The capital and by far largest city of Iceland, Reykjavík is also one of the most colorful—and all-around liveliest—metropolises in the world and a perennially popular stopover on trans-Atlantic flights. In fact, savvy travelers on such journeys know it’s well worth blocking off a few days to spend here. Reykjavík is not only the perfect starting point for exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes but also a unique and rewarding destination in its own right. With its distinct culture, atmosphere and charm, the city offers an experience unlike anywhere else.
The following AAA guide to a 3-day Reykjavík trip gives you a proposed itinerary to play around with and otherwise customize, with some of the main sights to see and attractions spotlighted as well as some great gastronomic hotspots.
Getty Images / LeoPatrizi
Day One—Arrival
The main entry point for Reykjavík (and Iceland in general) is the Keflavík International Airport, roughly 30 miles southwest of the city. There are many ways to get to Reykjavík from the international airport, from taxis and private coaches/transfers to the public Bus 55 and rental cars.
You’re less than an hour away from downtown Reykjavík when you land at Keflavík International Airport, but many travelers opt to weave in one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions en route. The world-famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa pool tempting with toasty waters year-round, is only about a dozen miles from the airport and makes a memorable introduction to the joys of Iceland and the Reykjanes Peninsula. So you might consider an easy detour here while heading into the capital city.
Coming into Reykjavík on your first day, you may well be on the knackered side of things and keen on a fairly low-key ease-in to your sightseeing weekend. A great destination for this purpose is what’s arguably the city’s signature piece of public art: Sólfario or Sun Voyager, a solar-inspired dream vessel set on the waterfront and affording swoony vistas out to the ramparts of the Esja range, Reykjavík’s signal “mountain.” Sunset’s an especially fantastic time to take in this dramatically situated sculpture, designed by the Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason in his final years.
If you're wondering where to eat on your first evening in the City of Sagas, you’ll have no shortage of options as Reykjavík boasts a world-class dining scene. One such location is the elegant multi-course smorgasbord on offer at Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson’s intimate 17-seat ÓX Restaurant (Laugavegur 55) or a suds-worthy feast along the Old Harbour over at Bryggjan Brewery (Grandagarður 8).
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Day Two—Full Day
One possibility for a full day based in Reykjavík is getting out of the city and touring the celebrated Golden Circle. This roughly 155-mile out-and-back tourist route in southern Iceland takes in such marvels as the huge Gullfloss waterfall, the geyser basins of Haukadalur and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for both natural wonders and its historical significance as the centuries-long convening point of the Icelandic parliament.
The Golden Circle is a must-see on any trip to Iceland and can be done as a day trip, though many visitors choose to spread it out over a few days. If you prefer to focus on Reykjavík itself, the city has plenty to offer. Despite its small size, it’s easy to explore on foot, by bike or via a hop-on, hop-off bus.
You can’t miss Hallgrímskirkja, the towering Expressionist/Neo-Gothic church that serves as one of Reyjavík’s (and, indeed, Iceland’s) defining architectural landmarks. Head up top (so long as there’s not a service going on) to enjoy the panorama from the observation platform better than 200 feet off the ground, which yields a truly whopping view of Iceland’s capital.
Do some shopping along such commercial drags as Laugavegur and Austurstraeti, nab some photo ops courtesy of the Norse mythology-inspired street names in the “Neighborhood of the Gods” and stroll the shores of swan- and duck-plied Tjörnin lake right in the heart of the city.
Dig into Iceland’s Viking heritage (and much more) at the National Museum of Iceland, established way back in 1863 and learn about the island’s volcanic and tectonic drama in the wonderfully designed nature museum called Perlan. Then admire the wide-ranging pieces within the Reykjavík Art Museum and National Gallery of Iceland.
Soak in the Outdoor Activities
Loads of fun and R&R await at the Laugardalur recreational complex, one of Reykjavík’s centers of fresh-air play and family-friendly activities. Here you’ll find everything from an ice-skating rink, botanical garden and the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo to sports facilities, hiking and biking paths and the biggest swimming pool in the city (Laugardalslaug).
