Headed to Iceland and wondering if the Reykjavik City Card will be worth your time and money? For 72 hours, we ran (okay, walked and drove) around town checking out all of the Reykjavik museums included, plus some other activities!
In that time, we learned the controversial story of the last great auk, saw artifacts of the original settlers, sat in genitalia bean bags, posed as fishermen, and listened to a man tell a story with feet pressed against his face. Yes, you read that correctly. One thing is for sure, Reykjavik has a variety of museums and activities for all ages and interests sure to surprise, inform, and inspire you! But which ones are right for you and how many days should you plan with the card?
What's Included with the Reykjavik City Card?
14 Attractions + Buses, Pools & a Ferry Ride!
In addition to a Reykjavik bus pass for the capital area, the Reykjavik City Card includes free admission to 14 museums and activities as well as access to eight local swimming pools and a free ferry to Viðey island. If you are visiting Reykjavik for the first time, this is a great way to get a varied glimpse of what it has to offer at a reasonable price! It really is a great deal at only about US$55 for three full days of exploring!
You can order the City Card online or purchase one at various locations in town. There are the 72-hour cards that we decided to use since we had a long stay in the city, or options for 24 or 48 hours as well. Your card can also get you discounts at local shops and more!
NOTE: We visited in December of 2019, but have checked the included attractions and prices to make sure they are updated as of January 2023.
4 Reykjavik Museums for History & Culture Lovers
1. The Culture House
Built in the early 1900s, the original purpose of the Culture House was to house the National Library and National Archives of Iceland. After opening to the public shortly after, this beautiful building has housed many other exhibits over the years that showcase Iceland's cultural history.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. CLOSED MONDAYS (Sept. 16 to April 30)
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 2.000ISK (~$US16) for adults, under 18 free. The ticket is also valid to the National Museum of Iceland.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: This is a larger Reykjavik museum with multiple floors, so plan about 1.5 hours.
- Kid-friendly?: YES! Lots of interactive areas for kids with symbols denoting activity areas. (There are puzzles, a drawing room, plus hands-on animal bones area).
Currently, in addition to admiring the archives in the reading room, you can learn about Icelandic land use in photos, art, and objects; flora and fauna in Icelandic research and art; as well as objects related to death, burial and memory of the dead.
2. The Settlement Exhibition
The underground Settlement Exhibition showcases the ruins of a 10th-century Viking-age hall that was found there in 2001. There is also a wall that dated to around AD 871 – the oldest man-made structure in Reykjavik. If you are an archaeology lover, this open excavation is for you!
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.700ISK (~$US14) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on interest level.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! There is actually a dedicated kids area with cute dress-up items, drawing pages, and games. Plus, bone digging in the animal room.
Here, we learned that Iceland was settled only about 1,100 years ago and got a look at what early life looked like – with found objects to give additional insights. The exhibition shows the excavated hall as well as some context around life in Reykjavik back in the settlement times and an interactive setup to showcase areas of the hall.
There is also another room in the Reykjavik museum dedicated to providing more info about Icelandic wildlife and how locals interacted with them, including their role in religious beliefs and mythology.
Surprisingly, the arctic fox was the only land mammal living in Iceland when the first settlers came, others were brought over for survival which changed the landscape.
3. National Museum of Iceland
The large, multi-floor National Museum of Iceland includes artifacts from Iceland’s past, plus insights into religious beliefs, everyday life, and the making of the Icelandic nation.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. CLOSED MONDAYS (from September 16 – April 30).
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 2.000ISK (~$US16) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: An hour or two.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes, but not many interactive options.
While wandering through the exhibits, we learned that settlers were mainly from Norway, with local chieftains holding the most power, and that settlers held pagan beliefs of Norse gods with Christianity not being adopted until 1,000 AD.
After the rise of the nation-state began in the 19th century, Icelander’s thought of themselves as a separate nation and began to concentrate on their own folklore, history, and culture while resisting foreign influences. This is one of the reasons there is so much rich cultural information.
