How to Spend Three Days in Reykjavik Iceland
Planning a trip to Reykjavik and wondering how to make the most of your time?
This three-day itinerary covers the city’s top sights, activities, and local gems, ensuring you experience the best of Iceland’s capital.
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A trip to the Land of Fire & Ice wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the capital city of Reykjavik. Here you will find plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A nicely thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book entrance tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything Reykjavik has to offer. Have some flexibility built in to your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or longer than expected queues at popular attractions.
In this guide, we’ll outline a perfect three-day itinerary that covers the best sights, activities, and local gems, ensuring you experience the essence of Iceland’s captivating capital. From geothermal pools and breathtaking scenery to culinary delights and lively arts, here’s how to spend an unforgettable three days in Reykjavik. Adjust as needed to suit your travel timeline, budget and preferences.
Ideal Duration for a Visit to Reykjavik
Do you prefer a packed schedule or a more leisurely pace? Are you visiting during the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours to explore? Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Reykjavik and its surrounding areas can be seen in three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors planning to visit the Icelandic capital as well as the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle. Reykjavik is an essential stop if you are continuing on to see other parts of Iceland on a longer trip around the country.
Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. This guide assumes travellers have three-full days available to explore.
Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Reykjavik and surrounding areas for a few days will certainly be worthwhile. Allow additional time if you plan to venture further from the capital.
Reykjavik – 3 Day Itinerary
Use the following three-day itinerary as an inspirational guide to plan your trip to Reykjavik.
Day 1 – Blue Lagoon & City Centre
Travellers typically arrive in Iceland via Keflavik International Airport (KEF) which is located approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavik City Centre.
Before venturing into the city, pick up your rental car at the airport and head directly to the Blue Lagoon. If you prefer not to drive, alternative transportation options are available such as shuttle bus or private transfer.
1. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon
A trip to Iceland just wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Blue Lagoon. There is a reason this place is on just about everyone’s bucket list and the county’s top tourist attraction.
Immerse yourself in the milky-blue water and tranquil, dream-like atmosphere. It’s easy to spend a few hours here surrounded by steaming water and volcanic landscapes. Tickets can sell out, so make sure to pre-book your time-slot early to avoid disappointment.
2. Sightseeing in Reykjavik
After relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, head to Reykjavik and check into your accommodation. Hotels, hostels and unique apartments located in the City Centre (Miðborg) are the best places to stay for first-time visitors. If you have arrived prior to check-in, ask your accommodation staff if there is a secure place to store your belongings. It’s time to start exploring the capital city!
Check the forecast and dress appropriately before you step outdoors. It should come as no surprise that you will need to be prepared for colder weather in Iceland. Typical summers are short, cool and cloudy. Winters are long, cold, wet and windy. Dress in layers and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
The best way to explore Reykjavik is by walking. Get outdoors and soak up the mountain views along the coastline. Discover the city’s artistic hub with its museums, art exhibitions and concert halls.
Many bars and restaurants can be found downtown, perfect for live music and pub crawls. Reykjavik is well-known for its nightlife, uniting both locals and international travellers.
Check out some of the best sights in Reykjavik city centre:
- Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Rainbow Street
- Saebraut Street
- Laugavegur Street
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Visit the tallest church in Iceland with its impressive tower that dominates the Reykjavik skyline. The architecture has been inspired by features from the county’s natural landscape.
The exterior pillars resemble basalt columns (volcanic rocks that form as melting lava cools). The colour tone is grey and cold, symbolizing the harsh realities of the northern climate. Admire the striking front door entrance and stained-glass windows. Enjoy the acoustics while you wander, listening to the pipe organ.
You can tour inside the building for free as long as there are no church services taking place. Pay 1000 ISK to take the elevator to the top of the tower. View the mountains in the distance and the city below.
Rainbow Street
Now a permanent installation, Rainbow Street represents Iceland’s love and acceptance for the LGBTQ2S+ community! In the past, locals would take part in painting the street each year to celebrate pride, demonstrating the country’s commitment towards diversity and inclusion.
Rainbow Street (Skolavordustigur Street) is located in the heart of Reykjavik and leads directly to the Hallgrimskirkja Church. It is impossible to miss and you will likely stumble upon it as you meander past the city centre shops and cafes.
You will see many local businesses displaying the pride flag in their storefront windows. Be sure to snap a colourful photo on Rainbow Street to show your support as well!
Sculpture & Shore Walk (Saebraut Street)
Grab a hot cup of coffee and take a peaceful stroll along Reykjavik’s northern coastline. You will enjoy harbour views and snow-capped mountains as your backdrop. If you are visiting in the winter months, this is the perfect location to view the Northern Lights as they reflect off the water.
About an hour walk (one-way) will lead you along a pedestrian friendly, paved path from the Harpa Concert Hall to the Reykjavik Cruise Terminal at Skarfrabakki Harbour. Sights along this route include Solfar Sun Voyager Sculpture, Partnership Sculpture and Hodfi House.
