The Perfect Weekend in Reykjavik: 2 Day Itinerary + Map
If you’re looking for a destination that is perfect for a quick getaway, then a weekend in Reykjavik needs to be at the top of your bucket list. Iceland’s capital is the perfect spot for a city break, just a short 3-hour flight from London and you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, geothermal lagoons, an incredible food scene, and even the chance to see Mrs. Aurora Borealis herself!
While the Nothern Lights are undoubtedly a highlight of visiting this region, there’s so much more to discover in Reykjavik! From open-air museums where you can literally step back in time, to bookshops turned into live music venues by night and to culinary experiences that would rival New York’s finest, this city completely exceeded my expectations.
This 2 day itinerary has been designed so you can tick off all the main highlights in just 48 hours in Reykjavik. If you’re visiting during summer you’ll have plenty of daylight hours to stay out late exploring. However be mindful that in winter the days are very short, therefore I’ve got you sorted with this efficiently designed guide so you don’t waste a moment.
Reykjavik is beautiful in any season, however I think the city is at its most magical during winter. With charming Christmas markets, blankets of snow covering the colourful streets, cosy cafes to warm up in and dozens of museums & galleries to explore. Keep scrolling to discover the best things to do in Reykjavik.
DAY 1
Hallgrímskirkja
Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur)
National Gallery of Iceland
Lunch: Skal!
Perlan Museum
Hafnarfjörður
Aurora Bascamp Northern Lights
DAY 2
FlyOver Iceland
Grandi Food Hall
Harpa Concert Hall
Sky Lagoon
Dinner: Apotek or Sushi Social
Hús Máls og Menningar
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Reykjavik Key Info
When to visit
Summer for outdoor adventures & hiking. Winter for Northern Lights + festive fun.
How to get there
Fly to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) + 1 hour to Reykjavik City Centre.
How to get around
Mostly walkable or use Hopp (scooters/taxis/car share).
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
2–3 days
PLACES TO VISIT
Hallgrímskirkja
Rainbow Street
Hafnarfjörður
Harpa Concert Hall
MUST-DO ACTIVITIES
Sky Lagoon
Aurora Basecamp Northern Lights
FlyOver Iceland
Perlan Museum
RESTAURANTS
Skal!
Sushi Social
Apotek
Bakeries
BakaBaka
Sandholt
DEIG
Braud & Co
MY TOP 3 HOTEL PICKS
Two Day Reykjavik Itinerary
Day One
Morning
Reykjavík Roasters
No weekend in Reykjavik starts without coffee — and Reykjavik does coffee really well. Your first stop is Reykjavík Roasters, a cosy café loved by locals and visitors alike.
Housed in a former artist residence, this is the third coffee shop to open from Reykjavík Roasters. The OG spot is still located on Kárastígur, however this one on Freyjugata is more of a quiet gem.
Come here for laid-back vibes and a banging flat white. It’s also worth having a browse at the art gallery, Ásmundarsalur, which is in the same building. I’ve heard Reykjavík Roasters do a decent brunch too, however you absolutely need to make sure you have room for a sweet treat at your next stop.
Braud & Co.
Once you’ve got your caffeine fix, walk 5 minutes (just a few blocks) to Braud & Co. This quirky little bakery is known for its decadent cinnamon rolls (or kanilsnúður), fresh out of the oven and oozing with sugary goodness. They’re so good, they’ve developed a cult following — and yes, they’re absolutely worth the hype.
Tell me why I didn’t even care for cinnamon rolls that much previously until I travelled to Reykjavik and I was eating them multiple times a day! Yep, they’re THAT good. And while you can get a tasty one in just about any bakery in Reykjavik, I recommend going to Braud & Co. for the best cinnamon roll you’ve ever tried in your life!
Check out more of my Reykjavik bakery & cafe recommendations here. Make sure to also try Hjónabandssaela: a popular Icelandic cake with buttery oatmeal crumble and rhubarb jam.
From Braud & Co. you’re just a hop, skip and a 3-minute walk to the next location.
Mid-Morning
Hallgrímskirkja
Next up is one of Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks: Hallgrímskirkja. This church is unquestionably the main character of Reykjavik. She’s beautiful, she’s big AND she’s iconic. Standing at 74.5 metres (244 ft) tall, Hallgrímskirkja is famous for its unique architectural design, inspired by the naturally forming basalt columns found in Iceland.
