| Free | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Harpa Music Hall | Harbour | The building is free to visit; Eldborg concerts are paid |
| Sólfar (Sun Voyager) | Waterfront | Steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, with mountain views |
| Hallgrímskirkja | Skólavörðuholt | Listed as a free sight |
| Tjörnin | Beside City Hall | Up to 50 bird species year-round |
| Grótta Lighthouse | Seltjarnarnes | About a 15-minute bus ride; island reachable only at low tide |
| Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach | Reykjavík | Free hot tubs in summer |
In the city centre
Harpa's glass dome by Ólafur Elíasson is visible from inside and outside, and the building itself is free to visit. Austurvöllur is the downtown park with a statue of national hero Jón Sigurðsson, next to the Alþingi Parliament. Tjörnin, the pond beside City Hall, has up to 50 bird species year-round (Visit Reykjavík asks you not to feed the ducks). City Hall's ground floor holds a large 3D-printed map of Iceland. Walk Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and Skólavörðustígur and Austurstræti. Free CityWalk tours run several times daily in central Reykjavík and take about 2 hours; donations are appreciated, though not required. For the music festival, see Iceland Airwaves. The city's landmark church is covered in Hallgrímskirkja.
Beyond the centre
- Grótta Lighthouse: about a 15-minute bus ride from the centre. The island is reachable only at low tide, and nearby is Nesstofa, Iceland's oldest stone house. Winter is popular for aurora viewing.
- Þúfa and Marshall House: an outdoor art installation by Ólöf Nordal with views toward Harpa, and a contemporary art centre in a former fishmeal factory in the Grandi harbour area.
- Kópavogskirkja: modern architecture with a good view over Reykjavík from Borgarholt hill.
- Bessastaðir: the president's residence, where visitors can walk around the outside grounds.
- Hellisgerði: a park in Hafnarfjörður opened in 1923, with volcanic rocks, caves and more than 20 tree species.
- Nature: Úlfarsfell has marked trails closer and easier than Esja; Heiðmörk is a nature reserve with marked trails, the Rauðhólar red rock formations and the Maríuhellar lava cave; Elliðaárdalur valley is free to stroll.
Northern lights for free
Visit Reykjavík says the northern lights are free to see from mid-August to the end of April at spots like Grótta Lighthouse and Hvaleyrarvatn lake. You can also read northern lights tours if you prefer a guide. Clouds decide visibility, so check the Icelandic Met Office forecast.
What costs a little
Public geothermal pools cost only a few dollars, according to Visit Reykjavík; options include Laugardalslaug, Kópavogslaug, Dalslaug and Lágafellslaug. The Reykjavík City Card, valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours, includes unlimited public transport within the city, free entry to public pools and access to top museums such as the National Museum of Iceland, and Visit Reykjavík says it pays for itself in a day or two if you visit several museums, ride transport or swim. Our verdict is in Reykjavik City Card worth it. Bónus and Krónan are Iceland's most affordable supermarkets, with ready-made meals, sandwiches and snacks, and tap water is free, safe and clean.
Saving on the rest of the trip
Winter has cheaper flights and accommodation, and late spring and early fall have fewer crowds (Visit Reykjavík). If you are travelling with friends, renting a car can cost less than tours, especially for the Ring Road. See Iceland trip cost and where to stay in Reykjavík.
When you want to pay for one day
The sights above fill a city stay, but the one paid day worth planning from Reykjavík is the Golden Circle, which is open all year and needs no 4x4. We recommend the full-day Golden Circle tour with Kerid crater: 4.7 out of 5 from 27,992 reviews, from €70 on 6 November 2026. See Golden Circle tours and Perlan for an indoor paid option.
Mistakes to avoid
- Walking to Grótta at high tide: the island is reachable only at low tide.
- Expecting Nauthólsvík's free hot tubs in winter: they are free in summer.
- Paying for a City Card if you only walk the free sights.
- Feeding the ducks at Tjörnin.
FAQ
Is Harpa free to enter?
The building is free to visit; concerts in the Eldborg hall are paid.
Is there a free walking tour in Reykjavik?
Yes, CityWalk runs several guided tours daily of about 2 hours; donations are appreciated.
Where can I see the northern lights for free?
At Grótta Lighthouse and Hvaleyrarvatn lake, from mid-August to the end of April.
Are swimming pools free?
No, public pools cost a few dollars; the City Card includes them.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, it is free, safe and clean.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
