Reykjavik

Reykjavik, though small, bursts with geothermal energy and a spirited art scene. Delve deep into Viking history at the Saga Museum, and as the auroras dance overhead, warm up with a bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup, bridging the gap between ancient tales and modern allure.

Chapters

Reykjavik Guide
Where to Stay
Best Season
Local Tips

Local Tips

Highlights:

• Blue Lagoon
• Golden Circle tour
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harpa Concert Hall
• Northern Lights

Lowlights:

• Expensive dining and shopping
• Unpredictable weather
• Limited daylight in winter


Currency: –
Festivities: –

Reykjavik Guide

Guide for 1 Day

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious Icelandic breakfast at Braud & Co, known for their freshly baked bread and pastries.
  • Next, head to Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church with a stunning view of the city from its tower.
  • Afterward, explore the charming streets of Old Reykjavik, the historic heart of the city with colorful buildings and unique shops.

Midday

  • For lunch, try some traditional Icelandic dishes at The Sea Baron, a cozy seafood restaurant by the harbor.
  • Afterward, visit The Settlement Exhibition, a museum showcasing the Viking history of Iceland with interactive exhibits.

Afternoon

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, a symbol of hope and freedom by the sea.
  • Then, discover one of Reykjavik’s hidden gems at Kaffi Vínyl, a vegan café and record store with a cozy atmosphere.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Grillmarkadurinn, a restaurant specializing in local and organic ingredients with a creative menu.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Reykjavik at Kaffibarinn, a popular bar with a cozy atmosphere.
  • End your night with a relaxing dip in the geothermal waters at Laugardalslaug, one of Reykjavik’s largest swimming pools.

Guide for 2 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Braud & Co, a popular bakery known for their delicious pastries and bread.
  • Visit Harpa Concert Hall, an iconic glass building that hosts various performances and events throughout the year.
  • Stroll along the harbor and admire the colorful boats at Old Harbor Reykjavik.

Midday

  • Head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for a classic Icelandic hot dog, loved by locals and tourists alike.
  • Explore the street art and murals in the trendy Grandi district.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn, serving modern Icelandic cuisine with a twist.
  • Sip on a craft beer at Mikkeller & Friends, a popular bar with a large selection of beers.
  • End the night with a stroll on the Laugavegur shopping street, filled with local shops and boutiques.

Day 2

Morning

  • Enjoy a traditional Icelandic breakfast of skyr and rye bread at Mokka Kaffi, a cozy coffeehouse.
  • Take a short drive to Perlan, a unique building with a panoramic view of Reykjavik and surrounding mountains.
  • Visit the Hallgrímskirkja, a stunning church and one of Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks.

Midday

  • Grab a bite to eat at Brauð & Co and try their famous cinnamon buns.
  • Explore the quirky and colorful houses in the Þingholt district.

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour of the Reykjavik Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Icelandic art.
  • Visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition, featuring life-size whale models and interactive displays.

Evening

  • Dine at Fiskfélagið, a seafood restaurant offering fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Experience the nightlife at Kaffibarinn, a popular bar with a cozy atmosphere.
  • End the night with a relaxing soak in one of the many hot pots at Laugardalslaug, the largest swimming pool complex in Reykjavik.

Guide for 3 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day at Braud & Co for freshly baked pastries and bread.
  • Next, head to Perlan Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city.
  • Round out your morning with a stroll through the colorful houses of the Old Harbour district.

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Day 2

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Day 3

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Guide for 5 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Braud & Co, a famous bakery that serves freshly baked bread and pastries every morning.
  • Next, head over to the Hallgrimskirkja Church, a stunning architectural masterpiece that offers panoramic views of Reykjavik from its tower.
  • Finally, visit the Sun Voyager Sculpture, a beautiful sculpture by the sea that represents hope, progress, and freedom.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Icelandic lunch at Reykjavik Fish Restaurant, a seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish caught daily.
  • Afterwards, visit the Harpa Concert Hall, a modern glass building that houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall and conference center.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Dine at Grillmarkadurinn, a restaurant that specializes in Icelandic cuisine and offers a fine dining experience.
  • Next, enjoy a drink at Pub 11, a cozy pub that serves local craft beers and has a great atmosphere.
  • Finally, experience Icelandic nightlife at Kaffibarinn, a popular bar that has been around since 1991 and attracts a diverse crowd.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with breakfast at Mokka Kaffi, a cozy cafe that serves delicious coffee and pastries.
  • Next, visit the Perlan Museum, a unique museum that features interactive exhibits on Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and natural wonders.
  • Finally, visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, a contemporary art museum that showcases the works of Icelandic and international artists.

Midday

  • Enjoy a hearty lunch at Kol Restaurant, a trendy restaurant that offers a variety of dishes made with local ingredients.
  • Afterwards, visit the Old Harbour, a charming area that features colorful houses, a marina, and several shops and restaurants.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Dine at Snaps Bistro, a cozy bistro that serves French-inspired cuisine and has a great selection of wine.
  • Next, enjoy a drink at Slippbarinn, a stylish bar that offers creative cocktails and has a great view of the harbor.
  • Finally, experience Icelandic music at Gaukurinn, a popular music venue that showcases local and international bands.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with breakfast at Bergsson Mathús, a farm-to-table cafe that serves healthy and delicious food.
  • Next, visit the Reykjavik City Museum, a museum that offers insight into the history and culture of Reykjavik.
  • Finally, visit the Hlemmur Square, a food hall and social hub that features several restaurants, bars, and shops.

Midday

  • Enjoy a quick lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a famous hot dog stand that has been around since 1937 and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
  • Afterwards, visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, a museum that showcases life-sized models of various whale species found in Icelandic waters.

Afternoon

  • Explore Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum, a museum that features over 20 historic buildings and offers a glimpse into the daily life of Icelanders in the past.
  • Next, visit the Perlan Observation Deck, a rooftop observation deck that offers stunning views of Reykjavik and its surroundings.

Evening

  • Dine at Fiskfelagid, a seafood restaurant that offers a modern take on Icelandic cuisine and has won several awards.
  • Next, enjoy a drink at Skúli Craft Bar, a craft beer bar that offers a wide selection of local and international beers.
  • Finally, experience Icelandic folklore at The Icelandic Elf School, a school that teaches about the hidden people and elves that are part of Icelandic folklore.

Day 4

Morning

  • Start your day with breakfast at Te og Kaffi, a popular coffee shop that serves great coffee and pastries.
  • Next, visit the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, a museum that offers insight into Iceland’s maritime history and culture.
  • Finally, visit the Solfarid Sculpture, a beautiful sculpture by the sea that represents a Viking ship.

Midday

  • Enjoy a light lunch at Bryggjan Brugghús, a microbrewery that serves delicious food and has a great selection of beer.
  • Afterwards, visit the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park, a zoo that features a variety of animals and offers fun activities for the whole family.

Afternoon

  • Explore Grótta Lighthouse, a beautiful lighthouse that offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area.
  • Next, visit the The Settlement Exhibition, a museum that showcases the remains of Viking Age buildings found in Reykjavik.

Evening

  • Dine at Matarkjallarinn, a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience in a cozy cave-like setting.
  • Next, enjoy a drink at Pablo Discobar, a bar that offers creative cocktails and has a great atmosphere.
  • Finally, experience Icelandic comedy at Grettisgata 1 Comedy Club, a comedy club that features local and international comedians.

Day 5

Morning

  • Start your day with breakfast at Kaffi Vínyl, a vegan cafe that serves great coffee and breakfast dishes.
  • Next, visit the National Museum of Iceland, a museum that offers insight into the history and culture of Iceland from settlement to present day.
  • Finally, visit the Tjörnin Pond, a picturesque pond that is home to various bird species and is surrounded by several landmarks.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Icelandic lunch at Íslenski Barinn, a restaurant that serves Icelandic dishes made with local ingredients.
  • Afterwards, visit the Reykjavik Flea Market, a market that offers a variety of Icelandic souvenirs, crafts, and food.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Dine at Kopar Restaurant, a restaurant that offers a fine dining experience and has a great view of the harbor.
  • Next, enjoy a drink at Dillon Whiskey Bar, a whiskey bar that offers a wide selection of whiskey and has a great atmosphere.
  • Finally, experience Icelandic cinema at Bíó Paradís, a cinema that showcases Icelandic and international films.

