This guide includes an itinerary for Reykjavik Iceland and information on when to visit, how to get around, and things to do. Reykjavik and the surrounding areas make for a great 1-4 day Iceland itinerary. If you want to extend your trip, you could easily spend more time in Iceland traveling along the Ring Road to see other regions of the country. For example, you could follow my South Iceland Road Trip Guide.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my business.
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland. Compared to other European capital cities, it has a small town feel and is easily walkable in a day. Reykjavik attracts contrasting opinions on how (or if) to see it. Some travelers will only spend a few days in Iceland as a stopover on trips between Europe and the United States. For these travelers, Reykjavik may be the only place they see. Others will tell you to skip Reykjavik entirely and maximize your time enjoying the natural beauty of Iceland outside its main city. I will advise you to take an intermediate approach and spend some time in Reykjavik while also making time enjoy the natural beauty that lies outside the city.
When to visit Reykjavik Iceland
Reykjavik is a year-round tourist destination, but the activities available will differ by season. Summer is the best time to drive the Ring Road, go hiking, and see wildlife like puffins and whales. In the winter, you can search for the Northern Lights, explore ice caves, and enjoy Christmas Markets. The activities described in this guide would be best planned between June – August.
Due to its northern latitude, Iceland experiences long daylight in the summer and long, dark winters. In the summertime, you can experience the midnight sun, where the sun doesn’t fully set from May – August. This gives you more flexibility in planning your day as you can avoid driving or hiking at night even if you are out late. In contrast, during the winter, the sun can be up as few as 4 hours.
Even during the summer, weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and chilly. Temperatures average 55-60 F but can change in an instant, plus it can be rainy. Be prepared by dressing in layers and having rain gear available so you can still make the most of your Reykjavik Iceland itinerary.
Getting to Reykjavik Iceland
Most travelers will arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) which is approximately 45-50 minutes from Reykjavik.
Getting around
I recommend renting a car while in Iceland, especially if you plan on leaving Reykjavik. However, if you prefer not to drive, there are shuttles available from the airport to Reykjavik. Once in the city, it is easily walkable. If you only plan on leaving Reykjavik for the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, you can book tours that include transportation.
Where to stay
Any location in downtown Reykjavik will be easily walkable to the main sights. If you have a larger group, a vacation rental might be more convenient. On our last night, we decided to stay near the airport at the Courtyard by Marriot Reykjavik Keflavik Airport since we had an early flight to catch the next morning.
Things to do
Downtown Reykjavik
This area is small and easily walkable. Enjoy shopping, dining, museums, and the main sites. Be sure to see Hallgrímskirja Church, a Lutheran parish church that is the tallest in Iceland. Check out the modern, crystalline architecture at Harpa concert hall, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and Reykjavík Big Band. Finally, walk around Tjörnin Pond filled with geese, ducks, and swans. Consider a stop at a museum like the National Museum of Iceland or the the Icelandic Phallological Museum.
Blue Lagoon
This geothermal spa is an iconic stop in Iceland about 40 min from Reykjavik and only 20 minutes from the KEF airport and a must do on your itinerary. While some will suggest stopping at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport, I don’t think that it’s relaxing to unwind at a spa while in the back of your mind you are thinking about getting to the airport on time. Alternatively, if you land early enough, you could make the Blue Lagoon your first stop in Iceland.
The warm, milky blue waters of the Lagoon have high mineral, silica, and algae content. You will need to take a shower before entering the Lagoon (private showers are available). Once in the Lagoon, try to keep your hair out of the water as it can significantly dry it out. It’s also recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses and to keep your prescription glasses from getting wet.
The Blue Lagoon offers several admission packages with different inclusions. We opted for the Premium Package which included a total of 3 face masks, a complimentary drink (yes there is a bar in the Blue Lagoon), and a complimentary sparkling wine in the Lava restaurant. Onsite, you will find a spa, restaurant, and hotel. It’s recommended to get your ticket in advance as this the Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist destination.
Sky Lagoon
This newer thermal spa is only 10 min drive from downtown Reykjavik. They offer several different packages including a 7 step Icelandic Bath Ritual.
Whale Tours
There are several different whale watching tours that depart from Reykjavik, each around 3 hours long. Expect to see Minke whales, Humpback whales, Harbour porpoises and/or White-beaked dolphins.
