About
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, set on the southwest coast of the island in Europe. It is a compact, walkable city, and many visitors use it as a base for exploring the wider country.
The city is known for its colourful houses, which give its streets a bright and cheerful look even on grey days. Walking through the older quarters, you will see painted facades in many shades, a sight that makes the city easy to photograph and pleasant to wander.
What a visit offers
- Strolls through the central streets, where the colourful houses are concentrated
- An evening out, as the city has a lively nightlife scene
- Easy access to natural wonders beyond the city limits
- A relaxed pace, suited to short stays and longer ones alike
Planning your trip
Reykjavík makes a practical starting point for trips into the surrounding landscape, so it is worth allowing time to head out of town as well as to enjoy the city itself. Plan your days around what you most want to see, and keep some flexibility, since conditions outside the city can change quickly.
If you are deciding whether to go, consider whether you would like a city that combines easy streets and evening life with the country's dramatic scenery close at hand. Reykjavík suits travellers who want both.