Colorful architecture, lively people, Viking heritage and mischievous nightlife await you when you visit the capital city of Reykjavik. Located in the southwestern part of Iceland and surrounded by Faxafloi Bay, Rekjavik is the northernmost capital in the world. The city has the highest population in Iceland and is the center of political and economic activities. It is also the cultural and tourist center of Iceland. Reykjavik is also known for its peculiar seasonal patterns. If you come in summer, you will enjoy about 22 hours of light, the opposite during winter.

You will find it quite easy to walk around Reykjavij city center as it is a relatively small and huge center. Like other European cities, Reykjavik has cafes, international restaurants, museums, and galleries to keep you busy. If you are interested in architectural gems, be sure to visit landmarks such as the Town Hall, Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Pearl Building.

Reykjavik loves and celebrates music, and this is evident in the frequency of music shows and concerts held throughout the city. If you wander through the city center at night, there is a good chance that you will come across a musical concert. On Friday nights, the trendy bars and clubs in the downtown district are known for their wild pub crawls, known as runtur. For a more formal setting to appreciate art and music, head to the city’s major theaters, including the National Theater of Iceland and the ReykjavÌk City Theatre. At Harpa, you can also catch an excellent performance by the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra every Thursday night between September and June.

Rekjavik’s geothermal pools are a major draw for visitors, but they are also important cultural entertainment venues. Do not miss the opportunity to take a dip in these pools and relax in true Icelandic style. Some of the notable geothermal pools in the city are Sundhöllin, Vesturbjarlaug, and Nautholsvik Thermal Beach. The Hot Spring Valley is home to the city’s largest outdoor thermal pool, Laugardalslaug. The complex is a well-known sports and recreation center that will also give you access to an impressive Botanical Garden. By visiting the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at the Hellisheidi Power Plant, you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Iceland’s efforts in using geothermal energy for sustainability.

You don’t have to leave the capital to enjoy Iceland’s extraordinary natural resources. Since Reykjavik is surrounded by the sea, spend time on some of the city’s boardwalks and paths. A particularly popular one is the North Boardwalk, which offers sweeping views of Mount Esja and is home to the Sun Voyager sculpture. Faxafloi Bay is the best place to watch whales such as minkes and humpbacks. You can book with one of the many whale watching tour companies that operate out of the old port of Gisgarur. The boat trip between the port and the bay is approximately three hours.

You can also experience horseback riding on the outskirts of the city. and Esja Mountain offers an easy yet picturesque hiking opportunity. The climb can take around 4-5 hours and at the end there is a breathtaking and worthwhile panoramic view of Rekjavik.