Guide for 1 Week

Day 1

Morning

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Braud & Co bakery, famous for its delicious cinnamon rolls.
  • Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, offering stunning views of Reykjavik from its tower.
  • Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Harbor, home to colorful houses and seafood restaurants.

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Grillmarket, known for its innovative cuisine using local ingredients.
  • Enjoy craft cocktails and live music at the cozy Kaffibarinn bar.
  • Visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum, showcasing the world’s largest collection of penises from various species.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start the day with a Scandinavian-style breakfast at Mokka-Kaffi, a historic coffee house.
  • Admire the colorful street art in the Grandi district, a former industrial area that’s now trendy.
  • Take a stroll along the Sun Voyager sculpture, a symbol of hope and freedom.

Midday

  • Enjoy a light lunch at Reykjavik Chips, offering a variety of delicious fries with creative toppings.
  • Visit the Reykjavik Art Museum, featuring contemporary Icelandic and international art.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor Icelandic seafood at the cozy Snaps Bistro, accompanied by French wines.
  • Head to the Harpa Concert Hall, a stunning glass building hosting concerts and events.
  • Enjoy a drink at the Húrra Reykjavík bar, featuring a vintage decor and live music.

Day 3

Morning

  • Indulge in a Scandinavian-style breakfast at Bergsson Mathús, featuring organic and local ingredients.
  • Visit the Reykjavik City Hall, offering exhibitions and information about the city.
  • Take a walk around the Tjörnin lake, home to numerous bird species.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Visit the Reykjavik Zoo, home to various animals from around the world.
  • Take a dip in the Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool, popular among locals.

Evening

  • Savor Nordic cuisine at Dill Restaurant, featuring seasonal and foraged ingredients.
  • Enjoy a pint of Icelandic beer at the Bryggjan Brugghús brewery, overlooking the harbor.
  • Watch a movie at the Bíó Paradís cinema, featuring indie and foreign films.

Day 4

Morning

  • Start the day with a breakfast buffet at Ísafold Restaurant, offering a variety of Icelandic and international dishes.
  • Visit the Reykjavik City Museum, featuring exhibitions about the city’s history and culture.
  • Take a walk along the Reykjavik Art Walk, featuring various art installations and sculptures.

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor Icelandic cuisine at Matur og Drykkur, featuring traditional dishes with a modern twist.
  • Enjoy a glass of Icelandic schnapps at the cozy Kaffibrennslan bar.
  • Watch the northern lights at the Perlan Observatory, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Day 5

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor Icelandic cuisine at Fiskmarkaðurinn, featuring fresh seafood and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Enjoy a pint of Icelandic beer at the Micro Bar, featuring a wide selection of craft beers.
  • Watch a play at the Icelandic Theatre Company, featuring Icelandic and international productions.

Day 6

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor Italian cuisine at Caruso, offering homemade pasta and pizzas.
  • Enjoy a glass of Icelandic wine at the ÓX Wine Bar, featuring a cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
  • Watch a stand-up comedy show at the Gaukurinn bar, featuring local and international comedians.

Day 7

Morning

  • Start the day with a Scandinavian-style breakfast at Te og Kaffi, featuring organic and fair-trade coffee.
  • Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church, featuring stunning architecture and views of the city.
  • Take a walk along the Reykjavik Sculpture Walk, featuring various sculptures and installations.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Visit the Icelandic Punk Museum, showcasing the history of punk music in Iceland.
  • Take a walk along the Old Harbor, home to various seafood restaurants and boat tours.

Evening

  • Savor Nordic cuisine at Kol Restaurant, featuring a cozy atmosphere and creative dishes.
  • Enjoy a pint of Icelandic beer at the Bryggjan Brugghús brewery, featuring harbor views.
  • Watch a movie at the Bíó Paradís cinema, featuring indie and foreign films.

Where to Stay

Coming soon for Reykjavik!
Luxury: –
Good: –
Budget: –
Hostel: –

Best Season

Coming soon for Reykjavik!