Speaking of, Reykjavík’s well known for its many geothermal spa-style soaking spots, including Sundholl Reykjavikur (the most venerable) and Vesturbaejarlaug. These heated pools provide year-round leisure and are beloved by locals as well as vacationers as one of the signature things to do in Reykjavík.
Another go-to soak awaits at the Nauthólsuík Geothermal Beach, set on a sandy North Atlantic seashore and boasting an artificial lagoon filled with deliciously heated water.
If you’re visiting Reykjavík on a weekend, be sure to check out the city’s biggest flea market, Kolaportid, in the Old Harbour vicinity and chockablock with goods—not least sweaters, hats and other garments made from Icelandic wool.
Summer visits to Reykjavík give you the opportunity to enjoy some of the North Atlantic’s richest wildlife-viewing. Whale-watching tours are most prevalent in the summer months, when opportunities to spy humpback and minke whales as well as white-sided dolphins and harbor porpoises—maybe even orcas—await in Faxa Bay. From May to August, the majority of the world’s Atlantic puffin population nests in Iceland and boat tours seeking that universally appealing seabird also depart out of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.
Observe the Northern Lights
Iceland’s far northerly position yields novel—and sometimes genuinely magnificent—experiences. If seeing the Northern Lights is a must-do on your trip, choosing the best time to visit Reykjavik is of the utmost importance. A summertime visit treats you to the generous daylight of the Midnight Sun, for one thing. And from late summer into late spring, you’ve also got the chance of seeing the Northern Lights: the Aurora Borealis, for which Iceland ranks among the great viewing locations in the world. A powerful display of these pulsing streaks and shimmers (caused, broadly speaking, by the interaction of the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field) may put on a decent show right over downtown Reykjavík, but getting away from city lights is the best way to appreciate the spectacle.
A popular spot for Northern Lights viewing is the isle of Grótta, set at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula and foot-accessible at low tide; its lighthouse and (when conditions are clear) the sightlines across Faxa Bay to the great ice-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull are other draws.
Even if you don’t luck out with a Northern Lights performance, you’ll most definitely not be wanting for things to do in the after-hours department in Reykjavík: this is a city synonymous with nightlife, after all! Bar-hopping and clubbing are popular pastimes (and well worth sampling if you’re so inclined), but there’s also a good chance you’ll find a performance going down at the resplendent Harpa Concert & Conference Hall, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, Reykjavík Big Band and other companies and hosting many touring acts and special events.
With so many dining options, finding a place to eat on your second day shouldn't be difficult: You might kick things off with some bakery goodness (and/or picnic fixings) from Braud & Co. (multiple locations), then fuel up with the various traditionally inspired Icelandic plates from Café Loki (Lokastígur 28)—a good spot to try (if you’re brave enough, that is) the rather notorious national dish of fermented shark, aka hákarl—or the seafood delicacies at Fiskmarkaðurinn (Aðalstræti 12).
The bounty of the Icelandic landscape and seascape, meanwhile, comes creatively celebrated at DILL (Laugavegur 59), which has been called Iceland’s version of Noma—a choice spot for dinner.
Getty Images / Tim E White
Day Three—Departure/Return Day
Depending on when you need to drive yourself or be driven to the Keflavík airport, you might have time on your last day in Reykjavík to visit City Hall and enjoy its striking 3D map of Iceland or wander the 20-plus historical buildings of the Árbær Open Air Museum, which evokes a traditional farmstead, village and town square from the capital city’s bygone past. A fine meal to cap off your Reykjavík adventure would be one of the Icelandic hot dogs—ideally loaded up with everything—from the much-loved, long-running Baejarins Beztu Pylsur stand (Tryggvagata 1) by the Harpa Concert & Conference Hall.
If your schedule allows, too, you could come full circle on your Reykjavík weekend trip with a soak at the Sky Lagoon, only about 15 minutes from the city’s downtown, where the vistas out over the North Atlantic come especially lovely given the geothermal bath you’re marinating in while appreciating them.
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