Reykjavik is a great destination year-round, and the best time to visit depends on what you're after. Summer (June–August) gives you the Midnight Sun, long bright days, and access to all day trips and highland routes. Winter (November–March) offers the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, a cosy festive atmosphere, and far fewer crowds. Spring and autumn are excellent shoulder seasons with reasonable prices and decent weather. Locals will tell you there is no bad time — just dress for it.

Yes — and better than many people expect. During winter, the Northern Lights are regularly visible from within or just outside the city on clear, dark nights. Good spots include Grótta Lighthouse at the western tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, Klambratún park, and the viewing platform at Perlan. For the best chance, join a guided Northern Lights tour — either a Jeep tour into the countryside or a boat tour out into the bay. Both get you away from city light pollution and give you a photographer on hand.

The most iconic is Hallgrímskirkja, the striking concrete church that dominates the city skyline — climb the tower for sweeping views, especially beautiful in winter with snow on the rooftops. Time Out Magazine has called it one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Down by the harbour, the Harpa Concert Hall is a stunning piece of glass architecture that glows at night. The Sun Voyager sculpture on the seafront is another essential stop, particularly at sunset or after fresh snowfall. For culture, the Settlement Exhibition at the City Museum is built around real Viking-age ruins found under the city centre.

Swimming in geothermal water is a core part of local life in Reykjavik, and visitors should absolutely join in. Sky Lagoon is the most spectacular option — a dramatic infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, with a sauna and cold plunge ritual. For a more local experience, Laugardalslaug is Reykjavik's largest public pool, with multiple hot tubs at varying temperatures and a very affordable entry price. The world-famous Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes from the city and easy to combine with an airport transfer. Note that all public pools require a thorough shower before entering — this is strictly enforced and simply good manners.

Quite a lot, actually. The walk out to Grótta Lighthouse along the seafront is one of the best free experiences in the city — beautiful at any time of year and a great Northern Lights spot in winter. Strolling Skólavörðustígur, the colourful street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja, costs nothing. Elliðaárdalur Valley is a peaceful green valley right inside the city, often called Reykjavik's version of Central Park. The Hafnartorg Gallery has free exhibitions, and the geothermal pools cost very little by any international standard. Save money further with the Reykjavik City Card, which covers museum entry and public transport.

Reykjavik punches well above its weight for a city of its size. The Reykjavik Art Museum spans three locations covering modern, classical, and sculptural work. The Settlement Exhibition at the City Museum is built directly around Viking-age ruins discovered beneath the city and gives a fascinating window into Reykjavik's origins. Perlan has an impressive interactive glacier and natural history exhibition with panoramic views from its glass dome. The Nordic House is worth a visit for its Scandinavian architecture and rotating exhibitions. For Northern Lights enthusiasts, the Aurora Reykjavik exhibition is a solid introduction to the science and photography of the aurora.

Reykjavik is an excellent base for day trips because Iceland's most famous attractions are within easy reach. The Golden Circle — taking in Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall — is the classic full-day route and doable year-round. The South Coast is another superb day trip, covering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, and the village of Vík. In winter, glacier hikes on Sólheimajökull are available as day tours from Reykjavik. All of these are accessible by rental car or organised tour.

Absolutely — and it's underrated as a winter destination. The city is cosy, walkable, and full of good cafés, museums, live music, and restaurants that are even more atmospheric when it's dark and cold outside. The festive period brings Christmas markets and some of the best New Year's Eve fireworks displays in the world. Winter is also the prime season for Northern Lights, and the short days mean you can combine a morning day trip with aurora hunting in the evening. Dress in warm layers, pack a swimsuit for the geothermal pools, and you'll find Reykjavik in winter has a charm all of its own.