You may be able to see the northern lights in the city but a few criteria would have to be met.
Can the northern lights be seen from reykjavik.
If the skies are clear and the aurora is active you can see the northern lights pretty much anywhere in iceland even in downtown reykjavík.
You will need darkness and clear skies and northern light activity all three of which only appear together mostly during the winter months.
I recommend booking a tour on your first night.
But it is uncommon due to the light pollution of the city lights.
Reykjavik is often hailed as the undisputed northern lights capital of the world because given the right conditions the northern lights can be seen from pretty much anywhere in reykjavik.
However if the display is strong there are certain places where you can view it without traveling far.
The lights are going to be brighter more vibrant and easier to spot in the countryside of iceland.
The best aurora spots inside the city tend to be along the coast where you have a broad horizon without streetlights or other sources of bright light polluting the sky.
It is possible to see the northern lights from reykjavik.
You can easily see the northern lights in reykjavík but you are more likely to see them outside of the city mainly because of light pollution.
But if they would be seen from the city they would be much much nicer outside the city where there are no ambient lights.
The capital of iceland is not the best place to see the auroras due to strong light pollution.
Seeing the northern lights in reykjavik is possible.
Yes they can sometimes be seen from the city.