While there, don't miss the photos of Icelanders in the past on the bottom floor. There's also a nice cafe and gift store. During Christmastime, the Yule Lads visit at 11 a.m. from the 12th to 24th of December as well!
4. Natural History Museum in Kopavagur
This small Natural History Museum in Kopavagur is attached to a library and is about a 12-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. It showcases the geological and zoological features of Iceland. However, it is worth noting that this was the only museum without English translations.
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. CLOSED SUNDAYS.
- Location: 12 mins. outside Reykjavik: Hamraborg 6a, 200 Kópavogur
- Price without card: FREE!
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: Around 30 minutes max.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! A cute exhibit with attached library.
Here they have interesting volcanic rocks and other geological items, as well as taxidermied Icelandic animals (with Santa hats added for Christmas).
6 Reykjavik Museums for Art Lovers
1. National Gallery of Iceland
The National Gallery of Iceland includes 13,000+ works of art from the 16th century on. Most (90%) are by Icelandic artists, including some national treasures. It's a lovely Reykjavik art museum to wander through!
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. CLOSED MONDAYS (Oct. 1 to April 30)
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Fríkirkjuvegi 7, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 2.000ISK (~$US16) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: About one hour, more for a deeper look at the art.
- Kid-friendly?: Possibly! While not interactive, like some of the other museums, it isn't adult content.
This art museum was fantastic with multiple different styles of art on display and even a small cafe. There is art depicting everyday life and nature in Iceland as well as more unique pieces, like Jóhanna Kristín's Last Supper. However, our favorites were the paintings of carpeted vegetation by Eggert Pétursson.
2. Hafnarhús – Reykjavík Art Museum
Currently, the Hafnarhús – Reykjavík Art Museum is showcasing the work of Magnús Pálsson from 1990 to the present using multiple media types.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursdays
- Location: Downtown by the old harbor: Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.840ISK (~$US15) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: One or two hours, more if you want to ponder.
- Kid-friendly?: Probably not for most kids since there is some nudity and more abstract ideas.
It spans four galleries, with art installations made with used soap bars, caster-molds of bodies, life-sized bodies coming out of the ground, an entire piece based on an Icelander with historically ugly feet, and many more.
In the feet exhibit, the artist tells the story of this ugly-footed man with his face pressed against a set of feet with one toe missing (like the famous man's). There is also a reading room with nice views, plus free coffee. At Christmas, you can add wishes to the imagine peace trees.
3. Reykjavík Museum of Photography
The Reykjavík Museum of Photography is a smaller museum located on the top floor of the same building as the city library.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Weekends
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Grófarhús, Tryggvagata 15, top floor, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.000ISK (~$US8) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: About 30 minutes, more to watch the videos.
- Kid-friendly?: Sure! But no kid-specific areas.
The “Encounters – Nordic Photography Beyond Borders” exhibit shows migration and globalization effects with work by various photographers. Before leaving, don’t miss the nook with photos from the astronaut training in Iceland! Really interesting shots.
4. Kjarvalsstaðir – Reykjavík Art Museum
The Kjarvalsstaðir – Reykjavík Art Museum showcases more local artists with its current exhibition by Ólöf Nordal being especially interesting, plus a permanent exhibit by the museum's namesake and famous Icelandic artist, Jóhannes S. Kjarval. They also have a large, popular cafe!
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.840ISK (~$US15) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: At least an hour, more if you want to ponder.
- Kid-friendly?: Probably not for most kids since there is some nudity and more abstract ideas.
Nordal's Ungl exhibition is a fascinating look into folklore stories and how legacy shapes identity, including multimedia exhibits. The Cock’s Egg installation, for example, included strange genitalia bean bag pillows, a mesmerizing embryo-like video, and a poem to showcase the idea behind the exhibit, which we still don't really understand after much pondering.
There was also a display of photos of death masks (molds taken after famous people died) and other interesting pieces.
