Reykjavik tours

Head to Reykjavik’s harbour side for a whale-watching tour and you won’t be disappointed. A range of small and larger vessels depart from this point – up to 16 a day – and set off towards Faxafloi bay, just north of Reykjavik. While the trips depart year-round, you’ll have better luck spotting these majestic marine creatures during the winter months. As you glide along the waves, your guide will point out any minke whales, humpbacks and dolphins you encounter; and you might be lucky enough to spot orcas, or blue, fin and sei whales, too.

Witnessing the other-worldly Northern Lights is one of the best Reykjavik tours you can take. Starting late in the evening, usually from 10pm, tour buses depart from along the harbourfront, close to the Harpa opera venue, and head out to the outskirts of the city where there’s minimal light pollution and clearer skies. Your tour guide will not only explain the science behind the red, blue and green stripes that are Northern Lights, but what ancient people like the Vikings perceived them to be. The photographs come out clearer than what you see in person, so don’t be disappointed – just remember to have a long exposure on your camera (a minute or more) for the most vivid shots.

Although not technically in Reykjavik, a popular tour to take from Reykjavik is that of the Golden Circle. There are a range of tours to choose from, from simple day-trips to multi-day excursions, so however long you’re planning your Iceland holidays to be, there’s a way to squeeze it in. Just east of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle area covers Pingvellir, Skalholt and Geysir, ending at Gullfoss. All are impressive sights in their own respect: towering blowholes, rift valleys and barren interiors. During the tour, the bus navigates through stunning flat landscapes, framed by hills in the distance.

Perlan (The Pearl) looks like something from out of this world, its curved-glass dome sat atop six giant hot water tanks. It might look like it’s been beamed down from space, but inside is a more sophisticated affair. Take a lift up to the fourth floor for superlative views across the city, or splash the cash by dining in their revolving restaurant. As for the tour itself, pay a visit to the museum where you’ll be shown around the ice cave (wrap up warm!) and glacier exhibition. From the city centre, take one of the free shuttle buses departing from the Harpa, or take yourself there on a 10min drive.

The impressive Harpa is a state-of-the-art performance venue that’s just as striking on the outside as it is on the inside. During your guided tour, your expert guide will show you around the beautiful, award-winning architecture, and listen as they explain how Icelandic elements of nature inspired the design and facade of the building. You’ll also get a sneak peek of sections that are usually off-limits to the public, and see first-hand why it’s Reykjavik’s proudest achievement.

Fancy seeing a round-up of the top attractions in Reykjavik? Book onto a city walking tour and immerse yourself in all things Icelandic, from historic houses to modern-day monuments. Your local guide will navigate you along the harbourfront, up the colourful Laugavegur street and culminating at the striking Hallgrimskirkja church – with a fair few added extras in between, too!