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The Icelandic capital is often ranked one of Europe鈥檚 most expensive cities, but it's not without its bargain side 鈥� there are plenty of free things to do in 搁别测办箩补惫铆办 too.

As a rule of thumb, see how locals spend their weekends and afternoons to find free (or almost free) experiences around town, from culture to natural excursions. Here are 11 of our favorites to get you started.

See the northern lights at Gr贸tta

Legendary Icelandic businessman Einar Benediktsson, who constructed many iconic buildings in 搁别测办箩补惫铆办, once tried to sell the northern lights to a Danish visitor. Luckily, he did not succeed.

The auroras are visible in the months of darkness between September and April, but within 搁别测办箩补惫铆办, they're rarely strong enough to outshine the city lights. To vastly increase your chances of spotting the Arctic phenomena, caused by solar winds slamming into Earth's magnetic fields, take an hour-long walk from the city center to the beach of Gr贸tta.

The coastal walk to Gr贸tta is pleasant during the day too, and during low tide, it's possible to reach the iconic lighthouse on the absolute tip of 搁别测办箩补惫铆办's peninsula. Just get back before high tide!

Go for a swim at Nauth贸lsv铆k Geothermal Beach

If Nauth贸lsv铆k were located several latitudes south, its strip of yellow sand would smell of sunscreen and sangria year-round. Here, however, the scene only bursts to life during 搁别测办箩补惫铆办's precious days of beach weather.

Nauth贸lsv铆k is manufactured 鈥� yellow sand is not found naturally in southern Iceland 鈥� and labeled a geothermal beach, with warm hot tubs and a heated lagoon. It's a popular local swimming spot, especially during lunch hours and after work. The city of 搁别测办箩补惫铆办 employs lifeguards and operates changing rooms free of charge from mid-May to mid-August. Winter admission is 740 kr贸na (US$5.80).

Climb Mt Esja and admire the views

At 910m (2986ft), Mt Esja dominates the view from 搁别测办箩补惫铆办's coastline. Trekking it takes hours, but at the same time, it's manageable for most abilities.

The best paths are along the M贸gils谩 River up to the 脼verfellshorn summit. The final stretch is steep and only accessible during summer; most hikers stop at 800m (2625ft) by a rock known as the Stone (Steinn).

Bus 57 stops by the base; getting there takes about an hour from downtown.

Visit during festival time for free entertainment

The city of 搁别测办箩补惫铆办 organizes a variety of public events year-round, number one being , or Menningarn贸tt, held every year around the 20th of August. Events ranging from pancake parties to street performances play out across town, concluding with a massive concert by the harbor. Expect fireworks!

Other guaranteed summertime celebrations include Sailors Day in early June, National Day on June 17 and Gay Pride in August; there's also the Winter Lights Festival in February and the Children's Culture Festival in April.

For upcoming events, pick up a copy of the , the city's largest English-language publication, distributed for free around town.

Go berry-picking in Hei冒m枚rk

Picking crowberries and bilberries is a seasonal ritual for Icelanders young and old. In 搁别测办箩补惫铆办, many head to the Hei冒m枚rk Nature Reserve at the edge of town with empty buckets and empty stomachs, typically from mid-August to mid-September. The area is vast and flat, popular for cycling and walking. Mushrooming is possible here too.

Join a walking tour to learn about Icelandic history

Led by a witty local through downtown monuments and buildings, walking tours are a popular way to explore Iceland's history. Just note that these tours are generally advertised as free, but the guides rely on tips 鈥� in other words, they do cost.

The two largest operators 鈥� and 鈥� offer two-hour walks throughout the day, at least during the summer. Tours tailored to runners, foodies and music lovers are also available; check out the platform for a wide selection.

Spend a rainy day playing at the Nordic House

An architectural landmark by the University of Iceland campus, designed by the acclaimed Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, the Nordic House has an excellent indoor playroom for young children, located in the basement, with Legos from Denmark, Mumin characters from Finland, wooden Ikea toys from Sweden and books about elves and trolls from Iceland and Norway.

The institution also hosts several events and exhibitions year-round and has a restaurant known for New Nordic cuisine.

Commune with nature at the Einar J贸nsson Sculpture Garden

Across the street from the landmark 贬补濒濒驳谤铆尘蝉办颈谤办箩补 church is a quiet sculpture garden featuring the works of renowned 20th-century artist Einar J贸nsson, who once lived in the attached museum building and curated much of the garden with his wife, Anna. Museum admission is 1500kr ($12), but the outdoor area is always open and free.

Admire the architecture at Harpa concert hall

Completed in 2011, Harpa is a modern landmark in 搁别测办箩补惫铆办. Icelandic-Danish artist 脫lafur El铆asson designed the distinguished glass fa莽ade, inspired by the natural basalt columns found in the Icelandic landscape.

The building hosts conferences and events, but visitors are always welcome inside to look at the award-winning architecture.

Take a dip in a geothermal pool

Hot water is one of the few things Icelanders pay less for than the average European. Thanks to the abundant geothermal supply, there are 17 public pools in and around 搁别测办箩补惫铆办. All but one are outdoors, with multi-temperature hot tubs and saunas, open from early morning to evening.

The three pools in comfortable walking distance from the city center are Sundh枚llin, Vesturb忙jarlaug and Laugardalslaug. For smaller crowds, we recommend Sundlaug Seltjarnarness, 脕rb忙jarlaug, Grafarvogslaug and the new .