5. Ásmundarsafn – Reykjavík Art Museum
The most unique architecture of all the museums belongs to the Ásmundarsafn – Reykjavík Art Museum which was designed and used by Ásmundur Sveinsson as a home and workshop. His sculptures are housed inside and outside of this unique Reykjavik museum.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (May – September), 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (October – April)
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Sigtún, 105 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.840ISK (~$US15) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: Around an hour, more if wanting to ponder.
- Kid-friendly?: Sure! Just nothing kid-specific available.
Sveinsson was an extremely talented and well-loved artist. His sculptures are located around Iceland as well, including the Þúfa grass dome near Harpa. His interest in Icelandic sagas, Folk Tales, and classic mythology shines through in the beautiful and intriguing sculpture art.
6. Gerðarsafn – Kopavagur Art Museum
Another museum outside Reykjavik, the Gerðarsafn – Kopavagur Art Museum is located next to the National History Museum listed above and it holds some unique pieces of art to ponder.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Location: 12 minutes outside Reykjavik: Hamraborg 4, 200 Kópavogur
- Price without card: 1.000ISK (~$US8) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: About an hour.
- Kid-friendly?: Sure! There is a kid's drawing area as well.
Many of the pieces focus on symbolism, spirituality, metaphysical ideas, meditation, and knowledge. There is a helpful pamphlet in English that explains each section further.
4 Reykjavik Museums & Activities for Everyone
1. Reykjavík Maritime Museum
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum was the most engaging and interesting to us. We felt like this really had something for everyone – from kids to not-so-easily amused adults. It surprised us with its variety of interesting exhibits on all things maritime, fun interactive areas, and even a dress-up photo opp! Plus, a very interesting exhibit on a local shipwreck!
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.700ISK (~$US14) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card! (extra to tour Odin ship in harbor)
- Length of visit: Two or more hours.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! I think kids will love this museum. There are multiple hands-on learning opportunities and many interesting exhibits with actual artifacts on display.
The first floor of this building is dedicated to the finding and history of a 1659 Dutch merchant ship named Melckmeyt which sank off the coast of Iceland during a violent storm. In 1992, divers rediscovered the wreck and an underwater survey was taken of it the year after, then finished in 2016. The fascinating exhibit showed insights into what was found, including a fascinating video showing how the survey was meticulously taken. Artifacts from the wreck are showcased as well as information on who and what was on the ship.
On the upper level, we learned all about shipbuilding as well as the Icelandic fishing industry – which is fitting since the museum used to be a fishery. Fish is obviously a staple for Icelanders with their proximity to the sea and we learned of all the many ways it was used. There was even an interactive recipe creator.
However, the kids in us really enjoyed our silly photoshoot the most. It was the hit of the day and made for the absolute best souvenir photos! haha!
2. Ferry to Viðey Island
Just beyond Reykjavik is Viðey Island – a small area home to the famous Imagine Peace Tower. The ferry to the island is included with the Reykjavik City Card, as well as entry to the museum on the island, but it was not running when we visited due to storm damage of the pier.
- Hours: Daily from May 15 – September 30, Only on Weekends from October 1 – May 14. Check their site for hours.
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik Harbor.
- Price without card: 1.600ISK (~$US13) for adults, 800ISK (~$US7) for 7-17, under 7 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: About two hours, including ferry ride. Longer if you want to do more hiking.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! A unique option for visitors of all ages.
After a short boat ride, you can wander along one of the trails on the island and take in the scenic views. Note that the ferry only runs on weekends in Iceland's winter (weather pending).
3. Reykjavík Zoo & Family Park
Since we don't really enjoy zoos (prefer seeing wildlife in nature), we skipped this activity, but did wander around the beautiful park outside of it. Inside the Reykjavík Zoo & Family Park, you can see typical Icelandic farm animals and other wildlife. In the summer, there is also a playground and free grills to use.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Winter), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Summer)
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Múlavegur 2 104, Reykjavík
- Price without card: 900ISK (~$US7) for 13+, 680ISK (~$6) for 5-12, under 5 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: About an hour, or more for a longer walk.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! This one is kid-specific!