Admission to the church is free, however I recommend paying the fee of ISK 1400 (£8) to take the elevator to the top of the tower where you’ll reach the highest viewpoint in Reykjavik.
On a clear day, you will have sweeping views over Reykjavik’s colourful rooftops, the nearby mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean. In the winter months, you’ll witness a beautiful sunrise around 10 am.
View from Hallgrímskirkja Tower
Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur)
After taking in the views and exiting the church, walk 5 minutes towards Rainbow Street, one of Reykjavik’s most Instagrammable spots. The most famous street in Reykjavik is more than just a photo backdrop! With a road painted in the vibrant hues of the rainbow, this pedestrian-friendly street is a cultural hub.
Rainbow Street is brimming with restaurants, bars & cafes, art galleries, as well as artisan ceramic shops and clothing boutiques. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. You’ll also spot lots of eccentric graffiti artwork on this street, though there’s plenty more to discover in this Reykjavik Street Art Walking Tour.
National Gallery of Iceland
From Rainbow Street, walk 10 minutes to the National Gallery of Iceland, located next to Tjörnin – the largest lake in Reykjavik. This gallery showcases a brilliant range of works by Icelandic artists, ranging from traditional art to more contemporary pieces. If you’re like me and get a bit bored of seeing Renaissance art throughout Europe, I recommend this gallery for more quirky and thought-provoking artworks and sculptures.
Entry to this gallery is FREE with a Reykjavik City Card. I highly recommend getting this card for free access to lots of museums, galleries and fun activities, as well as unlimited bus travel within Reykjavik.
The Reykjavik City card will also give you complimentary entry to the nearby Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús. This is quite a small museum, though it’s only a 10-minute walk from the gallery and worth checking out. Give yourself some time to experience more of Reykjavik’s buzzing art scene, while you build up your appetite again before lunch.
You may have guessed it by now, Reykjavik’s city centre is extremely walkable with mostly flat streets. Whichever gallery or museum you finish up at, you’ll only be a 10-ish minute walk away from my lunch recommendation.
Lunch
Skal!
This was hands down the best meal I had during my trip to Reykjavik, and this restaurant had some serious competition because everywhere we ate in Reykjavik was of incredibly high standard. Don’t just take my word for it, Skál! has been named the “best goddamn restaurant” by Reykjavík Grapevine for the last 3 years running.
Previously located in the Hlemmur Food Hall where they were awarded a Michelin Bib gourmand, Skal! has now opened up a new restaurant at Njálsgata 1. This small, stylish venue is serving up exceptional Icelandic and Nordic cuisine. For lunch, they do a range of Smørrebrød: a popular dish in the Nordics which consists of an ope-faced sandwich pilled high with cold cuts & spreads (the roast beef one was my fave!)
Additionally, I strongly suggest getting their Artic Char and Raw Scallops served with red currant, horseradish cream & dill oil… almost too pretty to eat! You can’t skip a round of their award-winning cocktails. Order their ‘Let’s Groni‘, which won the best Negroni in Iceland, and their famous ‘3 Citrus Gimlet‘ which was awarded the best cocktail in the Nordics.
Note: For the rest of your Day 1 itinerary, I recommend getting around by car. You may already have a rental car sorted for your weekend in Reykjavik (I always use Discover Cars to book my car rental abroad).
OR you can easily rent a car by the minute using Hopp Car Share. All you’ll need to do is download the Hopp app, locate an available car’s location on the map, then unlock the car using the app and you’re good to go. Car sharing costs a flat fee of ISK 620 (£3.55) + ISK 62/minute (roughly £21 per hour).
If you don’t drive, you can either get to the next few locations via bus (free travel with your Reykjavik City Card) or by taxi. You can use the Hopp app to book taxis, it’s very similar to Uber.
Afternoon
Perlan Museum
After lunch, make your way to the Perlan Museum, a dome-shaped building perched on a hill overlooking the city. If you do end up driving, it’s less than a 10-minute drive from the city centre and there is plenty of free parking located right outside the museum.
Perlan is more than just a museum — it’s an interactive experience that brings Iceland’s natural wonders to life. Definitely one of the most unique museums I’ve ever been to! Start with the Wonders of Iceland exhibit, where you can walk through a real ice cave, learn about glaciers and volcanoes, and marvel at stunning displays of Icelandic nature.
