1 Day in Reykjavik: a comprehensive guide
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is a compact and vibrant city with plenty to offer, even if you only have one day to explore. So if you are short on time, here you have a guide to 1 day in Reykjavik to have an amazing time.
1 day in Reykjavik itinerary
From stunning architecture and quirky museums to incredible food (for me this was the best thing in Reykjavik) and picturesque landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do in one day…and you’ll could easily stay longer. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the Golden Circle or using Reykjavik as a base to explore the rest of Iceland, here’s a perfect one-day itinerary to experience the best the city has to offer.
On my trip to Iceland (we did a 10-day road trip in Iceland in summer), we spent a couple of nights in Reykjavik. There’s quite a lot of things to do, so I’m covering here what to do in 1 day in Reykjavik.
Morning: start with Reykjavik’s iconic sights
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Begin your day at Hallgrímskirkja, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks, which makes it a perfect start to your 1 day in Reykjavik. This towering, modernist church stands at 74.5 meters (244 feet) and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and its striking design was inspired by the shapes of basalt lava columns, which are common in Icelandic nature.
It is free to visit the church, but if you’d like to enter the tower, the fee is 1400 ISK. Check this website for the opening hours as they are not the same as the schedule of the church.
If you are visiting Reykjavik in summer, go to see the church between 11 pm and 12 am for stunning sunset light.
Reykjavik city centre & Sun Voyager
From Hallgrímskirkja, you can easily walk down to the heart of Reykjavik’s city centre. Along the way, you’ll pass quirky cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Stop at the Sun Voyager (Sólfar) sculpture along the waterfront, a stunning ode to Viking exploration, which is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The sculpture resembles a Viking ship and provides a great photo opportunity with the backdrop of the sea and mountains.
Also, once there, you might notice lots of people swimming in the sea, which I imagine is freezing cold.
Mid-morning: museums & culture
National Museum of Iceland
A short walk from the city centre will bring you to the National Museum of Iceland. This museum offers a comprehensive overview of Iceland’s fascinating history, from the Viking Age to modern times. The museum’s exhibits include ancient artifacts, historical documents, and interactive displays that provide context for Iceland’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a handy activity if it rains.
Harpa concert hall
Next, head over to the Harpa Concert Hall, located by the waterfront as your 1 day in Rejkyavik cannot be complete without making this stop. This stunning building is an architectural masterpiece, with a design inspired by Iceland’s natural scenery. It hosts concerts, events, and even has some exhibitions. If you have time, take a guided tour to learn about its design and the cultural events held here.
Lunch: Icelandic delights
I totally understand why Icelandic food has a bad fame, but things seem to have changed. They have quite a few unusual dishes that not everyone might be a fan of, like puffins, whales or fermented shark, but everything else can’t disappoint.
Reykjavik is known for its world-class restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to innovative dishes inspired by local ingredients. To be completely honest with you, I found food in Iceland to be incredibly delicious. No matter where we ate, every dish was high quality, tasty and presented almost like top class restaurants. If you are not sure what and where to eat, a foodie tour is a great option that saves you time and avoids disappointments when it comes to food choices.
Here are some great spots to enjoy a memorable lunch:
Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn)
Located in the heart of the city, Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn) is an upscale restaurant known for its contemporary approach to traditional Icelandic seafood. The tasting menus are a great way to sample a variety of fresh, local dishes. Opt for their Icelandic fish soup or the sushi menu, which features fish caught straight from Iceland’s waters.
Snaps Bistro
If you’re looking for something more laid-back but still flavorful, Snaps Bistro is a popular option. This Icelandic fusion bistro is a local favorite, offering a mix of fresh seafood and Nordic-inspired dishes. Their roasted lamb and Icelandic fish stew are particularly delicious.
The famous hot-dog stand
For a typical snack, stop by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur- the most known hot-dog stand that makes people wait in long lines. Just watch out for the birds as they are quite aggressive to steal your hot-dog.
