Reykjavik is an easy city to explore on foot, with plenty to see in its compact downtown district. A wealth of visitor attractions and museums await, with topics covering everything from punk to penises and sagas to sea mammals. Let’s take a virtual walk that encompasses seven of its must-see spots, all of which are within easy reach of Exeter Hotel.

The Old Harbour

Begin in the Old Harbour. Once the focus of the fishing industry, it’s an area in transition as some of the old buildings are redeveloped. Warehouses and fish processing factories have been given a new lease of life as the area has welcomed visitor attractions, restaurants, food halls and hotels. You’ll still see plenty of boats here, such as those that head out into Faxaflói Bay filled with eager tourists hoping to see whales and dolphins.

Harpa Concert Hall

The striking architecture of Reykjavik’s concert hall is as much a draw as the performances that take place in its beautifully designed interior. This magnificent building occupies a prime location on the city’s waterfront. In the sunshine it is especially photogenic, as the light catches on its geometric glass façade. At night, each of its 714 panels is lit by LEDs, so it’s worth coming back for another visit after dark.

Sun Voyager

Stroll along Sæbraut on the city’s waterfront to reach Sólfarið, the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture. Its sleek lines and reflective quality make it a firm favourite with visitors. You might think that this glittering aluminium landmark resembles a Viking longship. However, artist Jón Gunnar Árnason intended it to be a dream boat, signifying the promise of new discoveries and new horizons.

Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur

It’s not far to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, home to a range of stores and also a cluster of cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s more than a mile long, but the pedestrianised sections of the downtown stretch are typically the most interesting for visitors. Don’t pass up the chance to take a little detour along Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street, for a quick selfie.

Hallgrímskirkja

A short walk gets you to Hallgrímskirkja, the most recognisable of Iceland’s churches. The exterior of Hallgrímskirkja resembles the basalt columns you’ll find across Iceland. Thanks to its size, this remarkable place of worship is a landmark on the Reykjavik skyline and if you ride the elevator to the viewing platform at the top of its 74.5 metre high tower, it also provides a spectacular panoramic view of the capital and its rural hinterland.

Tjörnin

Today, this tranquil lake at the heart of downtown Reykjavik is a well-manicured resource for locals and visitors keen to embrace nature within an urban area. But this isn’t an artificial lake; in fact, it was created more than a thousand years ago when water was cut off from the ocean by a gravel bank. The lake is rich in birdlife, and depending on the time of year you might see Arctic terns, Eider and mallard ducks, greylag geese and whooper swans. 

Perlan

It’s a long walk – or a short drive – to Perlan, but this iconic building is worth the effort. A glass dome perches on six water tanks; outside a sculpture of four dancing figures welcomes visitors. Inside, the attraction’s exhibits celebrate Iceland’s landscapes. You’ll find an augmented reality version of the Westfjords’ Látrabjarg bird cliffs, an artificial, walk-through ice cave and interactive displays that cover the volcanic and glacial processes that have shaped this extraordinary country.  

As you plan your city break at Exeter Hotel, why not spend some time getting to know Reykjavik too?