Reykjavik’s heartbeat – Culture, colour, and volcanoes
Begin your Reykjavik city center adventure with Volcano Express – an unforgettable volcano show in the heart of Harpa Concert Hall.
Iceland’s capital isn’t just a gateway to glaciers and geysers – it's a vibrant canvas of street art, design, music, and storytelling. In Reykjavik’s downtown, every corner hums with creativity. You'll find rainbow-painted pavements, sculpture-studded waterfronts, cosy cafés filled with locals, and a skyline crowned by the soaring Hallgrímskirkja. But beneath all this colour lies something deeper – a land forged by fire.
That’s where your journey should begin.
Nestled within the shimmering glass geometry of Harpa Reykjavik, the Volcano Express experience is more than a show – it's an immersion into Iceland’s molten heart. Through rumbling soundscapes, searing visuals, and heat you can feel, this cinematic exhibition plunges you into the primal forces that shaped this island and continue to redefine it. Before you walk the city streets, let Volcano Express give you the story under your feet.
Just steps from hotels, harbour side cafés, and the city’s top attractions, this indoor spectacle is the perfect all-weather introduction to Iceland – and a stirring prelude to the culture-rich streets of Reykjavik downtown.
Start here: Volcano Express at Harpa – A city center essential
If there’s one thing to do before exploring Reykjavik on foot, it’s Volcano Express – the city’s most electrifying indoor experience, located right inside the iconic Harpa Concert Hall.
Step into a world where lava flows, ash clouds rise, and the Earth trembles beneath your feet. This isn’t a museum or a traditional exhibit – it’s a cinematic journey into Iceland’s fiery core. Through a 360° projection, immersive sound design, vibrating floors, and sudden bursts of heat, Volcano Express brings you face to face with the raw power of nature. It’s storytelling through the senses – a visceral introduction to the forces that have shaped Iceland, and continue to do so today.
The Experience:
- Duration: 9 minutes
- Ideal for all ages – from curious kids to seasoned travellers
- Fully indoors – perfect for any weather, any season
- No need for hiking boots – just step in and sit back
Tickets & info:
Book in advance or on the day at here. The show runs every 15 minutes throughout the day, and the entire experience fits perfectly into a relaxed city itinerary.
How to get there:
Volcano Express is located within Harpa Reykjavik, right by the Old Harbour and within walking distance of most downtown hotels. You’ll spot Harpa’s shimmering glass facade from nearly every angle of the city center – just follow the shoreline or hop off at the nearest city bus stop.
Whether you’re in town for a day or staying longer, Volcano Express is the perfect place to start. It sets the stage for everything that follows – the landscapes, the legends, and the lava beneath your feet.
Strolling the Old Harbour
Just a few steps from Harpa Concert Hall and the Volcano Express experience, you’ll find yourself drawn into one of Reykjavik’s most charming and photogenic neighbourhoods — the Old Harbour.
This is where the city meets the sea, where fishing boats bob gently in the marina and seagulls glide above colourful rooftops. It’s a place that invites slow wandering, camera in hand and senses wide open. On clear days, the view across the bay to the snow-capped slopes of Mount Esja is pure magic — a sweeping, cinematic backdrop to this peaceful stretch of waterfront.
Art & Atmosphere
The Old Harbour is a canvas of creativity. Here you’ll find independent art galleries, open studios, and playful street murals splashed across old fish-packing houses turned cultural hubs. Browse whimsical puffin gift shops, pop into the Reykjavik Art Museum’s harbour outpost, or simply admire the urban art that turns every alley into a gallery.
Eat by the ocean
When hunger strikes, this is the place to be. Local favourites like Höfnin serve fresh seafood with a view of the marina, while Kopar offers Icelandic fusion in a rustic-chic setting just metres from the water. For something casual and quick, head to Reykjavik Fish, famous for its flaky fish and chips served with Icelandic flair.
Adventure calls
If you’re craving more than a stroll, the harbour is also the launchpad for whale watching, puffin tours, and northern lights cruises. Tour operators line the marina offering departures throughout the day and evening – no need to travel far for a full-on ocean adventure.
The Old Harbour captures the spirit of Reykjavik beautifully – a balance of heritage and hip, salty air and artistic soul. And best of all? It’s just a stone’s throw from Volcano Express, making it the perfect next stop on your city center journey.
Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church
No visit to Reykjavik is complete without standing beneath the soaring steeple of Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s most recognisable landmark. Inspired by the sweeping basalt columns of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, this modernist church rises like a geyser above the skyline, visible from nearly every corner of downtown.
Inside, a quiet elegance awaits — a spacious, light-filled nave and one of the largest pipe organs in Europe. But the real highlight lies at the top.
Take the elevator to the church tower’s viewing platform and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over Reykjavik’s patchwork of colourful rooftops, the glistening Faxaflói Bay, and the distant silhouettes of mountains and lava fields beyond. On a clear day, it’s one of the best spots in the city to get your bearings — and a photo that captures the city in a single frame.
Just below the church, the vibrant street of Skólavörðustígur — often dubbed Rainbow Street for its painted walkway — leads you straight into the city’s creative core. Lined with independent boutiques, design stores, cosy cafés, and striking street art, this is where Reykjavik’s artistic spirit comes alive. From handmade woollen goods and lava jewellery to curated bookshops and galleries, it’s a haven for thoughtful souvenirs and local finds.
It’s easy to spend an hour or two here — browsing, sipping, and soaking in the views — before continuing your walk through the heart of Reykjavik. And thanks to its close proximity to Harpa and the Old Harbour, Hallgrímskirkja fits seamlessly into a one-day downtown itinerary.
Café culture and foodie stops
Reykjavik may be small in size, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to coffee and cuisine. Whether you're after third-wave espresso, flaky pastries, or Icelandic street food with a story, downtown Reykjavik serves it all within walking distance.
Reykjavik Roasters is a must for coffee purists. Tucked behind Hallgrímskirkja, it roasts small batches of ethically sourced beans and serves them with minimalist flair. Just down the street, Mokka Kaffi offers something different — one of the city's oldest cafés, it’s a retro refuge known for its waffles, espresso, and rotating art exhibitions.
If you’re craving something more substantial, Sandholt Bakery on Laugavegur is a downtown classic. With artisan bread, cardamom buns, and beautifully presented breakfast plates, it’s the kind of place where one pastry always leads to two.
For something more eclectic, head to Reykjavik’s stylish food halls. Posthús Food Hall, located near the Old Harbour, offers a sleek but casual atmosphere with global flavours and local ingredients. Over at Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall, modern design meets culinary variety — perfect for groups or indecisive appetites.
And of course, no food-focused stroll through Reykjavik would be complete without trying a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu. This iconic stand has been serving up Iceland’s favourite street food since 1937. Topped with crispy onions, sweet mustard, and remoulade, it’s a snack with cult status — quick, cheap, and surprisingly addictive.
Whether you're fuelling up for more city adventures or winding down after a show at Harpa, Reykjavik’s café and food scene is designed to be discovered slowly and savoured fully.
Museums and galleries
For a deeper dive into Iceland’s history, creativity, and curious quirks, Reykjavik’s city center offers a compact but compelling cluster of museums and galleries — all within easy walking distance from Harpa and most downtown hotels.
Start with the Reykjavík Art Museum, which spans three unique locations, including the harbour-side Hafnarhús. Here, contemporary Icelandic artists share wall space with provocative international exhibitions, making it a bold and ever-changing reflection of the city’s creative spirit.
Just a few minutes’ walk inland, the Settlement Exhibition takes you back to Reykjavik’s beginnings — quite literally. Built around the excavated ruins of a Viking longhouse, this immersive site uses holograms, artefacts, and cutting-edge tech to tell the story of Iceland’s earliest settlers and how the land has evolved through centuries of volcanic and human activity.
For lovers of traditional and modern art alike, the National Gallery of Iceland offers a thoughtful collection of works by Icelandic masters and rising talents, housed in a serene space near the city’s lake, Tjörnin.
And for something truly unforgettable — and undeniably Icelandic — there’s the Icelandic Phallological Museum, located at Hafnartorg. Equal parts scientific and eccentric, it’s home to the world’s largest collection of phallic specimens from land and sea mammals. It’s certainly not your average museum visit, but it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
Whether you're drawn to Vikings, visual arts, or the wonderfully weird, Reykjavik’s downtown cultural offerings ensure there’s always more to discover — no tour bus required.
