Reykjavik in Three: A Whirlwind Adventure through Iceland's Capital
Experience Reykjavik in 3 Days: A Perfect Itinerary
After completing the epic Laugavegur Trail in July, we continued our adventure on a 3 day journey through Iceland’s capital, Reykajavik. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration as you unwind in cozy cafes, explore vibrant streets, and immerse yourself in Icelandic culture. Join us as we delve into the charms of Reykjavik, offering the ideal post-hike retreat for adventurers seeking tranquility and fun."
Accommodations:
We chose to stay in a guesthouse over a hotel for affordability and charm. Reykjavik has many guesthouse options that are clean, affordable, and safe for travelers. These accommodations provide a welcoming atmosphere and often boast cozy interiors that reflect Icelandic allure. With their convenient locations and attentive staff, guesthouses in Reykjavik offer an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfortable lodging while exploring the vibrant city and its surrounding natural wonders.
Nordurey Guesthouse in Reykjavik offered a welcoming retreat for us seeking comfort and convenience in the heart of Iceland's capital city. Situated on Snorrabraut St, this charming guesthouse provides a peaceful atmosphere while still being within walking distance of Reykjavik's main attractions. Only a short stroll to Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Reykjavik Art Museum.
The guesthouse features comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms, each designed to provide a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including single, double, and family rooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable beds, flat screen TVs with Netflix, towels, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There are shared bathrooms and showers on each of the 3 floors of the guesthouse.
One of the highlights of Nordurey Guesthouse is its warm and inviting communal space, where guests can relax and socialize with fellow travelers. The lounge area offers comfortable seating, a selection of books and board games, and a shared kitchen where guests can prepare meals and snacks.
In the height of the summer season, guesthouses can average around $200+ CAD per night while hotels average about $400-$500 per night.
Check out some of the many guesthouse options in Reykjavik. A Guide to Reykjavik Guesthouses
Day 1: Discovering Reykjavik's Charm
Morning:
Start your day by marveling at the architectural wonder of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik's iconic church. Ascend to the top of its tower for panoramic views of the colorful rooftops and distant mountains that define the city's skyline.
The interior of Reykjavik's main church, is a captivating blend of minimalist design and grandeur. With high vaulted ceilings and expansive space, it exudes a sense of tranquility. The focal point is the impressive pipe organ, adding both visual and musical splendor. Simple wooden pews face the altar, complementing the serene atmosphere. Bathed in natural light from stained glass windows, every detail invites contemplation and reverence. Hallgrímskirkja's interior is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of architecture to inspire awe.
Cost: free to tour the main church, however $10 CAD for the panoramic view from the top of the tower.
Afternoon:
Stroll down the picturesque Laugavegur, often referred to as "Rainbow Street," where vibrant buildings house charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and eclectic galleries. Immerse yourself in Reykjavik's artistic flair as you explore the street's unique shops and soak in its lively atmosphere.
Don’t forget to stop at one of the many wool shops showcasing the country's rich textile heritage and craftsmanship, offering a wide array of wool sweaters, hats, mittens, and blankets, each meticulously crafted from Icelandic sheep's wool. I couldn’t resist purchasing an angora winter touque with matching mittens and a gorgeous sheep’s wool blanket to cozy up with during with winter.
In the heart of the city center, a vibrant culinary scene awaits, offering a diverse array of restaurants and cafes to suit every palate and preference. From lovely little coffee shops serving freshly brewed Icelandic roasts to upscale eateries showcasing innovative Nordic cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic dining hub.
Evening:
Indulge your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure with a foodie tour in Reykjavik. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer a delectable journey through the city's vibrant food scene, where you'll discover a diverse array of Icelandic delicacies and international flavors. From sampling traditional dishes like smoked lamb and Icelandic seafood to exploring trendy cafes and artisanal bakeries, each stop on the tour provides a tantalizing taste of Reykjavik's culinary culture.
We booked our tour with The Reykjavik Food Walk. Our small group experience with Noki as our guide was simply amazing! Noki led us on a walking tour through the city centre while sharing history of the area and telling funny stories. We visited 5 of the best restaurants in Reykjavik for traditional Icelandic cuisine. Although the traditional cruisine is meat based, Iceland is very vegetarian and vegan friendly. I ordered the vegetarian version of each meal but I tried a bite from each of my husband’s meals to truly experience authentic Icelandic cuisine. Dishes included grilled horse, lamb, langoustine, fermented shark, and arctic char. I never in my life imagined I would eat horse meat but I have to admit, it was delicious. I can’t say the same for fermented shark! I highly recommend going on a foodie tour. It’s an affordable way to try traditonal cuisune at some of the best restuarants. By the end of the tour, we were all stuffed but very satisfied.
