Discover the best tours in Reykjavík, from hop-on hop-off sightseeing to whale watching, Lava Show, museums, and unforgettable city experiences.

Tours in Reykjavík

Reykjavik Tours

## Explore Reykjavík City Centre in its Christmas Outfit

This cultural and gastronomic walking tour of Reykjavík is a wonderful alternative to your traditional city sightseeing tour and will get you into a true Christmas mood! **Discover downtown Reykjavík with us in an intimate and informative way!** During our Reykjavík Christmas Walk we offer you an insight into our Christmas traditions old and new as well as telling you about the history, art and architecture, culture and cuisine of the city.

Our guide will welcome you, dressed in Iceland’s national costume to set the mood for this cultural and festive experience. **You’ll wander through the city centre beautifully decorated for Christmas with twinkling Christmas lights everywhere**, making stops at several interesting locations along the way. At each stop you’ll get a little taste of Iceland such as the very traditional fermented shark and dried fish as well as our Christmas favourites like malt ale that is a must on every Christmas table. We will visit the Settler's exhibition that houses the oldest ruins of a Viking farm in Iceland and Reykjavik oldest cemetery for some magical rune reading. Finally a nice way to end the tour as everyone will receive a little Christmas gift – a lovely souvenir of Iceland and this Christmas moment.

#### Do you want to add Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir to this tour? Check out our [**Reykjavík Christmas Walk & Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir**](https://www.re.is/tour/reykjavik-christmas-walk-and-gullfoss-geysir-and-thingvellir/) tour.

Reykjavík Christmas Walk

## The Reykjavik Tour in 24 hours

Take a bus tour with City Sightseeing and explore Reykjavík at your leisure, with the opportunity to hop on and off at conveniently located bus stops. This bus pass is valid for 24 hours so you take your time to enjoy a full day of Reykjavik.

It is a city that boasts the best of both worlds; a modern, trendy and forward-looking capital whilst at the same time being so close to its unspoiled nature. Reykjavik truly is a magical place to behold.

## Reykjavik Museums and Attractions

You might be interested in the different attractions at our stops like:

- Perlan museum, the [ Wonders of Iceland and Northern Lights Planetarium](https://www.re.is/tour/wonders-of-iceland-and-northern-lights-planetarium-show/)
- Life-sized models at [Whales of Iceland ](https://www.re.is/tour/whales-of-iceland/) and multiple inte ractive exhibits
- Experience all of Iceland's wonderful beauty from your seat at [FlyOver](https://www.re.is/tour/flyover-iceland/) [Iceland](https://www.re.is/tour/flyover-iceland/)
- The only live [Lava Show](https://www.re.is/tour/icelandic-lava-show-reykjavik/) in the world!
- The [Northern Lights show in Aurora Reykjavík ](https://www.re.is/tour/aurora-reykjavik-the-northern-lights-center-of-iceland-museum-visit/)for a taste of the wonderful winter phenomena!
- The [Volcano Express Iceland](https://www.re.is/tour/volcano-express-iceland/) a cutting-edge cinematic journey that immerses you in the raw forces shaping Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
- Check out our [brochure ](https://assets.ctfassets.net/a68ipajj4t9l/6Iq2alv0AzIo6MsoD9oKne/1074181fbbf72520caa89ae1c65b2afe/CS%5Fbrochure%5F2026%5Fweb.pdf) with a map of all the stops for further information.