One of the highlights of Perlan is its rotating restaurant & bar at the top. Yes, the floor actually moves! Meaning you can experience 360-degree views without having to leave your seat. There’s also an outdoor observation deck so if you’re visiting Reykjavik in winter, you’ll be timing your visit here to catch the sunset at around 4.30 pm.
Give yourself a few hours to go around this museum. It’s worth noting that every 30 minutes there is a Northern Lights Show, a fully immersive cinema experience in Iceland’s only Planetarium. As well as the Volcano Show which airs every 15 minutes where you can learn more about Iceland’s geological wonders.
This All Access Wonders of Iceland ticket gives you access to the museum, both shows, the observation deck + all exhibitions for ISK 5390 (£31).
- View from Perlan Museum Observation Deck
Once you’ve (hopefully) witnessed a vibrant sunset, drive or get a Hopp taxi to Hafnarfjörður, it’s around a 10-minute journey from Perlan Museum. Alternatively, uou can get a bus (route 1) here, however it’s a much longer 40-minute journey.
Early Evening
Hafnarfjörður
If your weekend in Reykjavik falls during the holiday season, you can’t miss checking out the Christmas markets in Hafnarfjörður. Jólaþorpið (The Christmas Village) is usually open from around mid-November. While small in size, these markets are straight out of a Hallmark Christmas film, especially if there has been a dusting of fresh snow.
Surrounded by twinkling lights, there are plenty of stalls to grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine and browse local handmade crafts. This is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Icelandic Christmas traditions. For example, there’s the “Yule Lads“: a group of trolls who visit local homes in the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
Each Yule Lad has a mischievous habit, ranging from Spoon Licker (who sneaks into kitchens to steal spoons and lick them) to Door Slammer, Sausage Swiper and Door Sniffer. All pretty self-explanatory names! Instead of Santa Claus, Icelandic children leave shoes on their windowsills, and each night, a Yule Lad fills them with small gifts or treats — if the children have been good that is!
Nearby the Christmas Markets there is a 200 square-meter environmentally-friendly ice skating rink, Hjartasvellið. Make sure to also take a stroll to Hellisgerði — an enchanting garden which is illuminated by thousands of fairy lights, there’s also a small bar/cafe serving warm drinks here too.
Even if you aren’t visiting during the festive season, it’s still worth taking a visit to Hafnarfjörður and taking a walk along the harbour, you might even get lucky and spot a humpback whale!
I recommend having dinner in Hafnarfjörður rather than venturing back to Reykjavik as you want to stay local to the final stop of Day 1. I recommend the restaurant KRYDD for hearty pub food (reindeer burgers, ribs & schnitzel) and plenty of beer on tap.
Reykjavik Christmas Markets
Unfortunately, I was a few weeks too early to experience the Christmas markets in downtown Reykjavik which are held at Austurvöllur Square (note: these are open from the 30th of November to the 23rd of December ). However, there was still a lot of festive fun around the city with plenty of decorations and the famous Yule Cat light installation.
While a Christmas kitty might sound adorable, in Icelandic folklore it is quite the opposite! Jólakötturinn, is a giant, menacing feline that prowls during the holidays, devouring anyone who hasn’t received new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve. Yikes!
Late Evening
Seeing the Northern Lights is an experience everyone wants to tick off before they kick the bucket, and Iceland is one of the best countries in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis. And fortunately, you don’t need to travel to a remote corner of the island to spot them, you can easily see the northern lights in Reykjavik.
Aurora Basecamp
The best way to do this is at the Aurora Basecamp, just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik city centre – or if you’re following this itinerary, only 15 minutes from Hafnarfjörður. Located down a dirt road off Highway 42, away from all the light pollution, there are several Geodesic dome structures where guests can take shelter in the warmth and help themselves to unlimited hot chocolate, marshmallows & tea while they wait for the light show.
Your guide will take you on a short tour where you’ll learn about the magic behind the Aurora Borealis, as well as giving you the down-low on how to go hunting for the lights: from reading the solar activity, using the stars to navigate and find true north, as well as the best settings for your camera to capture this natural phenomenon.
