Iceland has to be debated as one of if not the most expensive countries to travel through, but visiting the capital and cultural hub of Reykjavik does not need to be costly. Most activities suggested here can be enjoyed at an affordable price close to what the city offers transportively.
Speaking of cities, Reykjavik is quite a young city that has only 130 thousand of population. It has a captivating history – It was first established with Norsemen in 874 CE and only became independent from Denmark in 1944 as it is the world’s northernmost capital. Today it is one of the artistic and energetic cities of Iceland and acts as the cultural center of the country. Whether you are just exploring Reykjavik or just passing through, here is a list of free and cheap things to do in Reykjavik so that nobody gets bored.
Free Things to Do in Reykjavik
1. Join a Free Walking Tour
Your tour should begin with a free walking tour in order to get some ideas about Reykjavik and its main attractions. City walk is possible with local experts who inform you about the venues and give recommendations for the city for visitors. It is also important to bless your guide with a little something for the good work done.
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2. Discover Local Entertainment
Reykjavik is full of musicians, poets, painters, and other people who pursue arts in general. Watch free live bands at places such as Café Rosenberg, which may sometimes charge a few hundred Icelandic krona, KEX Hostel, HI Loft Hostel, or the Drunk Rabbit Irish Pub.
3. Seek Out Free Hot Springs
Although there is a rather expensive Blue Lagoon, there are many free or very cheap hot springs in Iceland. Nature is however at its finest with the Reykjadalur natural hot spring being only 40 minutes away from Reykjavik after a thirty-minute hike.
4. One way of joining community and making friends is through Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is active in Reykjavik. Choose local to cut costs on living arrangements or join daily happy hours to socialize and gain new information.
5. Hike Mount Esja
Located just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) outside of town, Mount Esja provides a great walking/hiking experience while affording a fantastic view of the city and the countryside as well. It is a few hours hike, and the peak stands at about 2655 feet or 900 meters above sea level.
Mount Esja
6. Visit Harpa Music Hall
The Harpa Music Hall was inaugurated in 2011 and has rapidly become a cultural and architectural icon. Visit the beautiful interior or look into their calendar of events including concerts and shows.
Harpa Opera House, Reykjavik
7. Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens
This place has over 5000 plant species, ponds that look very quiet, and birdlife. Bus tours are offered every Friday from June through August without charge.
Botanical Garden, Reykjavík
8. Explore Grótta Lighthouse
It’s positioned on the outskirts of the city, Grótta Lighthouse provides an unrestricted view of the Atlantic Ocean and it is an ideal place to go bird-watching. During winter in particular it is the perfect place to witness the spectacular display of the northern lights.
Grótta Lighthouse
9. Walk or Bike the Coastline
The coast of Reykjavik extends to mainly walking distance and good tourist spots to be visited include Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach and Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. It is best if you hire a bike though going for a professional bike tour will prove to be more insightful.
10. Admire the Sun Voyager Statue
The Viking ship sculpture called Sun Voyager (Sólfar) represents discovery or the idea of voyage or freedom. Certainly, it aims to become a famous site for photographing and attracts visitors to become familiar with the landmark.
Grótta Lighthouse
11. Catch the Northern Lights
From October to March, go out for clear nights to watch the aurora borealis dancing in the sky. If you want to take good pictures and to avoid light pollution, it is better to leave the city.
The Northern Lights
Low-Cost Activities in Reykjavik
1. Hallgrímskirkja Church
To get a good view of the city for a small amount of money get to the tallest building in Reykjavik. The architecture of the church resembles the characteristics of Iceland’s natural environment.
Hallgrimskirkja Church, Reykjavik
2. Perlan (The Pearl)
A nature museum, an ice cave, and a planetarium are available to be found in this dome-shaped attraction. Visit the 360° observation deck for 890 ISK or have a bite in the dome, where meals are served. Full admission is 4,990 ISK.
Perlan, Reykjavik
3. Icelandic Punk Museum
Situated in a former men’s public lavatory, this colorful and way-off-mainstream museum explores Iceland’s punk heritage and its descendants beginning with Björk.
4. National Gallery of Iceland
Of special interest to art lovers, this museum displays 19th and 20th-century Icelandic art with both Icelandic and international pieces.
5. Icelandic Phallological Museum
Before he undertook his 2-year sojourn in the United States, Hörður began to collect the items comprising the collection of the Icelandic Phallological Museum yesterday when he got wind of the museum founder’s outlet concerning the artifacts.
This strange attraction presents numerous specimens of the penis belonging to various animals and is informative as well as enjoyable.
6. Videy Island
Visiting this island by ferry makes It a perfect place for a picnic or for a relaxing walk. Take a tour to Imagine Peace Tower which is lit up every year from 9 October to 8 December – Lennon’s birthday and the date of his assassination respectively.
7. Árbæjarlaug Swimming Pool
This is a small water park for the family, which includes outdoor and indoor pools, several slides, hot tubs, saunas, and so on; It is significantly cheaper than Blue Lagoon many times cheaper.
Árbæjarlaug Swimming Pool
8. Savor Reykjavik’s favorite fast food — the hot dog
There is nothing more iconic than Iceland’s hot dogs, be sure to get a taste of this delicacies at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. This stand which has been in the market since 1937 remains a favorite.
9. Relax in a Cozy Café
Many of Reykjavik’s cafés are also great places in which you can read a book, or just listen to the buzz. Favored are Café Babalu, Mál og Menning, and Mokka Kaffi.
A small bistro in Reykjavik
10. Have fun at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
For only 810 ISK use of this man-knit beach entails a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and steam bath. Cool, non-heated water is available for the real brave visitors as well!
Tourists visiting Reykjavik can have an entertaining and informative time even if they are stingy and do not want to invest a lot of money. From scenic trails and historical monuments to free hot springs and temperature café, there is a lot to explore and do.