Reykjavik isn’t one of those places travelers stumble upon by accident. In fact, Iceland’s bustling capital city might just be the only place in the country in which travelers don’t feel like they ended up there by chance. But as the most common beginning and end point of any Iceland journey, you’re bound to end up in Reykjavik at least once.
As compared to the rushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains of the rest of the country, Reykjavik’s sleek architecture and bustling city centers stand in stark contrast to the vastness of the countryside. And yet, this funky city simultaneously seems to blend seamlessly with the ever changing landscape surrounding it.
We saved Reykjavik for the last day of our Iceland trip. I actually highly recommend this to travelers who are planning to self-drive the Ring Road – Reykjavik is the perfect place to wind down after your adventures. With 24 hours to spend in Reykjavik we wanted to make the most of it, and what resulted was one of my favorite days of our entire trip.
So whether you’re on a layover in Iceland or winding down after a week of adventures, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Reykjavik.
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Guided Tours of Reykjavik
Don’t want to visit Reykjavik all on your own? Check out some of these highly rated tours.
🐟 Icelandic Food Tour: Learn more about Icelandic cuisine on this tour all around Reykjavik!
🧚♀️ Elves and Trolls of Iceland Walking Tour: Learn about the hidden creatures of Iceland on this storytelling tour.
🚶♂️Walking Tour of Reykjavik: Explore Reykjavik on foot with a knowledgeable guide.
Where to Stay in Iceland
We stayed at the Refurinn Reykjavik Guesthouse, a cozy guesthouse only a short walk from most major attractions in Reykjavik. I highly recommend this place – the location is perfect for those who want to explore the city, but also tucked into a quiet, walkable neighborhood.
The guesthouse has a shared kitchen with all the essentials and each room includes a private bathroom. The showers were strong and hot – much needed when visiting Iceland any time of year!
Here are a few other recommendations for where to stay in Reykjavik:
Budget: KEX Hostel ($): With dorm beds starting at just $30/night, you’re unlikely to find a more affordable option in Iceland! Not to mention this hostel is housed in a former biscuit factory, so you’ll get a quirky Nordic charm only steps from some of Reykjavik’s most popular bars and restaurants.
Mid-Range: Thingholt Apartments ($$): These apartment-style rooms come fully equipped with a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and even a washer dryer. Come for the relaxing atmosphere, stay for the delicious breakfast (fresh pastries included!
Luxury: SJF Villas ($$$): Picture this – you’re relaxing in your own private hot tub, overlooking the city of Reykjavik lined with snow-capped mountains. This 3-bedroom villa is perfect for larger groups who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Reykjavik.
Find even more places to stay in Reykjavik on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Tips for Exploring Reykjavik in One Day
With its wide sidewalks and grid-layout, Reykjavik is a great city to explore on foot. Here are a few tips for getting around the city.
The Reykjavik City Card: If you want to make the most of your 24 hours in Reykjavik, consider purchasing a Reykjavik City Card. This card gives you free access to a number of museums and galleries as well as unlimited bus travel!
Invest in good walking shoes: I live in my Blundstone boots when I travel, but a good pair of sneakers will also do for exploring Reykjavik. Waterproof shoes are a big plus, but just make sure you break them in before you trek all around the city!
Carry a waterproof bag: Reykjavik can be wet any time of year, so having your essentials protected from the rain is a must. I carry this lightweight canvas bag which comes with a waterproof cover and has just enough room for my camera and essentials.
Be prepared to walk: There is no Uber in Reykjavik, so most locals drive or take public buses. I do not recommend trying to drive in Reykjavik, as most things are close together and parking is sparse. If you do want to take public transportation, local buses are called Stræto and you can plan your route on their website.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Reykjavik, Iceland
Welcome to Iceland! It’s time to spend 24 hours in Reykjavik, Iceland’s eclectic seaside capital, a day sure to be filled with plenty of funky street art and Icelandic hotdogs. Check out the map above to help you plan your day around Reykjavik.
9:00AM: Explore the Waterfront on the Sculpture and Shore Walk
Reykjavik is a major port city, so one of the best parts about staying in the city is its proximity to the water. We started our morning by wandering near the waterfront, watching the fishermen come back with their catch.
There is a wide walking path, called the Sculpture and Shore Walk, which takes visitors alongside the fjord and past the city center. Make sure to check out the Solfar (Sun Voyager) sculpture, created by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. We even found a giant game of chess along the way!
10:00AM: Eat an Icelandic Breakfast at Bónus
Iceland’s go-to supermarket is called Bónus, the perfect place to stop for some Isey Skyr, or Icelandic yogurt, for breakfast. This creamy treat is an Icelandic staple, high in protein with a smooth, creamy texture. It’s an absolute must-try while exploring Iceland.