Afternoon: explore Reykjavik’s hidden gems
Perlan Museum
After lunch, head to Perlan, an incredible building that combines a glass dome with interactive exhibitions. Here you can learn about Iceland’s natural phenomena, including volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal energy. The Glacier Exhibition is especially impressive, featuring a life-sized ice cave and offering a fascinating insight into Iceland’s glaciers. It is a fascinating museum that you won’t regret visiting. Since it is Iceland’s best museum and the tickets are limited, it’s best to book your entrances in advance.
Laugavegur Street
For a little shopping and wandering, head to Laugavegur Street, Reykjavik’s main shopping place. It’s lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. Take your time to pop into local stores selling everything from Icelandic wool sweaters (known as lopapeysa) to handmade crafts and jewelry.
Near one end of this street, you’ll find the most photographed street in Reykjavik: Skólavörðustígur rainbow street.
Evening: dinner & relaxation
After a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Reykjavik’s finest dining spots:
- Dill Restaurant
For an unforgettable culinary experience, head to Dill Restaurant, which has earned a Michelin star for its innovative approach to New Nordic cuisine. The tasting menu offers a variety of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with dishes designed to highlight the natural flavors of Iceland. Book ahead, as this spot is quite popular with food enthusiasts.
- Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)
Another excellent choice for dinner is Grillmarkaðurinn, known for its focus on Icelandic ingredients cooked over an open flame. It offers a cozy yet stylish setting where you can try dishes like Icelandic lamb and arctic char. The rustic yet elegant atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxing end to your day.
- Join a foodie walk in Reykjavik
Joining a foodie walk in 1 day in Reykjavik is a great option to get introduced to the best culinary delicacies the city has to offer. You might love this tour with 14k 5-star reviews!
Night: drinks and scenic views
Explore Reykjavik’s nightlife
Even if you’re short on time, Reykjavik’s nightlife is definitely worth experiencing. If you’re in the mood for drinks, head to Kaffibarinn, a cozy and lively bar popular among locals. For a more unique experience, try Bunk Bar, a hidden gem in the basement of a building, which serves great cocktails and has a laid-back vibe.
If you’re still up for a ”little adventure”, a late-night stroll around Tjörnin Lake, located near the city center, can be a peaceful way to end your day in Reykjavik. Remember, traveling to Reykjavik in summer means that you’ll still have midnight sun, but in winter it’ll be freezing cold.
If you plan to stay more than 1 day in Reykjavik
Most of the amazing views are outside of the capital, however, if you are really tight on time, but have more than 1 day in Reykjavik, there are a few amazing things to do.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the most iconic and picturesque blue lagoon is only 40 minutes drive from Reykjavik. There are more lagoons of this kind in Iceland, but this one is very convenient if you only have 1 or 2 days in Reykjavik.
Golden Circle
Golden Circle is a perfect option to see some of the Iceland’s best landscapes easily reachable from Reykjavik on a day tour. You’ll be able to see stunning waterfalls, geysers and more. This tour has great ratings – during the full day it takes you to the best spot of the Golden Circle.
Volcano helicopter tour
As we know, there is quite a lot of volcanic activity in Iceland, especially in the last couple of years. For a unique and memorable experience, take a helicopter tour to see some amazing views of the mother nature.
Where to stay in Reykjavik
If you only have 1 day in Reykjavik, it makes sense to choose a central location close to most attractions. Here you have a few options:
Ranked as one of the top hotels in Reykjavik, this modern and stylish hotel is located in the heart of the city, making it perfect for exploring on foot. The hotel offers spacious rooms, excellent service, and a popular breakfast buffet to start your day right.
For a touch of elegance and history, stay at Hotel Borg, a beautiful Art Deco hotel located near the city center. It’s a luxury option with a rich history and offers top-notch amenities, including a spa and fitness center.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, Reykjavik Residence Hotel offers boutique-style accommodation with the comfort of home. The hotel features spacious apartments, many with kitchens, making it a great option for those staying a little longer.
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