Puffin Tours
Iceland is a breeding ground for Puffins who return to land May – August to nest. Tours out of Reykjavik will sail past Puffin Island, home to over 30,000 puffins. Tours are typically 1 hour long.
Golden Circle
While technically not in Reykjavik, a tour of the Golden Circle is a great way to leave the city and get a taste of the natural scenery in Iceland. If you travel the whole circle, this will be a full day trip from Reykjavik. Even if you are planning a short stay in Reykjavik, Iceland, I recommend adding the Golden Circle to your itinerary. The major highlights are described below. If you are not renting a car, you can book a tour that includes transportation like this one.
Thingvellir National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site 50 minutes from Reykjavik is typically the first stop on a Golden Circle tour. Within, you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates that are slowly drifting apart from each other. This is the only place in the world you can see the shifting tectonic plates above water. If you wish to dive, you can swim in the Silfra Fissure, and literally stand between two continents. The water in Silfra is cold and clear and it’s rated as a great dive site. You can book a dive here. Alternatively, snorkeling tours are available if you aren’t certified to scuba dive.
Afterwards, hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall which was a filming sites for Game of Thrones. If you don’t feel like hiking, there is a parking lot you can use that will put you just a few steps from the waterfall.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The next stop on the Golden Circle Tour is the Geysir Geothermal Area which will take about 45 mintues to reach. You’ll know you’re getting close because you will be able to see steam emanating from the ground from the road and you’ll start to smell sulphur. The highlight of the area is Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts every 5 – 10 minutes.
Gullfoss
The next stop, the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, is just 10 min down the road. The area has several paths and viewing platforms you can use to get a different view of the falls.
Kerid Crater
The last stop on the Golden Circle Tour is Kerid Crater about 50 minutes from Gullfoss. Formed from a collapsed volcano caldera, Kerid Crater contains a beautiful lake surrounded by red rock. There is a small fee to enter the area and walk around the crater’s rim. From here, it will take about an hour to drive back to Reykjavik.
Where to eat
For Breakfast
SÆTA HÚSIÐ or “Sweet House” was an adorable and tasty breakfast stopped we ate at multiple times.
For a Drink
The Lebowski Bar definitely seems to cater to American tourists with a menu primarily consisting of hamburgers but the White Russians are phenomenal. The bar is decked out in Big Lebowski movie decorations including a bar wrapped in a rug that really ties the room together. It you are as obsessed with the movie as I am, this is a must stop in Reykjavik. For a completely different vibe, check out Hús máls og menningar a bar meets bookstore meets coffee shop meets live music venue. It’s a great spot to grab a drink and soak in the ambiance
For Dinner
Reykavik has numerous upscale restaurants to choose from. We had dinner at Grillmarket, Food Cellar, and Fish Company and were never disappointed. Be sure to try the Icelandic Lamb at least once.
Sample itinerary for Reykjavik Iceland
Day 1
We landed on a late night flight from Boston, grabbed dinner, and settled into our hotel. If you land earlier in the day, you can plan some activities and potentially shorten your stay.
Day 2
Take yourself on a walking tour of Reykjavik. Sites to see include Hallgrímskirja Church, Sun Voyager Sculpture, the Harpa concert hall, and Tjörnin Pond. Enjoy shopping down streets like Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Afterwards, you can choose between a relaxing stop at the Sky Lagoon or a wildlife excursion like a whale or puffin tour.
Day 3
Tour the Golden Circle. You can either book a tour like this one or drive yourself. Stops include Thingvellir National Park, Oxararfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss, and Kerid Crater. Plan on spending your full day exploring these destinations, ending in Reykjavik for dinner.
Day 4
Enjoy the Blue Lagoon. Afterwards, we returned to Reykjavik to finish shopping and bar hopping. You could also plan a whale or puffin tour today if you didn’t already fit them into your itinerary. The next day we were leaving Reykjavik to head south and continue our tour of Iceland. Alternatively, if today is your last day in Iceland, then you may wish to start the day in Reykjavik, then go to the Blue Lagoon, and finally check in to an airport hotel to end your day.
Day 5
Either travel home or continue your tour of Iceland by leaving Reykjavik and exploring another region. For example, you could follow my South Iceland Road Trip Guide to see more waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches.