Our final full day in Iceland was all about exploring the city before heading out for one last evening adventure. Reykjavik is a city best experienced on foot, with its compact layout, colorful buildings, and mix of history and modern culture. Comfortable shoes and layers are a must all-year. We set off on a city walk that brought us to some of the most interesting corners of the capital.

We began at Ingólfstorg Square, the heart of downtown, where locals and visitors alike gather. From there, we followed the streets past Vesturgata, Mjóstræti, and Aðalstræti, some of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, lined with shops, cafés, and brightly painted buildings. While some of these areas may not have a ton of visual interest today, they are full of Icelandic history. Murals cover walls in bursts of color and creativity, making every corner feel like an open-air gallery. 

Continuing on, we passed through Austurvöllur Square, where the statue of Jón Sigurðsson (leader of Iceland’s independence movement) stands watch in front of the Lutheran Cathedral. Nearby is the Statue of a Strong Woman, a symbolic monument that highlights Iceland’s commitment to women’s rights. We wandered along Austurstræti, dipping into Kolaportið Flea Market, a lively spot to browse everything from second-hand treasures to local foods. A small section of Kolaportið is open almost every day but if you can visit on a weekend it is home to an impressive collection of stalls with wide ranging wares. 

We made our way to the striking Harpa Concert Hall, its glass façade reflecting both sky and sea, before walking along Bankastræti and Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping streets. Some of the best souvenir options are also the most functional: warm traditional Icelandic sweaters, bags of Icelandic candy (perfect for the flight home), and locally harvested sea salts.

Skólavörðustígur, another bustling street, eventually led us up to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church. Its soaring design, inspired by basalt columns, dominates the skyline. An elevator whisks you nearly to the top of the tower and a mere 33 or so steps separate you from an incredible view over the colorful rooftops of Reykjavik.

Of course, no visit would be complete without a stroll along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture. The skeletal steel structure, shaped like a Viking ship, points westward toward the sea and perfectly captures Iceland’s spirit of exploration. There isn’t much else to see along the waterfront in terms of sculptures, statues, or buildings but it is a worthwhile and short detour. 

One stop that is, in my opinion, not worth the time or entrance fee is the Phallological Museum. This kitschy and pricey stop wasn’t worth the time or money. Maybe my college-aged self who was studying animal sciences would have had a better appreciation for seeing the animal kingdom’s varied … ahem, phallic offerings. 

For dinner, we treated ourselves to Sushi Social, a Reykjavik favorite. The sushi was excellent; fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. Once again, making dinner reservations in Iceland is always a smart move. After dinner, we wrapped up our trip with one last adventure: a Lava Tunnel Evening Tour & Northern Lights Excursion. The tour company has multiple pick up locations around the city and you select your pick-up location at booking. 

It’s about 30 minutes from Reykjavik to the Lava Tunnel. You are given a helmet and headlamp as well as a safety briefing. Again, and as always in Iceland, layers are a must. Soon, we were walking through the lava tunnel with its dramatic rock formations and glowing lights, feeling like we were on a journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart. The guide explained more about the history of the lava tunnel, how it was formed, and Iceland’s geology. It is a very enjoyable experience with knowledgeable guides. 

Emerging from the Laval Tunnel, the night sky had a surprise waiting … the Northern Lights had come out to dance. Watching the aurora ripple across the sky on our final night felt like Iceland’s way of showing off, a magical farewell after days of unforgettable experiences.