## Operating hours and more:

May - September  
**From 08:30 to 17:30** (last arrival at Harpa at 19:00)

Open the [City Sightseeing brochure. ](https://assets.ctfassets.net/a68ipajj4t9l/6Iq2alv0AzIo6MsoD9oKne/1074181fbbf72520caa89ae1c65b2afe/CS%5Fbrochure%5F2026%5Fweb.pdf) 

For **live** location of the buses, visit [**this map**](https://bit.ly/reykjavikcitysightseeignlivemap)**.**

Hop On - Hop Off - City Sightseeing 24 hours

## **Due to operational reasons, the Hop On Hop Off bus service will be suspended from 02.03.2026 to 19.05.2026\. Additionally, the service will not be running on 26, 27 and 31.05.2026.**

## [**Click here for live map**](https://www.icelandia.com/live-map)

## The Reykjavik Tour in 48 hours

Take a bus tour with City Sightseeing and explore Reykjavík at your leisure, with the opportunity to hop on and off at conveniently located bus stops. This bus pass is valid for 48 hours which gives you plenty of time to explore the best of Reykjavik.

It's a city that boasts the best of both worlds; a modern, trendy and forward-looking capital whilst at the same time being so close to its unspoiled nature. Reykjavik truly is a magical place to behold.

  
## Operating hours

May - September: **From 08:30 to 17:30** (last arrival at Harpa at 19:00)

Open the [City Sightseeing brochure.](https://assets.ctfassets.net/a68ipajj4t9l/6Iq2alv0AzIo6MsoD9oKne/1074181fbbf72520caa89ae1c65b2afe/CS%5Fbrochure%5F2026%5Fweb.pdf) 

For **live** location of the buses, visit [**this map**](https://bit.ly/reykjavikcitysightseeignlivemap)

## Reykjavik Museums and Attractions

You might be interested in the different attractions at our stops like Perlan museum to see the[ **Wonders of Iceland** exhibition and the **Northern Lights Planetarium Show**](https://www.re.is/tour/wonders-of-iceland-and-northern-lights-planetarium-show/)**,** the [**Whales of Iceland** ](https://www.re.is/tour/whales-of-iceland/)and [**FlyOver**](https://www.re.is/tour/flyover-iceland/) [**Icelan**](https://www.re.is/tour/flyover-iceland/)[**d**](https://www.re.is/tour/flyover-iceland/) or the[ Volcano Express Iceland](https://www.re.is/tour/volcano-express-iceland/) experience**.** Check out our [brochure](https://assets.ctfassets.net/a68ipajj4t9l/6Iq2alv0AzIo6MsoD9oKne/1074181fbbf72520caa89ae1c65b2afe/CS%5Fbrochure%5F2026%5Fweb.pdf) with a map of all the stops for further information.

## Reykjavik City Sightseeing Stops:

### 1\. Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre

The stunning concert hall and conference centre is the latest landmark in Reykjavík and houses both the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.

### 2\. Reykjavik Old Harbour 

A colourful busy area with restaurants, shops and cafés. Various boat tours depart from the Old Harbour.

### 3\. Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Explore the world of the Icelandic fisheries and coastal culture. The former coast guard vessel Óðinn is also docked there.

### 4\. Whales of Iceland / FlyOver Iceland / Lava Show

Whales of Iceland is the biggest whale exhibition in the world! Life-sized models, an interactive installation and virtual reality experience. Fun for all ages.  
FlyOver Iceland offers a breathtaking virtual ride over Iceland  
Lava Show is the only live show in the world!

### 5\. National Museum of Iceland 

The permanent exhibition Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland is a journey through time, from settlement to the present.

### 6\. Lækjargata Hard Rock Café Reykjavik

Lækjargata - literally " stream street " - takes its name from the stream that once ran along the street. The famous Hard Rock Café is located in this street.

### 7\. Laugavegur Shopping Street 

Strolling down Laugavegur you will find all kinds of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars - something for everyone.

### 8\. Kjarvalsstaðir Art Museum 

It houses the works of one of Iceland´s most influential and recognized artists, Jóhannes Kjarval. You can also enjoy works from other leading Icelandic and foreign artists.

### 9\. Hallgrímskirkja Church

The church spire is 73 m high, thus making this building the tallest one in Reykjavík city. The view from the tower is sublime.