4. Árbær Open Air Museum
This is a living museum that takes you back in time. The Árbær Open Air Museum is made up of a village-life collection of restored homes with different exhibits in each – including a look back at toys, consumption, photography, and nursing. Plus, a traditional turf church.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (June – August), 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (September – May)
- Location: Outskirts of Downtown Reykjavik: Kistuhyl, 110 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 1.700ISK (~$US14) for adults, under 18 free.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
- Length of visit: About two hours.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! This museum is a great choice for families.
You can also tour a typical Reykjavik home from around 1925, visit a car shop, shoemaker's shop, print shop, and more!
At Christmastime in Reykjavik, there is a special two-weekend Christmas event to showcase traditional ways of celebrating including making leaf bread, playing of music, goofing off with Yule Lads, candle making demonstration, card printing, DIY crafts, and dancing around the tree. Fun!
Thermal Pools
All the geothermal pools included with the Reykjavik City Card have varying prices, hours, and amenities (some have hot tubs!). For the most recent information, check this website. As these pools all have free entry with the city card, the prices without it range from 500ISK to 1000ISK per adult. While not as luxurious as the famous Blue Lagoon, they are a great place to relax!
- Árbæjarlaug Thermal Pool – Fylkisvegur 9, 110 Reykjavík
- Breiðholtslaug Thermal Pool – Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavík
- Grafarvogslaug Thermal Pool – Dalhúsum 2, 112 Reykjavík
- Kjalarneslaug Thermal Pool – Kollagrund 4, 116 Grundarhverfi
- Sundhöllin Thermal Pool – Barónsstígur 45a, 101 Reykjavík
- Sundlaug Kópavogs Thermal Pool – Borgarholtsbraut 17, 200 Kópavogur
- Laugardalslaug Thermal Pool – Sundlaugarveg, 105 Reykjavík
- Vesturbæjarlaug Thermal Pool – V. Hofsvallagötu, 101 Reykjavík
Reykjavik Buses
You also get free unlimited travel on the Reykjavik buses included with your Reykjavik City Card. The Reykjavik city bus services are actually pretty extensive and will even take you out of the city centre and downtown Reykjavik. You can utilize the bus with your city card to get anywhere in the capital area, which extends outside city center. The website and app for the Reykjavik buses allow you to plan your route as well, and your Reykjavik City Card map gives you all the bus routes that get you close to each destination.
- Price without card: 1.800ISK (~US$15) for a 1 Day Pass.
- FREE with Reykjavik City Card!
42 Discounted Reykjavik Museums, Restaurants & Activities
There are 42 discounts included with the Reykjavik City Card, ranging from 10% off to 50% off entrance fees or buy one get one deals. You can read more about these here.
9 Museum Discounts with Reykjavik City Card
- Aurora Reykjavík – 50% Off
- Saga Museum – 10% Off
- Gljúfrasteinn – House of Laxness (Icelandic writer) – 20% Off
- Tales From Iceland – 20% Off
- The Iceland Expo Pavilion – 20% Off
- Volcano House – 50% Off
- Whales of Iceland – 30% Off
- Perlan Museum-Wonders of Iceland– 20% Off
- The Icelandic Phallological Museum – 20% Off
17 Activity & Tour Discounts with Reykjavik City Card
- Activity Park in Grafarvogur – 2 For 1 Minigolf
- Gray Line Iceland – 25% Reykjavík Sightseeing Tour
- Ásvallalaug Indoor Pool – 2 for 1
- Salalaug Pool – 50% Off
- Suðurbæjarlaug Pool – 2 For 1
- Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar Pool – 2 For 1
- Seltjarnarneslaug Pool – 50% Off
- Bíó Paradís Cinema– 25% Off
- The Cinema at the Old Harbor – 25% Off
- Elding Whale Watching – 10% Off
- Harpa Guided Tours – 25% Off
- Icelandic Symphony Orchestra – 10% Off
- Íshestar Horse Riding Tours – 15% Off
- Reykjavik Bike and Segway Tours – 10% Off
- Rush Iceland – 2 Hours for 1
- Season Tours – 10% Off Golden Circle Tour
- Special Tours Wildlife Adventures – 10% Off
