Despite its small size and the fact it’s oh so far north, Reykjavik is overflowing with wonderful and wacky things to do, many of which are off the average tourist’s radar. Laugavegur’s bustling shops are brimming with people, the capital’s museums are fully booked, and the Blue Lagoon is scattered with floating bodies soaking up the silky silica. While these visitor hubs are definitely ones to add to your Iceland tick list, we’ve got a few secret things to do in Reykjavik that you might want to bump to the top. From guided walks through the city’s vibrant art scene and ghost tours that’ll make your skin crawl, to the ‘I can’t believe this is in Iceland’ Botanical Garden and steaming geothermal pools favoured by locals, exploring Reykjavik’s hidden jewels is a sure-fire way to get the most out of this pretty city…
- Seek Out Reykjavik's Hidden Art Scene
- Indulge in Geothermal Bliss
- Brave a Spooky Adventure
- Explore Botanical Peace and Tranquillity
- Get Lost in a Rugged Wonderland
Seek Out Reykjavik's Hidden Art Scene
Reykjavik's art scene is a true treasure trove. Walking around the city, you'll stumble upon a world of vibrant street art, tucked away in secret corners and alleyways, waiting to be admired by the curious and adventurous. From murals that burst with colour and life to thought-provoking installations that challenge how we feel about the world, Reykjavik's hidden art scene is a feast for the eyes and the senses. The art is diverse, ranging from whimsical and playful murals to profound and contemplative pieces of graffiti, and the city even boasts a rainbow road. Wander Reykjavik’s kaleidoscopic streets with a local guide, learning all about how the city’s graffiti scene hit its stride in the late 90s and how murals took off as a kind of ‘wall poetry’, painting buildings in shades of spectacular colours. Although the art itself isn’t hush-hush, a tour of its stories and history is one of the best secret things to do in Reykjavik.
Indulge in Geothermal Bliss
Laugardalslaug (don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either) is the crown jewel of Reykjavik's geothermal pools and is more than just a place to take a dip. It's a temple of relaxation, a sanctuary of serenity and a beacon of well-being, and just happens to be one of our favourite secret things to do in Reykjavik (secret for tourists anyway – locals love it). As you step through the doors of this aquatic wonderland, you're transported to a world of pure bliss; the steam rising from the pools wraps you in a warm embrace, the sound of the water bubbling lulls you into a soft slumber and the soothing facemasks and treatments leave your skin feeling brand new. But Laugardalslaug is more than just a place to soak and swim. It's a hub of social activity, where locals gather to catch up with friends and family, so hop in and splash around in Reykjavik’s relaxing warm waters.
Brave a Spooky Adventure
As darkness falls and the moon rises, brave the city’s half-lit streets for an evening of spooky stories and ghoulie tales on a ghost tour through the city – one of the most spine-tingling secret things to do in Reykjavik. They are the perfect way to explore the city's eerie side. These hair-raising excursions take you on a journey through Reykjavik's haunted past, where you might bump into ghosts, ghouls and other spooky supernatural phenomena. You'll be led through the city's winding streets by an expert guide, hearing tales of cursed graveyards, haunted houses and vengeful spirits. The crisp Icelandic air adds to the chilling atmosphere, as you listen intently to your guide's tales of the unknown. When things get a little too spooky, end the evening in a toasty bar and even try a sip of Iceland’s famous but potent spirit, Brennivín, known by locals as the black death… so beware.
Explore Botanical Peace and Tranquillity
If you’re looking for secret things to do in Reykjavik, look no further than the lush oasis of the Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a true hidden gem nestled in a serene corner of the city and are a haven for nature lovers, boasting a stunning collection of plants from all around the world (not what you’d necessarily expect from a city surrounded by harsh landscapes and ice-capped volcanoes). As you enter the gardens, the air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of blackbirds, redwings and goldcrests chirping. The Arctic-Alpine themed area showcases the hardy plants that thrive in Iceland's harsh climate, while the Geothermal section celebrates the unique flora that thrives in the country's volcanic soil – your guide will be able to tell you the ins and outs of these shrubby celebs. While most head for the hills in search of bubbling fumaroles, rainbow-flecked waterfalls and grumbling glaciers, we’d recommend venturing here and spending a quiet moment taking in another form of Iceland’s natural beauty.
Get Lost in a Rugged Wonderland
The picturesque jut of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula (yet another one we can’t seem to pronounce) is a popular stop for twitchers, sunset seekers and those visiting Grótta lighthouse. But it isn’t on most tourists’ radars, meaning visiting this pretty peninsula is one of our favourite secret things to do in Reykjavik. With its rugged coastline, concealed coves and steaming hot springs, this secret spit is a must-visit for anyone seeking a dose of adventure and tranquillity, right on Reykjavik’s bustling doorstep. Throw in quaint fishing harbours, trendy cafes and vibrant neighbourhoods and you get a melting pot of Icelandic culture and charm. Whether seeking out the iridescent hues of the aurora borealis’ light show from the lighthouse in the winter, or simply meandering along the nature reserve, taking in the views of distant, looming mountains, Seltjarnarnes is a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland's natural landscape, while still enjoying the best of city living.
Written by Immy Kelly