While you’re at Bónus, be sure to check out some of the other unique Icelandic snacks on display. From dried fish jerky to red bell pepper Doritos, this supermarket is full of unique goodies (just watch out for the sausage-flavored Haribo gummies!)
Looking for some other places to eat? Try Kaffi Vínyl for vegan treats, Reykjavik Roasters for freshly brewed coffee, or Braud & Co. for a wide selection of freshly baked treats!
11:00AM: Admire Reykjavik’s Street Art
Reykjavik has a thriving art scene, and you don’t have to go far to see it! Nearly every wall is covered in a multicolored mural, adding to Reykjavik’s colorful, eclectic feel. We spent a little time simply wandering the city center, admiring the art on every corner.
Many murals in Reykjavik were commissioned as part of the Wall Poetry Project, a 2015-2016 collaboration project between the Icelandic musical festival Iceland Airwaves and the German art institution Urban Nation. The project encouraged 10 bands and 10 artists to create street art based on songs performed at the Iceland Airwaves music festival.
Here’s a guide to some of the best murals in Reykjavik.
11:30AM: Explore an Icelandic Thrift Store
One of Reykjavik’s best-kept secrets is its thrift stores, filled with quirky knick-knacks and stacks of dusty tomes. It’s a great place to pick up some more budget-friendly souvenirs or simply hunt for long-lost treasures.
Here’s my best-kept Iceland secret: If you’ve been pining over an Icelandic Sweater (known as lopapeysa) but can’t bear the $200 price tag, check out one of Reykjavik’s many thrift stores and you’ll likely find some secondhand for majorly discounted prices. We picked up a sweat for only 8,000 ISK ($60 USD), nearly a quarter of their usual retail price!
Here’s a great guide to thrift stores in Reykjavik.
12:30PM: Eat Delicious Street Food at Lamb
We ate lunch at Lamb, a street-food style restaurant featuring local Icelandic ingredients. Located in the city center, this restaurant offers visitors the ability to build their own flatbread or salad with a variety of ingredients, and true to its name, offers delicious fresh lamb.
Vegans and vegetarians don’t fret – Lamb also offers a number of veggie options! I had their homemade falafel and can vouch that it was an absolutely delicious alternative.
One of the more affordable lunch options in Reykjavik, Lamb’s meals vary from 1880-2000 ISK (~$14-$16 USD) Other popular, affordable lunch spots include Lemon for fresh juices and sandwiches, Mandi for Arab-inspired dishes, and Kopar for fresh Icelandic flavors.
1:30PM: Explore the Reykjavik Art Museum
I love visiting art museums, so of course I had to check out the Reykjavik Art Museum. The 1800 ISK ($14 USD) admission to this museum also gets you admission to Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn, a modern art museum and sculpture museum respectively. If you’ve purchased a Reykjavik City Card, all of these museums are also included in the price.
This art museum has rotating exhibits, though it regularly pays homage to local Icelandic artists and traditional Nordic design. Exhibits are up for 3-4 months, so take a look online before your visit in order to check out what you’ll be seeing! The building itself is an architectural wonder and they have free coffee – as if you needed another reason to go!
2:30PM: Stop by the Reykjavik Grofarhus Museum of Photography
Located right next door to the Reykjavik Art Museum is the Grofarhus Museum of Photography. Worth the stop if you have the time, this museum documents the history of photography in Iceland. From formal family portraits to advertising shots, the Grofarhus Museum takes you on a photographic journey through this country.
While the museum does feature work from foreign artists, a major focus is placed on the history of Icelandic photography itself. While you’re there, make sure to check out the library held in the rest of the building, you’re sure to find some treasures!
3:15PM: Stop by the Famous Hallgrimskirka Church
Perhaps Reykjavik’s largest and most iconic church, Hallgrimskirkja was modeled after the columnar basalt that is often spotted all around the country. This organ-pipe style structure towers over the city of Reykjavik, and hosts a variety of visitors daily snapping photos of its unique architecture.
Entry to the church is free, but visitors can also pay an additional 1,000 ISK ($7.60) to climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja tower. From the top you’ll have sweeping 360° views of Reykjavik and the surrounding fjords.
On your way out, be sure to say hello to the towering statue of Leif Erikson outside the church. This statue was a gift from the United States of America to the people of Iceland, representing the first Norse explorer to land in North America.
4:00PM: Visit the Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn
If you’ve already purchased the ticket for the Reykjavik Art Museum, you get free access to Ásmundarsafn, a sculpture museum once home to one of Iceland’s most notable sculptors, Ásmundur Sveinsson.
