Start your stay in Reykjavík with a trip to this antique port district, the point of departure for city tours, boat rides and more.
The hub of tourism in Reykjavík is the Old Harbour. Set out on a boat voyage around the Icelandic coast or join a walking tour of the city. Otherwise, explore the antique neighbourhood to find shops and gourmet restaurants amongst old fishing shacks.
Book a seat on a fishing boat for a taste of the freshest seafood in Reykjavík. Some boats feature barbecues, so you can eat your catch while still out on the surf. To see rather than taste the biodiversity of Reykjavík’s waters, board a puffin- or whale-watching boat. The ocean around Reykjavík can be choppy, so don’t go out if you are sensitive to seasickness. Instead, watch a documentary on the natural history of Iceland at the Volcano House or The Cinema.
Explore the Old Harbour quay. The collection of antique whaling boats and sailboats is as colourful as the Reykjavík streets. See a larger area of the city on one of several walking tours, many of which depart from the Old Harbour. Joining a tour is a great way to get your bearings at the beginning of your stay. While many tours are free, be aware that tour guides may expect a tip.
Look out over the harbour from a waterfront restaurant. The Old Harbour is one of the best places to eat in town, featuring fresh seafood and fun contemporary options like Icelandic hotdogs. For the most authentic culinary experience, try one of the local specialties, like putrefied shark or pickled ram’s testicles. Icelandic cuisine is an acquired taste, so you may want to order these dishes as appetizers. After you eat, browse the boutiques and galleries inside old fishermen’s sheds.
Start out on the Sculpture and Shore walk from the Old Harbour. This coastal path passes by the Sun Voyager, a contemporary sculpture that resembles an old Viking ship. Just east of the Old Harbour stands the New Harbour. Explore it to see boats that are still under construction. Further east, you will find the Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre, a strikingly modern structure on the waterfront.
