Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
★4.6(8,997 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 1 to 2 hours for exploring the building and public spaces, or 2 to 4 hours if attending a performance👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The architecture and light displays fascinate children of all ages, but school-age kids and teens especially appreciate the concerts, guided tours, and cultural programming. Younger children enjoy exploring the colorful building and harbor-side location, though concert duration may challenge toddlers' attention spans.🧡 Saved by 350+ families
About
Harpa Concert Hall is Reykjavik's stunning glass-paneled concert venue that offers families much more than performances. Children are mesmerized by the building's kaleidoscopic honeycomb facade that changes colors throughout the day, while inside you'll find family-friendly concerts, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events designed for young audiences. The waterfront location provides beautiful harbor views and plenty of space for kids to explore.
Highlights
- ✓Spectacular honeycomb glass facade that creates rainbow light patterns throughout the building
- ✓Family-friendly concerts featuring classical music, Icelandic folk traditions, and children's performances
- ✓Interactive exhibitions and cultural displays in the public spaces
- ✓Stunning harbor views from multiple vantage points inside and outside the building
- ✓On-site gift shop featuring Icelandic design items and music
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the online calendar in advance for family concerts and children's performances, which often feature interactive elements and shorter durations perfect for young attention spans.
- 2.Visit during daylight hours first to see the building's iconic glass facade from both inside and outside. The honeycomb panels create rainbow reflections that kids love photographing.
- 3.Free admission to explore the public spaces, cafes, and gift shop. You only pay for ticketed performances, making it a great budget-friendly stop between activities.
- 4.The harbourside location is perfect for combining with a walk along the Old Harbour area. Kids can watch boats and enjoy the sea breeze before or after your visit.
- 5.English-language guided tours are available and provide fascinating insights into the architecture. Book ahead online, especially during summer peak season.
Best Time to Visit
Visit weekday mornings (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) to explore the building with fewer crowds and better photo opportunities. Summer months (June to August) offer the most family programming and extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the performance schedule for matinee shows ideal for families.
What to Know
Entry to the building is free for exploring public areas, with tickets required only for concerts and events. On-site cafes offer kid-friendly meals and snacks. The building is fully accessible with elevators and family restrooms. Free Wi-Fi available throughout.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent programming. Summer (June to August) offers the most family events and extended hours. December features special holiday concerts perfect for families. The Iceland Airwaves music festival in November includes some all-ages programming. Winter visits offer a cozy indoor cultural experience when outdoor activities are limited.
Nearby Eats
Head to Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron) along the Old Harbour, a 5-minute walk away, for famous fish skewers and lobster soup in a casual atmosphere kids enjoy. Alternatively, Icelandic Street Food nearby serves traditional Icelandic soup in bread bowls that are fun and filling for families.
More Activities Near Reykjavik
Theater
The National Theatre of Iceland
★4.7$$❤️29
The National Theatre of Iceland offers a wonderful introduction to Icelandic performing arts with a rotating schedule of family-friendly productions, children's shows, and theatrical performances. This historic venue in downtown Reykjavik provides an excellent rainy-day activity and cultural experience, with English subtitles often available for international visitors. The intimate theater setting and high-quality productions make it a memorable addition to your Iceland family adventure.
Bowling
Skyline Bowling
$❤️6
Skyline Bowling offers families a fun escape from Iceland's unpredictable weather with modern bowling lanes, arcade games, and a casual dining area all under one roof. This popular Reykjavik entertainment venue provides the perfect break from sightseeing, letting kids burn energy while parents relax in a comfortable, family-oriented atmosphere that feels refreshingly familiar to international visitors.
Restaurant
Bæjarins Beztu
$$❤️5
Bæjarins Beztu is an iconic Reykjavik hot dog stand that has been serving locals and visitors since 1937, making it a must-visit culinary experience for families exploring Iceland. Kids will love the novelty of ordering from this charming outdoor stand and trying the famous Icelandic lamb hot dogs topped with crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade sauce. It is a quick, affordable meal option that gives families an authentic taste of local culture without the fuss of a sit-down restaurant.
Museum
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
$
This delightfully spooky museum dives into Iceland's fascinating folklore and magical history, featuring unusual artifacts, eerie exhibits, and captivating tales of sorcerers and witchcraft from centuries past. The atmospheric displays and unique cultural stories provide an educational yet entertaining experience that older children and teens find genuinely intriguing, making it a memorable stop in Reykjavik.