Perlan Museum
Reykjavik, Iceland[1.5 miles]
A high-tech museum that recreates Iceland’s geological wonders: volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, sea cliffs and even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1 night
Best places to stay:
This practical city hotel offers a decent base for exploring Reykjavik.
It’s a little way east of downtown, just off the main thoroughfare of Laugavegur, and while the building isn’t much to look at – a boxy, concrete block that’s typical of so much of Reykjavik – inside you’ll find plenty of designer style, including in the chic open-plan bar and attached restaurant.
Rooms are surprisingly cosy, with timber furniture, frilly fabrics and sheepskins giving them the feel of a rustic B&B out in the country. There are some handy amenities here, too, including free parking and on-site bike hire.
This isn’t the liveliest or prettiest part of Reykjavik, but that has the advantage of meaning street noise and traffic is kept to a minimum.
The hotel is surrounded by similar concrete buildings that look rather like office blocks, but there are views from front-facing rooms across the city to Mount Esja, the mountain range to the north of Reykjavik.
It’s about a 30-minute walk into the city centre and to the harbourfront, or you can hire a bike and be there in ten. Alternatively, there’s a decent range of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Reykjavik, Iceland[1.5 miles]
A high-tech museum that recreates Iceland’s geological wonders: volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, sea cliffs and even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1 night
Iceland[4.6 miles]
Once-in-a-lifetime trips to see migrating humpback and minke whales up close, as they pass by on their annual north–south migration. Tours from Husavik, Akureyri and Reykjavik can be arranged.
Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 3-4 hours
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland[18.9 miles]
A once-in-a-lifetime experience: the chance to travel down inside a dormant volcano, the only place in the world where it’s possible to do so.
Best for ages: 8+ | £260 | 4-5 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Reykjavik, Iceland[0.5 miles]
An art museum showcasing modern paintings and sculptures by well-known Icelandic artists, notably Johannes Kjarval, housed in a striking Nordic Modernist building. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 1 night
Reykjavik, Iceland[0.9 miles]
Iceland’s tallest church, built from 1945 to 1986, has become a symbol of Iceland’s identity and a Reykjavik landmark. It’s striking design is inspired by Iceland’s geothermal geology – it’s supposed to resemble basalt lava and trap rocks. It’s also a decent viewpoint. Take an elevator ride to the top for sweeping views over the city.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Reykjavik, Iceland[1.1 miles]
An art museum and sculpture collection featuring white Viking figures and curvaceous shapes, housed in the former studio of Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 1 night
Reykjavik, Iceland[1.8 miles]
An art museum on the Reykjavik waterfront showcases the work of pop artist Erro alongside new installations by local and international artists. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 1 night
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Iceland
From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.