16 Restaurant & Shopping Discounts with Reykjavik City Card
- Fish Company – 10% Off
- Geysir Bistro & Bar – 10% Off
- Hannesarholt Café – 10% Off
- Höfnin Restaurant – 15% Off
- Kaffi Lækur – 10% Off
- Kopar Restaurant– 10% Off
- Lebowski Bar – 10% Off
- Mar Restaurant – 15% Off
- Ning's Restaurant – 10% Off
- Pho Vietnamese Restaurant – 10% Off
- Restaurant Reykjavik – 10% Off
- Rossopomodoro Restaurant – 10% Off
- Seafood Grill – 10% Off
- Handknitting Association – Buy a Sweater Get Socks Free
- Nordic House Butik – 10% Off
- Systur Og Makar – 10% Off Handknitting
Two Amazingly Unique Reykjavik Museums Worth the Extra Money
Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
The Perlan is one of the most popular and well-known of the Reykjavik museums. It has multiple exhibits that showcase the wonders of Iceland – including a fascinating look into Iceland's geological history and an example of a real ice cave.
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
- Location: Outskirts of Downtown Reykjavik: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík
- Price without card: 3.990ISK (~$US33) for adults, 1.950ISK (~$16) for 6-17, under 6 free.
- Discount with card: 20% Off – 3.192ISK (~$US26) for adults, 1.560ISK (~$13) for 6-17, under 6 free.
- Length of visit: At least two hours, especially if watching the northern lights planetarium show.
- Kid-friendly?: Yes! This is a great option for kids.
A fantastic northern lights planetarium show is also available at the Perlan and was a wonderful, inspiring look into the scientific and mythological story behind Iceland's famous aurora. We saw these magical lights the night after our visit to the Perlan, and the information we learned during the beautiful, high-tech video show really helped us to appreciate the real-life show even more.
Of course, the Perlan's ideal location on a hill outside Reykjavik makes it a perfect place to take in the views of the city and surrounding mountains. The 360-degree viewing area is included with your ticket or can be purchased without museum entry. Regardless of if you visit this amazing museum, taking in the views is a must – especially at sunset.
Read a more detailed article on our Perlan experience here.
Icelandic Phallological Museum
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is known around the world for its unique claim to fame: the world's largest exhibition of phalluses. Yes, it's a penis museum. While spending an hour looking at various phallus specimens and penis-shaped artifacts isn't for everyone, we thought this museum was fantastic.
We were told the included audio tour was a must and it really did add to the experience! It shared that the museum actually started as a joke when the founder was given his first phallic specimen as a gift. Then other friends kept it going until he had so many penises in his house, his wife told him he had to move them! Now the museum houses phalluses of many sizes and shapes from all mammals found in Iceland – even a human one!
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
- Location: Downtown Reykjavik: Laugavegur 116, 105 Reykjavik
- Price without card: 1.700ISK (~$US14) for adults, under 13 free with parent.
- Discount with card: 20% Off – 1.360ISK (~$US11) for adults, under 13 free with parent.
- Length of visit: About an hour, if doing the audio tour.
- Kid-friendly?: Probably not, but it is totally up to the parents. There are mostly biological specimens, but definitely some more adult content that may be a little awkward to explain.
While the photos we've chosen to share here are from the biological specimens in this unique Reykjavik museum, our favorite displays were from the other areas of the museum. There were molds made of the members of an entire handball team (displayed in silver just below a photo of the team), a hilarious letter – with accompanying nude photo – from a man believed to have the longest penis (apparently security always thinks he has a suspicious package in his pants), and even a display of the penises of mythological creatures. Plus, they have some fantastic souvenirs!