### 10\. BSÍ Bus Terminal 

Home of Reykjavik Excursions and the Flybus. From here you can join one of the many adventurous day tours heading outside the city or simply take the Flybus to Keflavík International Airport.

### 11\. Perlan 

A glass dome built on top of six hot water tanks. Inside you will find a restaurant, café and the amazing [Wonders of Iceland exhibition and the Northern Lights Planetarium Show](https://www.re.is/tour/wonders-of-iceland-and-northern-lights-planetarium-show/). The 360° view from the observation deck is spectacular.

### 12\. Kringlan Shopping Mall 

Iceland´s first real shopping mall opened its doors in 1987 and currently includes over 180 shops and restaurants along with a cinema and a public library. Next to the mall is the Reykjavík City Theatre.

### 13\. Hilton Nordica Reykjavík 

The hotel is formerly known as Hotel Esja, a name derived from the dramatically dominating Mt. Esja which provides a stunning backdrop to the capital area.

### 14\. Laugardalur Valley 

Reykjavík´s housewives and housemaids washed laundry in geothermal hot springs here in Laugardalur until the early 20th century. Today the park is home to a swimming pool, sports centre, botanical garden and the Family Park and Zoo.

### 15\. Vör/Skarfabakki Harbour (When cruise ships are in port) 

From here, you can take a boat tour over to Viðey island or stroll along the coastline to downtown Reykjavík

### 16\. Höfði House 

Höfði is considered to be one of the most historically significant buildings in Reykjavík. It was the location for the 1986 summit meeting of president Ronald Reagan and the general secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, in order to end the Cold War.

Hop On - Hop Off - City Sightseeing 48 hours

**LAVA SHOW** is the only live lava show in the world and has received multiple innovation awards and recognition for its educational and cultural value. With outstanding customer reviews, Lava Show is one of the highest rated attractions in Iceland and an utterly unique immersive experience unlike anything else in the world. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get up close to real molten lava, see it flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the incredible heat that emanates from it. Edutainment at its finest! 

  
**LAVA SHOW** has been honored with TripAdvisor’s 2024, and 2025 Best of the Best award and recognized with the 2025 Viator Experience Award.

##

Lava Show Reykjavík

FlyOver Iceland is located in the exciting Grandi Harbor District. This all season attraction takes you on a breathtaking journey across Iceland. Soar over land, sea and ice. Move with the arctic winds.  
FlyOver Iceland is an immersive flight experience. The ride utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give the guest the feeling of flight. Guests sit with feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while our film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. Before your flight begins, you’ll be immersed in the magic of Iceland in pre-ride events.  
Our flight guides, a storyteller and resident troll Sú Vitra will lead you through two unique adventures that’ll ignite your imagination with stories of Iceland, its people and the natural forces at work. 

The total duration of the experience is 30-35 minutes. We do recommend that you reserve one hour for your visit to FlyOver Iceland.  
The FlyOver Iceland building is a landmark at the Grandi district. This beautifully designed house not only holds the FlyOver Iceland flight ride and pre-shows but also a souvenir shop with handpicked local items, photos from the ride and unique souvenirs. The ground floor houses as well a café where you can relax before or after your virtual flight.

FlyOver Iceland

Perlan is a must-visit destination as one of Iceland's most recognizable landmarks and home to an award-winning museum.  
  
Stand inside a real ice cave, immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, witness the Northern Lights, and feel volcanic power. Each display tells a story about our connection to nature, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the world we share.   
  
The combination of cutting-edge technology and interactive experiences, along with captivating information and stories, makes the exhibitions unique, enjoyable, and educational at the same time.   
  
At last, enjoy the observation deck with an amazing 360° view of Reykjavik.

Wonders of Iceland experience

Perlan Admission - Volcano & Ice Cave, Northern Lights Experience

**Whale Watching Classic (2.5-3.5 hours) – Operates Year-Round**

- Our most popular option, operated on _Andrea_, our largest and most comfortable vessel.
- Family-friendly with spacious indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
- Educational experience with onboard displays of whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth.
- Guided in English year-round, with German guidance available from **May 1st – September 30th**.