Speaking of camera settings! Your smartphone will do a pretty banging job at snapping the Northern Lights. However if you use a DSLR or mirrorless camera like me, then you’ll want to shoot with the following settings:
Shutter Speed: 5″–20”
F2.8–4
ISO 600–1800
Now don’t be discouraged if you miss out on seeing the lights while at Aurora Basecamp because you are welcome to return another night free of charge (subject to availability). Therefore I recommend booking this activity on the first night of your visit to Reykjavik.
The experience at Aurora Basecamp costs £25 per person which you can book here.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from mid-September to early April when the nights are longer and darkest. You might have to wait hours for the lights to appear, which is why access to toilets, shelter and warm drinks at Aurora Basecamp are essential in the winter months.
Most importantly, when you’re in Reykjavik, remember to always LOOK UP. We actually missed seeing the Northern Lights on our first visit to Aurora Basecamp, but as soon as we arrived back in Reykjavik and parked our car, we saw the Northern Lights with our own eyes, as seen in the above photo.
We then returned back to Aurora Basecamp on our last night and saw the Aurora Borealis in her full glory! The domes at the camp provide an amazing photo opportunity too, don’t you think?
Return to your hotel in Reykjavik, get some rest and get ready for Day 2.
Day Two
Note: for the last day of your perfect weekend in Reykjavik, make sure to pack your swimming costume in your bag before you leave your hotel for the day. You’ll need this later!
Morning
FlyOver Iceland
Imagine a cross between a rollercoaster and one of the biggest cinema screens you’ve ever seen. This cutting-edge attraction takes you on a virtual flight over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. From soaring over towering waterfalls to volcanic craters and gliding by glaciers with the northern lights dancing above you.
For today’s itinerary, I recommend booking the FlyOver Iceland experience for the 10 am timeslot. If you’re looking to fuel up with coffee and some breakfast before this activity, I recommend heading to the nearby cafe Hygge.
The tour starts with a few pre-show entertainment experiences which are a highlight in their own right. You’ll then end the tour by climbing into a row of suspended seats with your feet hanging (again, like a rollercoaster) and due to the mechanics and special effects (wind, mist and scents) you will really feel like you’re flying.
It’s thrilling, educational, and the perfect way to explore Iceland’s natural beauty without leaving the city. Nothing beats travelling to all these locations of course but FlyOver is a great attraction for your weekend in Reykjavik.
If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll absolutely love it — but honestly, it’s just as exciting for adults. Myself and my very grown adult partner left the experience grinning like happy idiots.
The total FlyOverIceland experience lasts for 35 minutes but will be a memory that lasts a lifetime. This is a popular activity in Reykjavik, so booking in advance is essential. Tickets cost £32 per person which you can purchase online here.
After your virtual adventure, walk 7 minutes to Grandi Food Hall for an early lunch.
Lunch
Grandi Food Hall
Do you remember life before food halls? Me neither! They’re usually my go-to spot for sampling the best local grub while visiting a new destination. There are currently seven food halls located across Reykjavik, with Grandi Food Hall being one of the most popular.
This small warehouse located on the harbour certainly packs a punch when it comes to a variety of international cuisines, with stalls offering everything from Korean fried chicken to artisan pizza. My recommendation would be to try the grilled lamb chops from Fjárhúsið and the fish & chips from Frystihúsið – the best-tasting fried seafood I’ve tried outside of the UK.
After you’ve eaten lunch, open the Hopp app to see if there are any nearby electric scooters. There usually should be one or two outside of Grandi Food Hall. Riding a Hopp scooter costs a flat fee of ISK 115 (0.66p) + ISK 39/minute (0.22p).
With the scooter, it’ll be a quick 7-minute ride along the harbour to your next stop.
Early Afternoon
Harpa Concert Hall
If Reykjavik had a crown jewel, it would undoubtedly be Harpa. This stunning glass-and-steel concert hall gleams like a giant prism on the edge of the harbour. Inside, Harpa is just as impressive as it is outside. The angular glass panels, designed by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, create a kaleidoscope effect, perfect for photos!
It’s definitely worth checking out the Harpa event program in the lead-up to your Reykjavik trip. You might catch one of the incredible concerts, operas, or performances hosted here — it’s home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Check out the upcoming events here.
Mid Afternoon
Sky Lagoon
The highlight of your second day is a visit to Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik’s newest geothermal spa and an absolute must-do. Located just outside the city centre, at Sky Lagoon you’ll feel like you’re in the untouched wilderness of Iceland’s coastline. This luxurious lagoon combines traditional Icelandic bathing culture with a modern, minimalist design featuring an infinity pool with views over the Atlantic.
