10 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík, Iceland Off a Cruise Ship

Pulling into Faxaflói Bay on a cruise ship is one of the most breathtaking ways to arrive in Iceland. Reykjavík is among the country’s most captivating cruise stops, with striking architecture, geothermal bathing, whale watching, museums, and spectacular Icelandic nature. Many of the best things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland, from a cruise ship are close to the city center. Longer port calls can open the door to classic day trips like the Golden Circle or the South Coast.

Is Reykjavík a Popular Cruise Stop?

Yes, Reykjavík is a major hub for North Atlantic, transatlantic, and Arctic expedition itineraries. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, welcoming locals, and well-positioned cruise ports, it stands out as a passenger favorite. Not to mention, the capital promises endless things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland off a cruise ship. Cruise ships in Reykjavík usually dock at one of two main cruise ports:

• Skarfabakki Terminal, Sundahöfn: Reykjavík’s main cruise terminal for larger ships. It sits roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) east of the city center and is home to the modern Vör passenger terminal.
• Miðbakki Terminal, Old Harbour: A central and highly walkable dock close to the historic city center, Harpa Concert Hall, and the waterfront. It is most often used by smaller or mid-sized ships.

Some sailings may also use nearby Sundahöfn berths such as Korngarður. Passengers should always check their cruise documents before planning transport.

Your Guide to Things to Do in Reykjavík, Iceland Off a Cruise Ship

Whether you are in port for several hours or staying overnight, the right itinerary makes the most of your time ashore. From high-tech exhibits to classic tours, this curated list highlights the best activities in Reykjavík on a cruise.

1. Visit Perlan for Icelandic Nature, Views, and Indoor Exhibitions

Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.

For an immersive look at Iceland’s wild landscapes, even when you are short on time, Perlan is a fantastic first stop. Located atop Öskjuhlíð hill, this glass-domed Reykjavík landmark brings the island’s raw natural elements into the city. It’s ideal for cruise passengers who want a memorable Icelandic experience without traveling far from the ship.

Inside, you can walk through a real indoor ice cave and explore interactive exhibits about glaciers, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Perlan is a wonderful place to learn more about the natural wonders you may see while sightseeing in Iceland. The award-winning Áróra planetarium show adds another highlight, using vivid 8K visuals to recreate the northern lights. It’s an excellent activity for summer cruise visitors who are unlikely to see the auroras outdoors.

For travelers arriving by cruise ship, Perlan combines indoor comfort, stunning scenery, and Icelandic nature in one easy-to-visit attraction.

2. Explore Downtown Reykjavík’s Famous Landmarks

Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.

One of the popular things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland off a cruise ship is a leisurely stroll. The historic city center is compact and perfect for independent walking tours. Start your walk at Hallgrímskirkja, the towering expressionist church inspired by Iceland’s rows of cooling basalt lava. Taking the elevator up the tower provides an excellent view of the city’s brightly colored corrugated-iron rooftops.

From the church, walk down the rainbow-painted street of Skólavörðustígur toward the waterfront. Here, you will find Harpa Concert Hall, another modern architectural marvel with a geometric glass facade reflecting the colors of the sky. Nearby, you can visit the Sun Voyager sculpture, a stainless-steel sculpture of a “dream boat” by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason.

3. Walk Along the Old Harbour

Time needed: 1 hour.

Reykjavík has a rich maritime history, and the Old Harbour is one of the best places to experience it. This historic waterfront is still an active harbor, but it has also transformed into a tourist-friendly cultural district. Its colorful fishing sheds, warehouses, and piers are now home to restaurants, cafés, boutiques, museums, and tour operators.

It is an easy place to slow down, watch fishing boats, and enjoy views across Faxaflói Bay toward the mountains. As you stroll past the historic ships, you'll spot Reykjavík Maritime Museum, which is housed in a converted fish-freezing plant. The Old Harbour is also a good spot to try local flavors, from Icelandic lamb soup to creamy lobster soup. If you are planning a whale watching tour, many departures also leave from this area.

4. Join a Whale Watching Tour From the Harbor

Time needed: 3 hours.

There’s no need to travel far from Reykjavík to experience Iceland’s marine wildlife. Fitting into a standard cruise port window, whale watching excursions depart directly from the Old Harbour. It’s one of the easiest nature-focused things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland, off a cruise ship.

In the nutrient-rich waters of Faxaflói Bay, passengers may spot minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Between May and August, lucky travelers might even see Atlantic puffins nesting on the rocky islands just outside the harbor.

5. Stroll Laugavegur and Reykjavík’s Shopping Streets

Time needed: 1 to 2 hours.

If your idea of a perfect port day includes shopping, head to Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street. Along with nearby Bankastræti and Skólavörðustígur, it’s lined with independent boutiques, design shops, galleries, cafés, bookstores, and outdoor clothing retailers.

