for sights such as Harpa, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, and Laugardalur. Entry fees are extra.
“A nice tour, with a very clean bus and good sound system. The driver was very helpful if you needed more information. What more could you ask for?”
Start at Harpa Concert Hall and explore Reykjavík aboard a hop-on hop-off bus with multilingual audio commentary. Your ticket lasts 24 hours from first use and includes admission to Perlan’s Wonders of Iceland, where you can walk through a 100-metre ice cave, see volcanic displays and take in city views from the observation deck. Perlan entry is for a set time.
“An experience not to be missed. The only guide we had was in t h e Museom. You need at least 2 hours there. Volcano and northern lights all in English only.”
Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a two-hour aurora hunt on a boat with two observation decks, indoor seating, guides, and blankets. You’ll watch the city lights fade and scan the sky above the water and mountains. The lights are never guaranteed, but a free reschedule may be possible if they don’t appear.
“We saw an amazing display of the lights and I was so happy that we weren't crushed on a bus. I really appreciated being able to move around while we were sailing. Two hours was the perfect amount of time.”
Walk Reykjavík’s center with an English, German, French, or Spanish-speaking guide. In two hours, you’ll see Harpa, the harbor, Alþingi, Tjörnin pond, Laugavegur, and Hallgrímskirkja, while hearing Icelandic history, mythology, and useful local tips. Guides have included Einar, Bjarni, Stephan I, and Jonina.
“Excellent Goyner(sic) was intelligent, funny, and so kind. The tour was educational in very entertaining manner. I would highly recommend this tour and this guide.”
Set out from Vestmannaeyjar’s harbor on a one-hour RIB tour for sea caves, seabirds, wildlife and the elephant-shaped rock formation. A guide shares island stories between lively stretches over the waves. Your group is limited to 12, and float suits and life jackets are provided. Guides have included Albert and Chris, with Captain Omar at the helm.
“Well organized, fun & fabulous experience. The longer rides were booked out but would recommend if available. The 1 hour ride leaves you wanting more!”
Fly 45 minutes from Reykjavik Domestic Airport over old lava fields, the Fagradalsfjall and Geldingadalir eruption craters, and the Sundhnúkahraun site associated with the March 2024 eruption. Your English-speaking pilot explains the volcanic terrain. The group is limited to five, but visible flowing lava is never guaranteed.
“Excellent way to see this beautiful area. Had a blast. Everything was easy and on time.”
Spend four hours exploring Reykjavik by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik. You choose the stops, from Harpa and Hallgrimskirkja to waterfront sights, Bessastaðir, and pastry stops. Guides Gudni and Bo have led the tour, though your guide is not specified in advance. Food purchases cost extra.
“We were able to personalize the tour. However the communication with their main office was very poor. My emails were responded with someone will contact you. Even said who would. And no one did. The driver said he did get my email and was aware of our requests. We did have other questions/needs that were never answered. This was not the drives fault nor was it ViatorTour’s fault. They also reached out to the company. It was the local tour company.”
Set out from Ingólfur Square for a three-hour private walk through Reykjavik’s shops and sights. Your guide can tailor the route to interests such as Icelandic books, wool, food, jewelry, or art, with stops including Hallgrimskirkja, Skólavörðustígur, and Laugavegur. A glass of wine, beer, schnapps, or coffee is included.
“We booked this tour because we only had a few free hours in the city & we didn’t want to miss the important stuff. It was well worth it. Our guide was so welcoming & shared interesting stories of the history of the city. We stopped for a hot coffee & snacks along the way. I enjoyed the shopping stops & grabbed all my souvenirs.”
Pick ice, fire, hot water or the city.