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Shopping & local design
Downtown Reykjavik is more than just souvenirs — it’s a showcase of Iceland’s creative soul. Whether you're after fashion, design, or meaningful keepsakes, the city centre offers plenty of ways to shop local and stylish.
Start with Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. Once a residential lane, it's now home to a vibrant mix of boutiques, concept stores, bookshops, and design studios. Here, you’ll find everything from hand-knitted Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa) to contemporary lava jewellery that carries the island’s volcanic story in every piece.
Among the standout local brands, look for minimalist Nordic fashion, sustainable outdoor gear, and homeware that blends form with Icelandic function. Many shops are independent and locally run, giving visitors a chance to connect directly with the makers and stories behind the products.
A short walk down to the waterfront leads you to the Hafnartorg Gallery — Reykjavik’s newest and most modern shopping and fashion district. Sleek and architecturally striking, it hosts a curated selection of international brands alongside Icelandic labels, all within a stylish and easy-to-navigate indoor space. It’s also home to a lively food hall, so you can recharge mid-browse.
Whether you’re picking up a cosy scarf, a handmade ceramic, or a striking photograph of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, shopping in Reykjavik is as much about connection as it is about consumption — a chance to carry a piece of the island home with you.
One perfect day in Reykjavik city center
Short on time but eager to make every moment count? Here’s how to spend one unforgettable day in downtown Reykjavik — full of art, flavour, and volcanic energy, all at your own pace.
Morning: Start with Volcano Express at Harpa
Begin your day inside the glassy embrace of Harpa Concert Hall, where Volcano Express sets the tone with fire, heat, and storytelling. In a show running every 15 minutes, you’ll gain a visceral understanding of Iceland’s geological drama — a cinematic, sensory experience that brings the island’s natural forces to life.
Mid-Morning: A stroll through the Old Harbour & a museum stop
Step outside and head toward the Old Harbour, where the salty breeze, bobbing boats, and views of Mount Esja invite a slower stride. Pop into a local gallery or wander through the Reykjavík Art Museum, or take a detour into the Settlement Exhibition to time-travel through Reykjavik’s Viking roots.
Lunch: Food hall flavours or seaside dining
When hunger calls, you’ve got options: keep it casual with global bites at Posthús Food Hall, or opt for Icelandic seafood with a view at Reykjavik Fish or Kopar by the marina. Either way, you’ll be tasting local — fresh, inventive, and full of character.
Afternoon: Hallgrímskirkja views and local shopping
After lunch, make your way up to Hallgrímskirkja. Ride the elevator to the top for a citywide panorama, then wander back down along Skólavörðustígur, also known as Rainbow Street. Browse design boutiques, sample pastries, and find Iceland-made treasures from lava jewellery to woollen wear.
Evening: Harpa After Dark or a Northern Lights Quest
Wrap up your day with dinner downtown — perhaps a sit-down meal at Sandholt or a final stop at Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall. Then, depending on the season, catch a concert at Harpa or join a Northern Lights tour departing nearby. Either way, the day ends as it began — steeped in Icelandic magic.
Why start with Volcano Express?
Before you step into Reykjavik’s streets, step into the story that shaped them.
Volcano Express isn’t just entertainment — it’s a moment of ignition. In just 9 minutes, this immersive show at Harpa Concert Hall introduces you to the powerful geological forces that built Iceland from the inside out.
- Emotionally resonant and visually unforgettable, it sets the mood for your entire trip.
- You’ll feel the heat, hear the rumble, and see the lava flow — a thrilling preview of the landscapes you’ll soon encounter.
- It's weatherproof, centrally located, and perfect for all ages, fitting seamlessly into any itinerary.
- Plus, it’s just a short walk from downtown hotels, the Old Harbour, and all major city attractions.
Make Volcano Express your first stop — and see Reykjavik (and all of Iceland) through volcanic eyes.
Book your experience now!
The best of Reykjavik starts right here
Reykjavik may be compact, but it’s overflowing with culture, creativity, and volcanic energy — all just a short walk from your hotel. From rainbow-painted streets and steaming food halls to art-filled alleys and panoramic viewpoints, the city center offers a world of discovery in just one day.
But the most powerful journeys begin with context — with a spark. That’s why Volcano Express at Harpa is the perfect place to start. Before you explore the city above ground,
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