Reykjavik 4 Day Itinerary

July 16, 2024

4-Day Reykjavik Itinerary for Tourists

This itinerary focuses on exploring Reykjavik’s highlights while allowing for flexibility and downtime.

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Morning:
- Arrive in Reykjavik (KEF Airport).
- Things to do:
  - Explore the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, a stunning architectural landmark with breathtaking views of the harbor.
  - Wander through the charming streets of downtown Reykjavik and admire the colorful buildings, unique shops, and vibrant street art.
Afternoon:
- Indulge in a delicious Icelandic lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, famous for its hot dogs (a local delicacy!).
- Things to do:
  - Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church and ascend its tower for panoramic city views.
  - Explore the historical heart of Reykjavik with a walk through the charming streets, admiring the colorful buildings and unique architecture.
  - Accommodation: Check into your hotel or guesthouse in the city center (e.g., Hotel Borg, The Reykjavik EDITION).
Evening:
- Enjoy a traditional Icelandic dinner at Fjörubúðin, known for its fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere.
- Take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy the fresh air, colorful boats, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky!

Day 2: Culture & History

Morning: Explore the National Museum of Iceland, which delves into the history and culture of the country.
Where to eat: Cafe Loki (for traditional Icelandic food) or Sandholt Bakery for a delicious pastry breakfast before you start your day.
Things to do:
- Wander through the streets of Reykjavik and explore its colorful buildings, museums, art galleries, and historical sites.
- Visit: The National Gallery of Iceland, the Icelandic Museum of Photography, or the National Library of Iceland for a taste of local art and culture.
- Explore:
  - Thingvellir National Park: Witness the meeting point of tectonic plates and learn about Iceland’s unique geological history.
  - Reykjavik Art Museum: Discover contemporary Icelandic art in its various forms (they have several branches!).
  - Harpa Concert Hall (if you didn’t get a chance yesterday, explore this architectural marvel)
- Eat:
  - The National Museum of Iceland is located near the harbor and offers a variety of traditional Icelandic dishes.**
  - Try: The delicious rye bread pizza at the cafe.
  - Consider: A visit to Harpa’s outdoor area, where you can enjoy the stunning views while learning about the history of the Icelandic parliament
Alternative: Explore the vibrant culture of the city by visiting a local bookstore, art shop, or enjoying a performance at the Reykjavik Concert Hall.
Other options:
- Visit the Culture House: This museum explores the history of Icelandic culture and literature.
- Enjoy a concert at Harpa.
- Explore the National Theatre of Iceland, which often showcases Icelandic plays.
Where to eat:
- Cafe Loki: For traditional Icelandic pizzas (yes, they have pizza!), pastries, and coffee.
- The Icelandic Sagas Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits on the history of Iceland.
Tips:
- Book tickets for attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
- Consider purchasing the Reykjavik City Card for free entry to museums and other discounts.
- Many restaurants and museums are located in the city center, making it a convenient location for exploring.
Other things to do:
- Explore the harbor: Stroll along the harbor and enjoy the fresh air, admire the colorful harbor houses, or even try some delicious Icelandic street food.
- Visit the National Museum of Iceland: This museum delves into the history of Iceland, from its settlement in the 9th century to modern times.

Day 3: The Golden Circle

Things to do:
- Embark on a Golden Circle tour. This classic route takes you around Iceland’s most famous landmarks and is a great way to see the country’s natural beauty.
- Visit the National Gallery of Iceland: Explore Icelandic art and culture through their exhibitions.
Other options:
- Take a cooking class: Learn how to make traditional Icelandic dishes like fish stew or skyr cake.
- Immerse yourself in Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife by checking out one of the city’s many pubs, bars, or live music venues.
Where to eat: Enjoy a hearty meal and Icelandic experience at the Icelandic Horse Farm and visit the Icelandic National Museum (if you’re interested in Icelandic history and culture).
Accommodation:
- Stay in Reykjavik: Consider an Airbnb in the city center for easy access to attractions.
- Explore Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife with a variety of options depending on your taste:
  - Fine dining: Enjoy a gourmet meal at a restaurant with stunning harbor views (like the Reykjavik EDITION).
  - The Icelandic Sagas Museum offers a unique and interactive experience for history buffs.
- Cafe Loki: This restaurant is known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine, so enjoy a delicious dinner there, after experiencing Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Where to eat:

Explore the city’s restaurants: For a more budget-friendly option, try one of the many cafes and bakeries in Reykjavik.
- Dinner options: Enjoy a variety of delicious meals at the Icelandic Sagas Museum.
Other things to do:
- Explore museums like Reykjavik Art Museum, National Museum of Iceland, and The National Theatre of Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in the arts and culture scene
Explore Reykjavik’s nightlife: Enjoy a live music performance at one of the city’s many venues.

