Home › Destinations › Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall, Ísland - Things to Do in Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Reykjavik, Iceland's busy capital, is a compact Nordic city that perfectly balances modern sophistication with raw natural beauty. Home to just over 130,000 residents, this colorful city serves as the cultural and economic heart of Iceland, offering world-class dining, cutting-edge design, and a thriving arts scene against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes. The city's crown jewel, Harpa Concert Hall, stands as a impressive example of contemporary architecture with its distinctive glass facade that captures and reflects the ever-changing Arctic light. Despite its small size, Reykjavik punches well above its weight culturally, boasting more museums, galleries, and music venues per capita than almost any other city in the world. The city serves as the perfect base for exploring Iceland's legendary natural wonders, from the nearby this destination to the famous Golden Circle route, while offering urban comforts including geothermal pools, innovative restaurants, and a legendary nightlife scene that comes alive during the bright summer nights and cozy winter evenings.

Top Harpa Concert Hall

Attend a Performance at Harpa Concert Hall

Experience world-class music and performances in this architectural masterpiece designed by Henning Larsen Architects. The building's impressive kaleidoscope glass facade, inspired by Iceland's basalt landscapes, houses four concert halls including the main Eldborg auditorium with its distinctive beehive design. From classical concerts by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra to contemporary performances and cultural events, Harpa offers an unforgettable acoustic and visual experience.

Booking Tip: Book tickets directly through Harpa's website 1-3 months in advance for popular performances, with prices ranging from $30-150 depending on the event and seating. Even if you can't attend a show, guided tours of the building are available for around $15 and offer access to rehearsal spaces and impressive harbor views.

the Golden Circle

Discover Iceland's most famous tourist route featuring three iconic natural wonders: Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between tectonic plates), the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting geysers at Geysir geothermal area. This classic day trip showcases Iceland's geological marvels and takes you through diverse landscapes of lava fields, farmland, and dramatic gorges.

Booking Tip: Small group tours (8-19 people) cost $60-90 and offer more personalized experiences, while larger bus tours are cheaper at $40-60 but less flexible. Book tours that include Kerid crater for a more complete experience, and choose winter tours that include Northern Lights viewing for added value.

Relax at the Blue Lagoon

Soak in the milky blue geothermal waters of Iceland's most famous spa, located in a striking lava field about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The mineral-rich waters, heated naturally by underground geothermal activity, maintain a perfect temperature of 37-39°C year-round and are renowned for their healing properties, particularly beneficial for skin conditions.

Booking Tip: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance as this popular attraction sells out frequently. Comfort packages start at $65 and include entrance and a silica mud mask, while premium packages ($85-200) add bathrobes, slippers, and spa treatments. Consider visiting early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.

Take a Northern Lights Tour

Hunt for the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across Iceland's dark winter skies on guided tours that take you away from the city's light pollution. Expert guides use weather forecasts and aurora predictions to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon, while sharing fascinating insights about Icelandic folklore and the science behind the lights.

Booking Tip: Tours operate from September to March and cost $50-80 for bus tours or $300-500 for private vehicle tours. Choose operators offering free return trips if the lights don't appear, and dress warmly in layers as you'll spend significant time outdoors in sub-zero temperatures waiting for optimal viewing conditions.

Reykjavik's Food Scene

start culinary adventures through Reykjavik's innovative food scene, sampling everything from traditional Icelandic delicacies like fermented shark and smoked lamb to modern Nordic cuisine at award-winning restaurants. Food tours typically include visits to local markets, artisanal food shops, and restaurants where you'll taste local specialties paired with Icelandic craft beers or traditional brennivín schnapps.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $80-150 per person and typically last 3-4 hours, including 6-8 tastings that essentially replace a full meal. Book tours that include both traditional and modern cuisine for the full experience, and inform operators of dietary restrictions in advance as many traditional foods are fish or meat-based.

Getting There

Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located 50km southwest of Reykjavik, serves as Iceland's main international gateway with direct flights from major European and North American cities. The Flybus airport shuttle service runs every 30 minutes and costs around $25 for the 45-minute journey to central Reykjavik, with door-to-door hotel transfers available for an additional fee. Alternatively, rental cars are available at the airport, and the drive to the city center takes about 45 minutes via Route 41, offering scenic views of the Reykjanes Peninsula's dramatic lava landscapes.

Getting Around

Reykjavik's compact city center is highly walkable, with most major attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient public bus system called Strætó, with a day pass costing around $8 and covering the greater Reykjavik area including popular destinations like Perlan and the domestic airport. For exploring beyond the city, rental cars offer the most flexibility and freedom, while organized tours provide convenient access to major attractions like the this destination and Golden Circle without the need for driving on potentially challenging Icelandic roads.

Where to Stay

101 Reykjavik City Center
Old Harbor Area
Laugavegur Shopping District
University of Iceland Area
Hlemmur Square District
Perlan Hill Area

Food & Dining

Reykjavik's dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years, earning international recognition for its innovative approach to Nordic cuisine using ultra-fresh local ingredients like wild-caught seafood, grass-fed lamb, and foraged herbs. The city offers everything from casual fish and chips at the harbor to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences, with many restaurants emphasizing sustainability and farm-to-table practices. Don't miss trying traditional Icelandic specialties like fresh langoustine, Arctic char, and skyr (a protein-rich dairy product), while the city's numerous craft breweries and cozy cafes provide perfect spots for sampling local beers and pastries between sightseeing adventures.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Reykjavik

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market

4.6 /5
(1471 reviews) 4

Sushi Social

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3
Montenegro meal_takeaway

Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

4.7 /5
(732 reviews) 2

Grazie Trattoria

4.5 /5
(518 reviews)

Ráðagerði Veitingahús

4.8 /5
(338 reviews) 2
Montenegro cafe

Napoli

4.8 /5
(265 reviews)
meal_takeaway

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Reykjavik depends on your priorities: summer (June-August) offers nearly 24 hours of daylight, lupine flowers in bloom, and the warmest weather (10-15°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities and driving, though it's also the most crowded and expensive period. Winter (December-February) brings the magical possibility of Northern Lights viewing, cozy indoor cultural activities, and a festive atmosphere, but with only 4-5 hours of daylight and temperatures around 0°C. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) offer excellent value with fewer crowds, reasonable weather, and in fall, the chance to see both Northern Lights and enjoy autumn colors, making these shoulder seasons increasingly popular among savvy travelers.

Insider Tips

Visit Harpa's viewing platform on the 4th floor for free panoramic views of Reykjavik's harbor and Mount Esja - it's accessible even without concert tickets and offers some of the best city photography opportunities
Take advantage of Reykjavik's numerous geothermal pools like Laugardalslaug or Vesturbæjarlaug for a more authentic and budget-friendly alternative to the this destination, where locals actually swim and socialize
Time your visit to coincide with Reykjavik's incredible weekend nightlife scene - the city doesn't come alive until after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, and the compact Montenegro district makes pub crawling easy and safe

Activities in Harpa Concert Hall