Cost: $120 CAD per adult, $73 CAD per child. Five small meals with beverages at 5 restaurants.
For a full list of restaurant suggestions and menus, check out my blog post, “A Culinary Adventure Through Iceland's Capital.”
Day 2: Exploring Nature's Wonders
Morning:
Embark on a captivating journey through Iceland's Golden Circle, where natural wonders and cultural treasures await at every turn. Traverse this iconic route,and visit breathtaking attractions such as the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling geysers of Geysir and Strokkur, and the historic Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates collide. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland's rugged landscapes, marvel at its geothermal wonders, and delve into its rich history and folklore. From cascading waterfalls to spouting geysers, the Golden Circle promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you awe-inspired and longing to explore more of Iceland's natural wonders.
There’s many tours to choose from. Tours can range from a half day on the Golden Circle to a full day with additional excusions, such as a visit at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Although there are many reputable tour companies, I recommend Reykjavik Excursions. We used this tour company for our highland transportation to and from the Laugavegur Trail. Drivers and guides are very experienced and knowledgeable.
Reykjavik Exursions Golden Circle Tours
Afternoon:
Experience the extraordinary sight of a newly formed lava field at the volcanic eruption in Geldingadalur. Witness the raw power of molten lava shaping the landscape, as it flows down rocky slopes, emitting steam and smoke. Feel the heat and hear the crackling sounds of the earth in motion, as you immerse yourself in the primal forces of nature. With expert guides, hike Iceland's volcanic landscapes and learn geological processes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the heart of Iceland's volcanic wilderness.
We didn’t have a chance to hike the newly erupted volcanic landscapes but fellow travellers described the experience as incredible. It’s definitely at the top of your list to do next time.
Evening:
If you’re not exhausted after a full day of chasing waterfalls or hiking volcanic lanscapes, check out the night life in Reykjavik. My husband and I are recreational dart players so we were excited to find Bullseye Reykjavik a couple of blocks from our guesthouse. It’s the world’s largest dart bar! With no experience needed to play, it’s great fun for everyone. Three floors of auto-counting boards, pizza, wings, and beverages. It like bowling but darts. We had a blast.
If playing darts isn’t your thing, check out Sky Bar, an inside roof top bar located in the center of downtown Reykjavik. Offering fun drinks and the most amazing view over the city center, Reykjavik harbor, Harpa Music Hall and the mountain range beyond Faxaflói Bay.
Mal Og Menning, a great place to enjoy live music in Reykjavik. Located in the heart of downtown and open from noon to late evening, it’s the perfect spot to stop by, enjoy coffee, pastries, beer, libations and live music.
Day 3: Delving Deeper into Reykjavik's Culture
Day:
Discover Reykjavik's vibrant culture and scenic beauty with the 24-hour City Card, your key to unlocking the city's top attractions, pools, and convenient transportation options. With this comprehensive pass, you'll enjoy complimentary admission to select museums and galleries, allowing you to delve into Iceland's rich history and artistic heritage at your leisure.
But that's not all – the City Card also includes free access to Reykjavik's public transit system, making it easy to navigate the city and explore its diverse neighborhoods and landmarks. Hop on and off buses with ease as you discover iconic sights like Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the vibrant streets of Laugavegur.
Plus, with the City Card, you can take a scenic ferry ride to Videy Island, a tranquil oasis just a short distance from Reykjavik's bustling city center. Explore the island's natural beauty, historic landmarks, and outdoor art installations, all while taking in stunning views of the surrounding coastline and distant mountains.
City cards area available for 24, 28, and 72 hour periods and the most inexpensive way to enjoy the city.
Cost: Approximately $50 CAD per person for a 24 hours card, $70 CAD for 48 hours, and $80 CAD for 72 hours.
Evening:
Conclude your Reykjavik adventure with a leisurely stroll along the city's waterfront, where the gleaming Harpa Concert Hall stands as a modern architectural masterpiece. Bask in the glow of the midnight sun during the summer months or bundle up to witness the dancing auroras in the winter sky, bidding farewell to Reykjavik with memories that will last a lifetime.
Reykjavik at midnight in July.
In just three days, Reykjavik unveils a world of wonders, from its iconic landmarks and vibrant streets to its natural wonders and cultural treasures. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Iceland's capital city promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. So, pack your bags and take off on a journey to discover the enchanting charm of Reykjavik – a destination like no othe