To get here I recommend ordering a taxi through the Hopp app for a quick 15-minute journey from Harpa. Alternatively, it is possible to get to Sky Lagoon via bus however plan for a longer journey (approx 1 hour door to door).
After seeing the Northern Lights, Sky Lagoon was the second highlight of my trip to Reykjavik. A lot of people visiting Reykjavik will head to the Blue Lagoon, however visiting there can take the best part of the day as it’s 1 hour outside of the city centre. Personally I think Sky Lagoon offers a more elevated experience with a much more convenient location for a city break trip.
So here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Sky Lagoon.
You’ll definitely want to book your tickets to Sky Lagoon online in advance. You will need to pick one of two options: either Saman or Sér. The only difference is that with a Sér experience, you get a private changing room with a shower – well worth the £17 upgrade in my opinion.
Both options include a locker to keep your belongings, as well as the 7-Step Skjól Spa Ritual, which is unique to Sky Lagoon. I recommend booking a time slot so you can experience the sunset over the lagoon, so if you’re visiting during winter, book your experience from 3 pm.
This ritual starts by entering the main lagoon. Note: you are welcome to return to this lagoon again at the end of the 7 steps. The second step is a freezing cold plunge, then you immediately warm up again in the sauna that overlooks the ocean.
The 4th step will have you walking through a refreshing cold mist before you exfoliate your skin with the signature Sky Body Scrub. Finish by entering the steam room and then for the 7th step you will rehydrate with a juice made from crowberries – an edible Icelandic berry that surrounds lava fields.
There is a swim-up bar located in the lagoon, within the cave walls, where you can order beer, wine and cocktails. When you arrive at Sky Lagoon you will be given a wristband which you can use to purchase drinks.
You can bring your phone into the lagoon, and trust me you’ll want to take a million pictures. When you’re done snapping you can simply return your phone to your locker at any time so you don’t have to worry about your iPhone getting wet. They do sell waterproof phone cases on site but so long as you’ve got your wits about you, you’ll be fine without one.
After your rejuvenating experience, shower and get changed at Sky Lagoon before making your way back to the city centre for your last evening in Reykjavik.
Early Evening: Dinner
For dinner, you are very much spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing restaurants in Reykjavik. I’m going to help you narrow it down to these two exceptional options:
Sushi Social
This trendy Reykjavik hotspot takes traditional sushi to a whole new level, blending Japanese techniques with Icelandic ingredients and a dash of South American flair. The seafood at Sushi Social is impossibly fresh — straight from Iceland’s icy waters — and the menu is packed with showstoppers like langoustine tempura, spicy tuna rolls, and their must-try salmon ceviche.
Their unique fusion of flavours is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. For example, we ordered their “Lobster cigar” which combines lobster with chorizo, dates and chilli jam – it was unbelievably good! I’d also recommend trying their Torched Artic Charr served with a tangy vinaigrette with yuzu mayo. There are so many yummy options for sushi but definitely go for the Surf n‘ Turf maki with avocado, lobster tempura & beef carpaccio.
The cocktails at Sushi Social are equally as inventive as their food items. You really can’t go wrong with the drinks list I’m positive every choice is a certified hit. By the way, they have happy hour Sundays to Thursdays from 5 – 6 pm. I definitely recommend Sushi Social as the perfect dinner spot for a girls trip to Reykjavik.
Apotek
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as stylish as it is delicious, Apotek is the place to be. Housed in a historic building that was once Reykjavik’s pharmacy (hence the name), this restaurant features a fusion of Icelandic ingredients and global flavours. Think melt-in-your-mouth lamb, ultra-fresh seafood, and creative cocktails that match any mixology bar in London – I recommend trying the ‘White Pinkman’!
If you’re visiting Reykjavik for a special occasion, consider their 7-Course Icelandic Gourmet Set Menu which features Puffin, Artic Char, Minke Whale, Plaice, Cod Loin & Lamb – all of Iceland’s best cuts. And for £85 per person, I think this is amazing value.
We went for the à la carte menu instead, our highlights were the succulent slow-cooked rack of lamb and lobster tail that was beautifully presented on what looked like a painter’s palette. For my Brits, they also do afternoon tea here too!