Other tips:

Visit local cafes and bars for coffee, pastries, and Icelandic cuisine (like the ones serving the delicious traditional food).**
Consider:
- Staying in Reykjavik to experience the nightlife
The Icelandic National Museum of Art, known for its modern art collection, also offers a range of contemporary art exhibitions.

Day 4: Adventure & Relaxation

Morning: Hike up Esja Mountain for breathtaking views over Reykjavik.
Other options:
- Explore the Hallgrímskirkja Church (if you’re feeling adventurous, try a hike to the top of the mountain instead)
- Visit the Reykjavik Art Museum and explore the modern art scene.
Go whale watching: Embark on a boat tour from Reykjavik harbor for a chance to see these majestic creatures.
Other options:
- Enjoy a boat trip along the coast (if you’re up for it, try a whale-watching tour in the morning).
- Relax at the Blue Lagoon: Take a dip in this geothermal spa and enjoy the scenery (Icelandic landscapes!).
Where to eat:
- Indulge in the delicious Icelandic cuisine after your hike.

Things to know:

This is just a sample itinerary, feel free to customize it based on your interests.
Daylight hours: The amount of daylight varies greatly depending on the time of year. In summer (June-August), there is nearly 24 hours of daylight. In winter (December-February), there are limited daylight hours, so plan your activities accordingly.

Things to do:

Explore the natural beauty of Iceland, such as the geothermal pools at the Blue Lagoon.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the Blue Lagoon, with its stunning views and mineral-rich waters.

Food suggestions:

Try the traditional Icelandic food at Cafe Loki’s.
Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner in Reykjavik, like fish soup or grilled fish (try the Icelandic Fish & Chips for a delicious and affordable option).

Other fun activities:

Visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa known for its milky blue waters.
Explore the unique history of Iceland**: Visit the National Museum of Iceland to learn about the country’s rich culture and heritage.
Enjoy the stunning views from the top of Esja Mountain.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the National Theatre, which often features Icelandic plays and musicals.
Consider:
- The Reykjavík City Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history, with exhibits on everything from Viking history to modern Icelandic art.
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Iceland:
- Visit the Blue Lagoon: Experience the unique sensation of soaking in geothermal waters while surrounded by lava fields.
- Discover local culture: Explore museums and historical sites, enjoy a performance at the Harpa Concert Hall.

Where to eat:

Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants near the Blue Lagoon.
Enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine in a modern setting.
Visit the National Theatre’s cafe for a unique and memorable dining experience.
The Reykjavík EDITION: This luxury hotel offers upscale dining options, while other restaurants in the city showcase Iceland’s culinary delights.

Things to eat:

- Traditional Icelandic cuisine: Enjoy the freshest seafood at the Icelandic Fish & Chips restaurant, located near the stunning ocean views.
The Reykjavík EDITION: Indulge in fine dining experiences with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.
Explore Iceland’s unique food culture:
- Visit museums: The National Museum of Iceland showcases the country’s history, from its Viking origins to modern-day society.
Local Icelandic food:
- Enjoy Icelandic cuisine at the Reykjavik Food Walk, where you can sample traditional dishes like skyr, hákarl (shark meat), and lamb soup.

Things to do:

Explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene: Visit the Reykjavik Arts Festival or other events happening in the city.
Enjoy a scenic walk: Enjoy the stunning views of the Icelandic landscape while exploring the Reykjavik Art Museum.
Experience the beauty of Iceland: Explore the art museums and historical sites that showcase the island’s rich artistic heritage (like the Harpa Concert Hall, which features modern art).

Other suggestions:

Visit the Reykjavík Botanical Gardens for a peaceful escape from the city.
Enjoy the stunning beauty of Iceland’s nature by taking a boat tour to explore the fjords and see whales.
Enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional Icelandic restaurant.

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary, you can customize it to fit your preferences and time constraints.

Enjoy your trip!