**Whale Watching Express (2-2.5 hours) – June 1st to September 30th**

- Operated on _Lilja_, a high-speed vessel that gets you to the whale watching area faster.
- Perfect for those with limited time who still want a thrilling experience.
- Guided in English **June 1st - September 30th**, with Spanish guidance available **at 10:00 on Fridays.**

**Wildlife You May See:**

Expect to spot **minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises** in their natural habitat.  
  
**Departure Times:**

**Whale Watching Classic (All Year)**

- **09:00** – March 1st - November 15th
- **13:00** – All year
- **17:00** – May 15th - September 30th

**Whale Watching Express (June 1st - September 30th)**

- **10:00** – June 1st - September 30th
- **14:00** – June 1st - September 30th
- **21:00** – June 15th - July 31st (**No transfers available for this departure**)

Whale Watching

Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

Experience life-size models of 23 different species of whales at Whales of Iceland, the largest whale museum in Europe! This educational and interactive museum is full of underwater sounds, interactive exhibits, and educational information for all ages - a must-do for any nature lover while in Reykjavík!

This unique museum contains more than 25 life-sized whale models, representing every species of whale found in Icelandic waters throughout recorded history. This includes the amazing blue whale, the spectacular sperm whale, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, just to name a few. See them all in their full size!

The whale models were built and painted by hand with strict attention to detail, so that each model is based on a real individual swimming in the ocean, unique marks and all! They are soft and fun to touch and explore. With an immersive ambient atmosphere, multiple interactive exhibits, informational displays for every species, spectacular footage of whales played on a huge cinema screen, and a strong focus on conservation, Whales of Iceland is truly a BIG experience!

Award-winning documentaries are shown daily in our Fin Whale Theatre, included in the cost of admission. The films variously discuss whale conservation, research, and other fascinating subjects. Visit our website or call us to check the film schedule for the date of your visit. Located inside the theatre is a conservation exhibit designed in cooperation with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and local whale scientists, which highlights five major threats that whales face and what we can do to help.

The latest addition to the museum is a whale research exhibit, where visitors can learn about the different types of whale research being conducted in Iceland, and become a citizen whale scientist by taking part in actual research projects, thanks to a partnership with Zooniverse!

After your visit, sit back and enjoy coffee and a pastry in our Big Little Whale Café, and be sure to check out the souvenir shop, which features a carefully curated variety of gifts and other items, including many by local designers.

Live guided tours are available for free for ticket holders at 11:00 and 15:00 daily.

Whales of Iceland Museum Admission

**Experience the Icelandic horse surrounded by unique nature right outside Reykjavík’s city center.** Our friendly horses and specially trained guides will take you on a ride on excellent riding paths where you can experience the unique Icelandic horse while enjoying beautiful scenery full of lava fields and green hillsides.

  
Please note that the riding time is 1 1/2 - 2 hours, a total of 4 hours with transfer.  

  
When we arrive back at the stables enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate is available and feel free to ask our staff any questions about the Icelandic horse. This tour is ideal for both beginners and more experienced riders and is a fantastic choice for a day tour in Reykjavík.   
  
Before the Lava Tour starts we organize the groups according to riding skill level to ensure everyone gets an experience and adventure according to their skill level! At Íshestar we take pride in our personal service and limit group sizes to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour for all of our guests.
  
  
Our stables are located a short 20-minute drive outside of Reykjavik’s city center.

Lava Tour - Horseback Riding through the Lava Fields

google-tag-manager

Iceland Krona

Euro

US Dollar

Pound Sterling

Explore Iceland with Gray Line: airport transfers, guided tours, and unforgettable travel experiences across the country, all year round.

Skarfur Elvar Otkelsson <seo@icefloe.travel>