Whichever venue you pick for dinner, you will then be a 5 minute walk (or less!) to your last stop of this itinerary.
Late Evening
Hús Máls og Menningar
Hús Máls og Menningar is one of Reykjavik’s best-kept secrets! Well of course the locals know about this place, however most tourists will easily miss this spot… not you though because you’re reading my blog!
By day, this charming spot is a cosy bookstore filled with shelves of Icelandic and international literature, perfect for browsing with a coffee in hand. But as the evening sets in, the space transforms into an energetic live music venue with different bands playing each night.
Fun fact: 1 in 10 Icelanders will publish a book in their lifetime. This country LOVES books. In fact, every Christmas locals take part in the “Jólabókafloð” (book flood) tradition where gifting & exchanging books and cosying up with a new read is a yearly festive ritual.
When we visited the bookshop after dinner, the place was probably packed with about 300 people all crowded by the small stage or up on the balcony overlooking the band. When we arrived they were belting out Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer, followed by a set list of rock’n’roll hits. This is the perfect place to stop by for an after-dinner pint, there’s a bar on both levels of the shop, so it’s easy to grab a drink.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more chill venue to continue your evening, then I recommend heading to Jungle Cocktail Bar for an interior filled with greenery and some of the best cocktails you’ll try in Reykjavik.
Well, that draws your perfect 48 hours in Reykjavik to a close! While I have meticulously designed this 2 day itinerary to a T, you still will have only scratched the surface when it comes to all the amazing things to do in Reykjavik. Therefore I have included more of my favourite places for your consideration below in case you want to make any substitutions to this schedule.
- Traditional Icelandic Turf House at Árbær Open Air Museum
More Activities in Reykjavik
Árbær Open Air Museum
Whale Watching & Marine Life Cruise
Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour
Laugardalslaug Public Swiming Pool
Golden Circle Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
National Museum of Iceland
Reykjavik Puffin Watching Boat Tour
Whales of Iceland Museum
Award-winning Reykjavik Lava Show
- Raðagerði Veitingahús
Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
$$
Skal!
(Scandinavian)
Raðagerði Veitingahús
(Italian/Pizza)
Messinn
(European/Seafood)
Fjallkonan
(European/Scandinavian)
Cafe Loki
(Icelandic)
Íslenski Barinn
(European)
$$$–$$$$
Apotek
(European/Grill)
Sushi Social
(Japanese/South American)
Sümac
(Middle Eastern)
OX
(Icelandic/Modern Cuisine)
Fiskmarkaðurinn
(Japanese/Icelandic)
Dill
(European/Scandinavian)
Cafes & Bakeries in Reykjavik
BakaBaka
DEIG workshop
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
Reykjavik Roasters
Braud & Co
Mokka Kaffi
Sandholt
Bernhoftsbakari
Reykjavik City Card
If you want to save money and make the most of your time in Reykjavik, the Reykjavik City Card is a must-have for first-timers to the city. This card gives you free access to the city’s best museums & galleries, attractions, and even the local thermal pools. Plus, it includes unlimited bus rides as well as discounts on various other tours, restaurants, and shops.
The card comes in 24, 48, or 72-hour options, so you can pick one that fits your trip. The Reykjavik City Card provides you with free entry to my favourite museums in Reykjavik: National Gallery of Iceland, Árbær Open Air Museum and the Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús. Check out the full list of what’s included here.
How to get to Reykjavik?
Getting to Reykjavik couldn’t be easier, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons this city makes for a dreamy weekend escape. Flights from London to Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Iceland’s main hub, take just 3 hours, so you’ll be swapping Big Ben for volcanic landscapes before you know it.
Bonus: there’s no jet lag to worry about since Iceland is in the same time zone as the UK during winter. During the rest of the year, Iceland is only one hour behind BST.
I recommend flying with Icelandair for their comfortable seating, friendly Icelandic service, and no extra fees for onboard baggage which frustratingly is not the case with most flights within Europe these days. Plus, they often offer stopover deals, so you can extend your trip and explore more of Iceland while saving money.
Once you land at Keflavik, Reykjavik is just a 45-minute drive away.
The easiest way to get to Reykjavik from the airport? Hop on the Flybus, which runs regularly between the airport and the city centre. The transfer with FlyBus departs from the airport every 30-45 minutes and costs £24.95 for a transfer to your hotel. On board, there is free wifi and USB charger ports in every seat. I recommend booking your transfer online here in advance for the best price possible.