The museum features a walkable sculpture garden, an indoor gallery, and rotating exhibits from local Icelandic sculptors. The house itself is worth a visit, one of the most beautiful structures I’ve seen anywhere in the world.
This museum is a bit outside of Iceland’s city center, an easy 30-minute walk or 10 minute bus ride. Despite the distance I think it’s totally worth it, especially if you’ve purchased the Reykjavik City Card and have unlimited bus travel!
5:30PM: Enjoy Reykjavík’s Happy Hour
When my partner Thomas found out there was a Lebowski bar in downtown Reykjavik, I knew it couldn’t be missed. Offering over 20 different varieties of White Russians and multiple signs that reminded us not to pee on the rug, this bar is just one of many local joints offering happy hour deals around Reykjavik.
Following the Lebowski bar we ventured to Bravo, a cozy, hole-in-the-wall bar offering a variety of local drafts on tap and board games to play. Our last stop was Loft Hostel, a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. Make sure to try Gull, Iceland’s local beer.
Find more of the best bars in Reykjavik to enjoy Happy Hour here.
8:00PM: Eat a hotdog, Iceland’s favorite snack
After a couple hours spent boozing it up at Happy Hour, an Icelandic hotdog is the perfect way to satisfy your hunger. Luckily, there are hotdog stands located all over Reykjavik, but none better than Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which quite literally means “the best in town.”
This hotdog stand is the oldest in Iceland, operating since 1937 and only serves two items – hotdogs and coke. Icelandic hotdogs are notable as they are made with ground lamb, then topped with crispy onions, sweet mustard, raw onion, ketchup, and remoulade. We ordered 3 – trust me, one is not enough!
These days, there are Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur locations all around Reykjavik, but the original is located here.
8:30PM: Devour some Icelandic Ice Cream
Iceland is famous for their dairy products, so ice cream has to be on the list on a visit to Reykjavik. We stopped by Pylsuhúsið, an ice cream stand right off the city center. While this stand is known for their hotdogs, their ice cream was creamy and delicious.
For another popular spot, try Isbuð Vesturbæjar, one of the oldest ice cream shops in Reykjavik. For a classic Icelandic flavor, try a vanilla cone with licorice candy on top!
10:00PM: Party like a local
If you still have energy left after a day of exploring, Reykjavik is the hub of nightlife in Iceland. Most nights you’ll be able to find tourists and locals alike partying it up off of Laugavegur, the main strip for all things nightlife in downtown Reykjavik.
If you feel like dancing, head to Gaukurinn, a funky dive bar for live music and Reykjavik’s drag scene. For those who like to sing, The Irishman Pub offers plenty of beers on tap, and even a private karaoke room. If you’re just craving a beer, there’s no better place than Bryggjan brewery, known for its in-house brews and view of the Reykjavik harbor.
Don’t forget to try Brennivín, Iceland’s signature liquor. The spirit is often paired with Iceland’s crystal clear water and has a somewhat savory taste. You can drink it on it’s own, or keep an eye out for Brennivín-based cocktails.
The Best Time to Visit Reykjavik
Reykjavik is built to withstand extreme weather, but as a visitor, it’s much more pleasant to visit during the warmer months from May to September.
During this time sunlight hours are longer, meaning you’ll have more time to make the most of one day in Reykjavik. Weather is also milder, ranging from 40-75 degree Fahrenheit. It’s a much better time to be outdoors, exploring the city on food, than the harsh winter months.
I visited Iceland in May and highly recommend it. I found it to be the perfect balance – not yet tourist season, so less crowds, but mild weather and plenty of sunlight hours. It was still plenty chilly in May though, so a jacket is a necessity year round!
Why Visit Reykjavik in 24 Hours?
While you could spend weeks exploring Reykjavik, 24 hours is the perfect amount of time to truly get a taste of Iceland’s quirky capital city.
From its harbors to its museums to its city centers, Reykjavik is a hub of unique culture that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. It’s a perfect introduction to an Icelandic adventure, or final stop after weeks spent exploring. Even if you only have a layover in Reykjavik, I recommend using the time to explore this special city.
Want to be based out of Reykjavik but craving a little more nature? Check out my guide to hiking Mount Esja, the most popular day-hike from Reykjavik. While you’re at it, check out all of my 24-hour city break guides, from Nairobi to Muscat and everything in between.
Iceland Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Iceland
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay all around the Ring Road on Booking.com
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals on RentalCars.com to explore the best of Iceland behind the wheel.
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world!
🚴♀️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting guided tours of Iceland
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
I can’t get enough of Reykjavík! Some of my favorite things to do were visiting the Icelandic Phallological Museum, going on a puffin watching tour, and indulging in some delicious skyr yogurt