Cheap things to do in Reykjavik

Iceland is a very expensive country, that’s a very well-known fact! And Iceland capital Reykjavik is not an exception so finding inexpensive things to do in Reykjavik might seem something like “mission impossible”!
But how on Earth to visit this country if your budget is not very high?! Well, it is not that complicated! There are many cheap or free things to do in Reykjavik!
Book your accommodation at a middle-level hotel and plan to do as many free activities as possible.

We chose a mid-level hotel with very good breakfast and tried to explore Reykjavik and its surroundings on a budget!

Book your overnight stay to experience Reykjavik life

Here are 5 of the most attractive things to do in Reykjavik without paying lots of money:

1. Free walking tour

I think this is the best way to visit Reykjavik! You get a lot of knowledge about this city and Icelandic culture without paying anything!

The tour usually lasts around two hours and is led by experimental guides born and raised in Iceland. They are the best persons who can share their knowledge about Reykjavik and local traditions and habits. These tours are one of the best free things to do in Reykjavik!

The tours depart from different parts of Reykjavik many times a day and are totally free. If you wish you can donate a small amount of money at the end of the tour to the guide to show your respect and appreciation.

2. Free hot springs

When we say Iceland hot spring we immediately think of Blue Lagoon. This is the most famous spa from Iceland but the entrance fee is on the list of cheap things to do in Reykjavik. But no worries! There are many free hot springs in Iceland where you can enjoy the benefits of hot springs.

At about 45 km away from Reykjavik, there is a beautiful valley called Reykjadalur. Reykjadalur means Steam Valley and as soon as you arrive you will understand why. The valley is filled with mud pools and hot springs, the ideal place to have a bath in the middle of nature. Worth booking a day to visit this magnificent place!

3. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach

So what if it’s cold outside?! Nautholsvik is the ideal destination for a day on the beach!

In 2001 was opened for locals and tourists Nautholsvik geothermal beach. It is a manmade lagoon with large sea walls, where hot water from the hot springs and the cold water from the sea come together. It is the ideal place for sunbath and sea swimming. Yeah! You read correctly! Coldwater swimming is a very common sport in countries like Iceland. The record for this sport dates from 1030 AD when an Icelandic Saga legend swims 7 km in a cold water bay.

I suppose you will not going to swim in cold water but at least you can try to bathe in the artificial lagoon! What an incredible experience!

4. Hike Mt Esja is one of the free things to do in Reykjavik

Mount Esja is located very close to Reykjavik, at about 10 km away from Iceland capital. It is one of the most captivating and cheap things to do in Reykjavik.
There are many routes up and around Mt Esja. Some of them are easy, while others are pretty difficult. Don’t ignore the warning! Maybe some trails might look easy but to be on the safe side, take appropriate shoes and equipment.
It is not very easy to get up on the top, but the view is incredible.

If hiking to the top is a little too complicated for you, then you can stop at about 200 meters from the top, at the rock named “Steinn”. Enjoy the view from there because it is breathtaking!

5. Take photos at Sun Voyager

An emblematic sculpture created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, Sun Voyager is located very close to the seaside offering a magnificent view over the bay with Mt Esja and the great news is that it is on our list with inexpensive things to do in Reykjavik.

During your free guided tour for sure, you will pass near Sun Voyager.
It is the perfect spot to take some memorable photos!

There are many more places to see without paying anything during your visit to Iceland. Iceland is a unique place and has many incredible places! Don’t be scared about the costs of the trip because you can travel on a budget if you plan in advance and plan your trip in advance! Also, include on your list all these free things to do in Reykjavik!