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’re short on time, here’s a guide to spending 1 day in Reykjavik and actually having an amazing time, rather than just rushing past it on your way to somewhere else.

A quick note before we dive in: I did this itinerary in summer, during a 10-day road trip around Iceland, and Reykjavik barely gets properly dark at that time of year. A few of the timings below, especially around sunset and the “night” section, assume those long daylight hours. If you’re visiting in winter, the bones of this itinerary still work, but adjust the lighting-dependent tips accordingly.

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1 day in Reykjavik in summer itinerary

From stunning architecture and quirky museums to incredible food (for me, genuinely the best part of the whole trip) and picturesque landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do in a single day, and you could easily justify staying 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.

We spent a couple of nights in Reykjavik on our trip, and there’s genuinely a lot packed into this small capital, so here’s everything I’d recommend covering in 1 day in Reykjavik.

Morning: start with Reykjavik’s iconic sights

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Begin your day at Hallgrímskirkja, one of Reykjavik’s most recognisable landmarks, and a perfect starting point for your 1 day in the city. This towering, modernist church stands 74.5 metres (244 feet) tall and offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding landscape from its observation deck. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and its striking design takes its cues from the shapes of basalt lava columns, a common feature of Icelandic nature.

Entry to the church itself is free, but if you want to go up the tower, the fee is 1,400 ISK. Check the official website for opening hours, since they don’t always match the church’s general schedule.

If you’re visiting in summer like we did, go back to see the church between 11pm and midnight, the light at that hour is genuinely stunning. Just remember, this only applies to summer visits, when it barely gets dark at all.

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 on a short visit, Reykjavik’s nightlife is worth experiencing. For drinks, head to Kaffibarinn, a cosy, lively bar popular with locals. For something a bit different, try Bunk Bar, a hidden gem tucked into the basement of a building, serving great cocktails with a relaxed, laid-back vibe.

If you’re up for a little adventure still, a late-night stroll around Tjörnin Lake near the city centre makes a peaceful way to close out the day. Remember, if you’re visiting in summer like we did, the midnight sun means it won’t really get dark. In winter, the same walk will be a very different, much colder experience.

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:

• Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre

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.

• Hotel Borg by Keahotels

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.

• Reykjavik Residence Hotel

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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