If you’re travelling as a family or a group, then I suggest booking this hassle-free private airport transfer. Note this costs around £130 for up to 4 people.
For those renting a car, the drive is super straightforward from the airport to Reykjavik and gives you your first taste of Iceland’s epic landscapes. I recommend using Discover Cars to book your car rental in Reykjavik. I always get the best deal on their site as they compare hundreds of providers and give you the best price available.
- Sun Voyager: famous statue of a Viking ship in Reykjavik
How to Get Around Reykjavik?
Getting around Reykjavik is ridiculously easy, and honestly, part of the fun!
Walking
If you’re staying in the city centre, walking is the way to go. Reykjavik is small, super walkable, and packed with colourful streets, street art and quirky details you’ll want to stop and snap every five minutes. Pack comfy shoes and wrap up warm in the winter months!
HOPP
For those times when you want to cover more ground quickly, download the Hopp app and grab one of their electric scooters. They’re scattered all over the city and make getting from A to B so much quicker. Riding a Hopp scooter costs a flat fee of ISK 115 (0.66p) + ISK 39/minute (0.22p).
You can also use the Hopp app to book a Hopp Taxi (it’s basically Iceland’s version of Uber) or try Hopp Car Share, which lets you rent a car by the minute. Just unlock a car with the app, and off you go – I wish more cities had this! Car sharing costs a flat fee of ISK 620 (£3.55) + ISK 62/minute (roughly £21 per hour).
Car Rental
If you’re planning on doing a bit of exploring beyond the city and plan on visiting the Golden Circle, renting a car is the way to go. Reykjavik is the perfect base for road trips, and having your own wheels gives you total freedom to chase waterfalls, lagoons, or whatever your heart desires.
I always book my car rental through Discover Cars — they search all the rental options for you and find the best deal, so it’s one less thing to stress about.
Best time to Visit Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is a city that sparkles year-round, but your experience will really depend on the season. From snowy winter nights under the Northern Lights to endless summer days of sunshine, there’s no bad time to visit Reykjavik — just different vibes depending on when you go. Here’s what to expect each season so you can pick the perfect time for your trip:
Winter (December – February)
Average Temp: -3°C to 4°C / 25°F to 40°F (bring ALL the layers!)
Daylight Hours: 4-6 hours (sunrise around 10 AM, sunset by 4 PM)
Winter is pure magic in Reykjavik. Think snow-covered streets, twinkling Christmas lights, and cosy cafes to warm up in after braving the cold. The biggest draw? This is the best time to catch the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Plus, the festive vibes in December are straight out of a Hallmark movie with Christmas markets and plenty of mulled wine.
Spring (March – May)
Average Temp: 1°C to 10°C / 34°F to 50°F (still chilly but not as intense as winter)Daylight Daylight Hours: 10-20 hours (yes, the days get LONG fast!)
Spring in Reykjavik is when the city starts to wake up. The snow begins to melt, and waterfalls across the island roar to life. This is also a great time to explore with fewer crowds and milder weather. By May, you’ll get almost 20 hours of daylight to pack in as many activities as possible.
Summer (June – August)
Average Temp: 10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F (this is Iceland’s version of warm)
Daylight Hours: 24 hours (yes, really!)
Reykjavik in summer is an absolute dream. The city is buzzing with festivals, live music, and locals soaking up the sunshine. You’ll get to experience the Midnight Sun, which means 24 hours of daylight — great for hiking, road-tripping, and squeezing every last drop out of your day. Tip: pack an eye mask and pick a hotel with solid blinds/blackout curtains to block out the sunlight as you sleep.
Autumn (September – November)
Average Temp: 3°C to 10°C / 37°F to 50°F
Daylight Hours: 6-13 hours
Autumn is when Reykjavik starts to quiet down, making it ideal for those who love a slower pace. The fall foliage adds a beautiful pop of colour to the landscapes, and the Northern Lights season kicks off in late September. By mid-November, the city starts gearing up for the holidays, so you’ll get a sneak peek of the festive vibes!
Best Hotels in Reykjavik
Map of Reykjavik
Here’s a saveable Google Map of Reykjavik with all the recommendations mentioned in this post (with a few extras added!).
