What to do in Reykjavik (Perfect Day)
So You Want to Travel to Iceland?
Whether it’s a layover into the capital city Reykjavik or a full tour of the Ring Road I fully support this decision.
Iceland is one of, if not, my favourite country that I have had the pleasure to visit on this earth. In order to live vicariously through you, let me assist you with the BEST list of What to do in Reykjavik, Seth approved.
I’m going to tell you right away what I did when in Reykjavik. Then, I’ll tell you what I think you should do. Because let’s be real, every different activity won’t top the charts on your vacation.
Luckily, you can take the highlights from me and turn your trip to Reykjavik up a notch.
Near the end I’ll pop into some activities you can still do with a layover for a couple of hours, and some activities I suggest if you have a couple of days. My Iceland posts are all here.
My Day in Reykjavik (A Beautiful One at That)
Harpa Concert Hall
Right away: the Iceland international airport is in Keflavik, not Reykjavik. You will have to transfer by bus or rent a car to get to Reykjavik…trust me on this one.
So, our first priority was getting our rental van, then we proceeded along the moon terrain highway and busy roundabouts into the capital city. We found a place to park downtown and paid via the Parka App (by far one of my ICELAND MUST HAVES if you’re staying with a rental car or camping for more than just a day in Iceland, not sponsored)
As you see by the picture, Morgan and I went up to this huge glass cube structure. We walked around inside and were mesmerized by the beautiful architecture before finding out it’s some sort of concert hall/theatre hall. Would I ever love to hear a symphony in there!
It’s actually called the Harpa Concert Hall after some diligent research, and it only opened in 2011! If you have the night, please see a concert there…for me.
Reykjavik Marina behind Harpa and a Downtown Street
A Different Way of Life
After gandering around the Harpa Concert Hall we decided to take Reykjavik head on, rainbow road and colorful houses included!
Having been to Reykjavik twice, I can confidently say that everyone you’ll meet, whether that be a local pedestrian or shopkeeper, is super friendly! You always get a warm welcoming presence (but who knows about the wintertime…)
The greater Reykjavik area houses just over two hundred thousand people, and the downtown feels even smaller. That being said, it’s lively and welcoming, so be prepared for good spirits!
We took pictures here and there, the colorful houses, the infamous Iceland rainbow road, we even considered buying the legendary Icelandic lamb hotdog (there are several stands downtown). But, after consideration of the fact we were living in a van for the next week, I opted out.
Reykjavik Rainbow Road and Colorful Houses
Main thing to note, you’ll meet a blend of people from all over the world, and everyone’s in Iceland for pete’s sake, show a smile! Cherish your time on these streets, soak in the local food, culture, and way of life. Now let’s get back to what to do in Reykjavik!
Hallgrimskirkja, that Tall Church in Iceland
It really was quite difficult to fit Hallgrimskirkja into a picture. It is seriously that tall.
Hallgrimskirkja is a church in downtown Reykjavik, and definitely a must see. If you’re downtown there’s no reason to not check it out, you can even go look inside for free, and for a fee climb to the top!
We did peek inside but I won’t spoil that for you. Unfortunately, neither Morgan or myself is fond of extreme heights (let alone paying for one) so we skipped out on the tour to the top.
I know some adrenaline junkies will find it amazing though, and I can’t imagine the view…yes I can I searched it up.
Enjoy Reykjavik as a Tourist
We are always so go, go, go in today’s world. Sometimes, especially on vacation, it’s important to relax, get rid of the schedule for a day, and take in your surroundings like a tourist.
Visit a kitchy tourist shop, maybe even buy an ‘I ❤️ Iceland’ t-shirt. Have fun, laugh, and just enjoy the amazing country you’re in.
I can’t stress this point enough, and Morgan and myself surely waltzed our way around the city like tourists. Do what you really want to do on your vacation, and Reykjavik can surely accommodate it.
From My Trip to Reykjavik to Yours
You know my story, time to create your own. Have a beer, see a concert, climb Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik is your oyster! As I promised, here are the BEST what to do in Reykjavik.
Seth’s What to do in Reykjavik List
- Hallgrimskirkja, free to look and go inside, paid to go up to the top.