In the U.S., we tend to get a little uptight about nudity and the word penis often elicits awkward giggles from kids as well as adults. But this body part is vital to life on earth … even if it does look like an alien creature when put in a glass jar. While very entertaining, the Icelandic Phallological Museum was actually extremely educational and fascinating. That's why we think it is a must when planning a Reykjavik museum hopping day!
Reykjavik City Card Prices
Of course, making sure this option fits your budget is just as important as what is included. Here are the 2023 pricing options for the Reykjavík City Card adult card. Each option includes everything listed above, the difference is length of time. Great example itineraries are available here.
| Price |
There is also a special children's card available since many of the attractions are usually free for children, however, the bus, pools, Reykjavik zoo, and ferry to Viðey island are not. Simply inquire upon pickup at the What's On offie in Reykjavik.
So, Is the Reykjavik City Card Worth It?
If you read through the list and thought that you would like to go to at least three of the museums or activities included in the Reykjavik City Card, it can likely save you money and allow you to check out some additional places with any extra time you have.
The Reykjavik City Card is also a great deal for families needing to keep kids entertained on a bad weather day or who want to get a better understanding of Iceland. Since kids get in free to many of the museums, it may be worth it to pay for a parent pass or two for a day of engaged learning. However, as mentioned above, some do include nudity or other topics that some parents may not be comfortable exposing their children to. Just do a little research and plan ahead.
Obviously, for the least expensive option, you'll want to try to fit in everything you want to see in one day. So, be sure to have a good plan beforehand, if this is the case. Or, if you aren't as budget-minded, it may be nice to split up your visits over multiple days.
Our One-Day Reykjavik City Card Suggested Itinerary
Interested in which museums we thought were our faves? If we had to plan just one day, here are the museums we'd see:
- National Museum of Iceland for an intro to Icelandic culture.
- National Gallery of Iceland for viewing of gorgeous artwork.
- Kjarvalsstaðir OR Hafnarhús – Reykjavík Art Museum for a unique modern art experience.
- Ferry to Viðey Island (if running) for a different view of Reykjavik.
- Reykjavík Maritime Museum for a fun and fascinating look into the Icelandic fishing culture.
- Árbær Open Air Museum to get a look at an old-timey Reykjavik.
This is assuming you have an entire day to explore Reykjavik's museums and would spend about an hour or so at each. The total to see all of these without the card would be close to US$100 per person, if using the bus to get there as well. With the card, it is about a third of that!
For another great example of what can be done in 24 hours with a Reykjavik City Card, check out this video by Visit Reykjavik.
As mentioned above, if time and budget allow, we'd highly recommend using the 20% discount for the Perlan museum and the Icelandic Phallological Museum, too!
Final Tips for Using the Reykjavik City Card
We had SO MUCH fun running all over the Icelandic capital city and learning more about this amazing country. They have such a great selection of museums, special exhibitions, outdoor activities, and galleries. Here are some of our tips for making the absolute most of your card:
- Kids are Usually Free!: You may not need Reykjavik City Cards for the entire family, since kids can often get in for free!
- Check Closing Hours & Days: Plan to purchase your card strategically on a day (or days) when you'll be able to visit everything you want to.
- Parking: When in downtown Reykjavik, you'll have to pay for most parking areas. Outside of city center, most places have their own lots.
- Don't Forget to Use the Bus: If you don't want the hassle of parking and driving, just take the bus. It's included!
- Plan a Fast & Cheap Lunch in Reykjavik: When over by the harbor, split a pizza at Flatey's, then get ice cream at Valdís. If downtown, Mandi for falafel or kebabs is a great option as well. This article has more cheap Reykjavik meal tips! Plus, you also get some restaurant discounts with your card, if you have more time. And there are some good happy hour deals, too!
So, there you have it – our massive guide to the Reykjavik City Card. If you decide this option is right for you when visiting Iceland and this vibrant city, let us know which museum or attraction you enjoyed most!
Special thanks to the Visit Reykjavik tourism office for providing us with Reykjavik City Cards to review. Thanks also to the Perlan and Icelandic Phallological Museum for giving us complimentary passes. As always, all opinions are our own.