Instead of mass-produced trinkets, look for authentic Icelandic items that are easy to bring home from a cruise stop. Popular finds include a hand-knit lopapeysa, lava rock jewelry, ceramics, Nordic design pieces, Icelandic skincare, and high-quality technical wear.

6. Visit One of Reykjavík’s Museums

Time needed: 1 to 2 hours.

On rainy or windy days, museums are among the easiest things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland off a cruise ship. For a compact capital, the city has a wide range of art museums and galleries. Potential stops cover Viking history, maritime heritage, contemporary art, photography, punk music, whales, and more.

History enthusiasts can visit The Settlement Exhibition, an interactive museum built around the excavated remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse. Art lovers may prefer the Reykjavík Art Museum, which presents modern and contemporary works across three city locations. Alternatively, head to the Reykjavík Maritime Museum to explore Iceland’s deep-rooted fishing heritage and relationship with the ocean.

7. Relax in a Geothermal Pool or Lagoon

Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.

Soaking in naturally heated water is an essential part of Icelandic culture, and cruise passengers have good options near Reykjavík. Many travelers aim for the world-famous Blue Lagoon, known for its silica-rich, milky-blue waters. Just keep in mind that it sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, roughly 45 to 50 minutes from Reykjavík each way. It works best if you have a longer port call or a prearranged transfer.

For a closer luxury experience, visit the oceanfront Sky Lagoon, a short drive south of the city center. It features an infinity-edge lagoon overlooking the Atlantic, along with the signature seven-step Skjól ritual inspired by Icelandic traditions.

If you prefer to stay closer to your ship, visit one of Reykjavík’s local swimming pools to mingle with residents. Laugardalslaug, one of the city’s largest public pool complexes, is affordable and relatively convenient from the main cruise terminal.

8. Venture Inside a Lava Tunnel

Time needed: 3 to 4 hours, including travel time.

Even with limited time, adventurous travelers’ favorite things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland, off a cruise ship involve the outdoors. If you’re browsing active excursions from Reykjavík cruise port, Raufarhólshellir, also known as the Lava Tunnel, is a fantastic option. Located about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, it is accessible on guided Raufarhólshellir excursions by local tour operators.

Formed during the Leitahraun eruption around 5,200 years ago, the tunnel lets visitors walk through the path carved by flowing lava. Inside, you can see mineral-stained rock walls, dramatic lava formations, and the scale of the underground passage. The standard guided route is well-lit and includes footbridges, making it more approachable than a rugged caving trip.

9. Take an Iconic Golden Circle Tour

Time needed: 6 to 8 hours.

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, combining three of the country’s most important historic and geological wonders. It is a rewarding option for passengers with one day in Reykjavík, especially if you book a guided shore excursion.

The Golden Circle tour typically starts at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is where Iceland’s historic parliament once met and where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Next is the Geysir geothermal area, home to Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts regularly. The final classic stop is Gullfoss, a powerful waterfall that drops in two tiers into a rugged canyon.

10. Discover the South Coast on a Longer Port Call

Time needed: 9 to 10+ hours.

If your ship has an extended stay or an overnight stop, South Coast Iceland is a bucket-list adventure. It’s one of the most dramatic things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland, off a cruise ship. This full-day route takes you beyond the capital to waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches in Iceland, sea cliffs, and wide-open coastal scenery.

Classic stops include Seljalandsfoss, a famous waterfall with a walking path that leads behind the falling water. Another is Skógafoss, a powerful cascade where you can walk close to the wall of mist. On longer port stops, some tours continue to the famous black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara. This region features incredible terrain: the hidden Mulagljufur Canyon, the winding walls of Fjaðrárgljúfur, and other waterfalls of South Coast Iceland.

As the South Coast requires a long day on the road, it’s best for cruise passengers with a generous port window. It also suits an overnight stay or a private shore excursion timed around the ship’s schedule.

How to Choose the Right Reykjavík Shore Excursion

To choose the best things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland, off a cruise ship, structure your day depending on your schedule:

• If You Only Have a Few Hours: Stick to a tight city itinerary. Focus on downtown highlights such as Hallgrímskirkja, Rainbow Street, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, and the Old Harbour. For an indoor nature experience, add a visit to Perlan for its real indoor ice cave, exhibitions, and panoramic views.
• If You Have a Full Day in Port: Choose a classic guided day tour, such as the Golden Circle, or combine a shorter excursion with time in Reykjavík. A full-day tour takes you to Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall before returning to the ship.
• If the Weather Changes: Pivot to indoor-friendly attractions. Spend your afternoon exploring Perlan’s natural history exhibitions, Áróra northern lights show, and the indoor ice cave. Alternatively, visit Reykjavík’s art, history, and maritime museums.
• If You Want to Stay Close to the ship: Check which cruise port or berth you are using. From Miðbakki, you can easily explore the Old Harbor, Harpa, and downtown streets on foot. From Skarfabakki, Hafnarfjörður, or other berths, allow time for a shuttle, taxi, public bus, or organized transfer.