- Harpa Concert Hall, free to look and go inside, paid for concerts
- Visit tourists shops, try an Icelandic lamb hotdog (only if you like hotdogs)
- Get a coffee, obviously.
- Visit Sky Lagoon…its so relaxing and amazing (if you have lots of time)
- Take a walk down the rainbow road…super underwhelming but I’m a stupid tourist in Iceland, everything is fun!
- Get local caught fish and chips (expensive but worth every bite)
Here’s a couple of Viator experiences I think you could benefit from if you like everything taken care of before hand (I picked these myself for you guys, I also pick all of them on my page)
Iceland and Reykjavik Layover Guide
You got my experiences and what to do in Reykjavik already, so let’s get specific.
First things first, answer me this:
- Are you only in Iceland for a layover, maybe a couple of hours? If the answer is yes, click here to skip to activities you can do in a couple of hours.
- If you have at least a full day or even more then click here.
A Shorter Layover in Iceland
Alright layover kings and queens, maybe you’re even on the flight right now and need something to do when you land, I got you covered.
Reykjavik is about 45 minutes from Keflavik International Airport, so strap in for a shuttle bus or rent a car if you have the whole day. On the other hand, there are many pick up and drop off tours right from the airport, including Blue Lagoon, parts of the Golden Circle, and many other amazing things that can be completed within the day!
I have been to Thingvellir National Park, the Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Rekjyavik and many other places in somewhat proximity from the airport. Spoiler alert they are all awesome.
Blue Lagoon
Close enough to be shuttled to and from, relax the day away in the geothermal waters of Blue Lagoon on your layover. Soak it in the water feels amazing! Blue Lagoon is a huge spa complex where you bathe away in the natural heated waters (they are in fact blue), it’s a can’t miss if you’re in Iceland.
Many people like to say it’s bad, over-corporate, and too busy etc. Listen, when I’m on vacation I am not looking to complain and be a downer (unless I don’t sleep enough), Blue Lagoon is amazing.
You will have a great time. There’s a quiet section on the lagoon, you can get a smoothie, Gatorade, beer, wine, anything you want in the lagoon with your ticket, a comfy bathrobe, it’s just something to experience, trust me.
Visit Reykjavik
You heard me rave about Reykjavik in the paragraphs above, so take my advice on a longer layover and check out what it has to offer. With a coach bus transfer to and from the airport to downtown you can’t beat the opportunity.
A Longer Layover in Iceland
Seljalandsfoss & the South Coast
The South Coast of Iceland is remarkable. Truly, it is beyond words just like the rest of Iceland. Therefore, if you have a layover for at least one full day and more probably a night or two, I recommend a tour of this area, namely, Seljalandsfoss.
Only 2 hours drive from Keflavik International Airport, and even less from Reykjavik, it is a must see in Iceland. You can literally walk around this waterfall 360 degrees. That’s right, you can go behind the entire thing, heck you can even go in it if you want (not recommended).
I have a full post outlining this spectacular waterfall that you can find right here!
Luckily for you, Viator offers small group tours of all the highlights, including my favorite waterfall, right from Reykjavik (pick up and drop off). We had a rental, but if you don’t want the hassle of driving then I recommend an easy guided tour!
Silfra Snorkeling (My Pick)
My number one pick for your long layover, seeing that you’re physically able, is Silfra snorkeling. It’s an experience you will never forget. Snorkeling through ice cold glacier ravines (pictures to prove it), is something you can not make up.
You stay dry in a wet suit, have a guide who takes pictures, and get all the safety instructions. Just know how to swim and be semi-comfortable in water and you will have one of the most amazing times of your life. Day trips from Reykjavik or meet on site options are available. Morgan and I met them on site, but if you don’t want to rent a car they transport as well.
If you don’t believe me on the amazingness of this tour in the blurb I just wrote, I wrote a whole blog post about it that you can find here…if you really need the reassurance of its greatness.
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Thank you so much for reading and as I mentioned earlier if you have any questions I didn’t get to make sure to leave them down below and I’ll answer them promptly, it helps not only yourself but maybe others who have the same questions!