Shops, Cafes, Restaurants & Nightlife (Laugavegur Street)
Visit Reykjavik’s main avenue, Laugavegur Street, to find unique shopping boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants. Here you will discover local designers, vintage and souvenir shops as well as restaurants serving traditional Icelandic dishes.
Many bars offer game nights, live music and happy hour catering to both locals and visitors from all over the world. There is something here for everyone all year round!
3. Adventure Tours
If you are looking to do an adventure tour, it’s recommended to book in advance and pick a date on or very close to your arrival in Reykjavik. That way if the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather or there were no sightings, you will have the chance to re-book. The complimentary ticket offered will be useless if you have booked a tour on the final day of your Reykjavik trip.
Day 2 – Food Tour & Museums
Satisfy your curious soul with a visit to one or more of Reykjavik’s great museums. Refuel at some of the city’s best restaurants during an Icelandic food tour. Relaxing at the Sky Lagoon is the perfect way to end the day.
1. Browse Reykjavik’s Museums
Reykjavik is a great place to visit for museum lovers. Historical and cultural experiences are endless in this city. Spend hours learning about all things Iceland, including the unique way of life, environment and wildlife.
- Reykjavik Maritime Museum
- Whales of Iceland Museum
- Perlan (The Pearl)
- Aurora Reykjavik
- Phallological Museum
2. Icelandic Food Tour
Join a food tour to visit several local venues and experience traditional Icelandic cuisine. Taste food and flavours unique to the region, including lamb soup, fermented shark, whale steak and of course Icelandic hot dogs.
Learn how the country’s harsh winter climate has made an impact on the nation and their food choices. Special cooking and preserving methods have nourished Vikings and the Icelandic people for centuries.
Tours typically begin at Ingólfstorg Square, an energetic public plaza, filled with lively bars and restaurants. Come share the experience with like-minded travellers on Reykjavik’s tastiest sightseeing tour.
3. The Sky Lagoon
The Sky Lagoon is a spa located only 15-minutes from Reykjavik city centre. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon if you love hot springs and swimming pools.
Soak in the relaxing thermal water and take part in the 7-step rejuvenating ritual. Visitors fall in love with the ocean views best enjoyed from the infinity pool. Note that the Sky Lagoon is an adult-oriented space, open to guests ages 12 and up.
Day 3 – Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular day trip located within close proximity to Reykjavik. Technically the trip can be done in only a few hours, but it’s recommended to set aside a full day to complete the 300km circular route.
Discover geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and volcanic craters. With so many breathtaking sights along the way, you will not want to rush. Self-driving offers the most freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, however organized tours are available. If you only have time for a few days in Iceland, this road trip will give you an idea of what the country has to offer.
This scenic tour includes Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area and Pingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. The route is open year-round, although peak season occurs in the summer months when weather and driving conditions are more favourable. There are entrance fees to access these attractions.
Golden Circle Tour Attractions
Depart Reykjavik early in the morning to beat the tourist crowds. It’s possible to drive in either direction (clock-wise/counter clock-wise). The guide below highlights the main attractions encountered in a clock-wise direction.
1. Pingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
This historic and geographically significant National Park is situated in a rift valley, located at the continental divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These plates are drifting apart at a rate of 2cm per year creating the Silfra Fissure.
The fissure is submerged with crystal clear glacier water. Get in the water, as this is the only place in the world where you can scuba dive or snorkel between two tectonic plates.
2. Geysir Geothermal Area
Due to its frequent and reliable eruptions, Strokkur Geyser is a very popular natural attraction. Every 5-10 minutes, Strokkur Geyser shoots boiling water 20 metres into the sky. You won`t know exactly when it`s going to erupt, so have your camera ready.
Stay for more than one as the force of each burst can vary. Remember to obey the safety barriers to avoid getting scalded by hot water. Although the famous Great Geysir is much larger, with water bursting to heights of 70 metres, it has remained dormant since February 2016.
3. Gulfoss Waterfall
Translated in English to Golden Falls, this is one of Iceland`s most iconic waterfalls and its popularity is well-deserved. Listen carefully from the car park as you may be able to hear it before you see it. Watch the water cascade over two tiers revealing the dramatic force of nature.
Rainbows are frequently seen here among the mist. There is a well-maintained boardwalk that leads you to viewpoints of both the upper and lower falls. The lower level is closed during the winter season due to icy conditions.
4. Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater is often included with Golden Circle tours. Visitors are drawn to this volcanic crater by its bright yellow, green and red walls surrounding a turquoise lake. It`s not always possible, or safe, to visit an erupting volcano, so seeing the aftermath is the next best thing. Walk the outer rim`s edge in about 30 minutes.
A three-day itinerary in Reykjavik offers a perfect blend of the city’s natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture. From exploring geothermal pools and witnessing breathtaking landscapes to savoring local cuisine and delving into the arts and history, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of Iceland’s capital.
Whether marveling at the Northern Lights, wandering through charming streets, or visiting iconic landmarks, each day in Reykjavik is filled with unforgettable moments. As you wrap up your visit, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this unique and captivating city, eager for your next adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Reykjavik, Iceland!
- Reserve your accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book activities with Get Your Guide.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing.