One Day in Reykjavik: How to See Iceland’s Capital in 24 Hours
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Even if your top priorities are chasing Iceland’s waterfalls and volcanic landscapes, spending one day in Reykjavik is a must! Colorful, walkable, and effortlessly cool, Iceland’s tiny capital is a cultural treat – that's often sprinkled with cardamom.
With just 24 hours in Reykjavik, you can soak in steamy thermal hot springs, climb to the top of Hallgrímskirkja, shop for handmade lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters) along Rainbow Street, and explore the city’s thriving foodie scene.
From small-batch coffee roasters and artisanal bakeries to traditional eateries and craft taprooms, Icelandic cuisine will surprise you – in the best way possible! Though I can’t promise you’ll love the hákarl (fermented shark).
In this 1-day Reykjavik itinerary, I’ve detailed exactly how we spent our last visit – during our Icelandic honeymoon – and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Follow this guide for all the best things to do in Reykjavik, along with can’t-miss foodie experiences, the best hotels, and must-know travel tips for the perfect stay.
1-Day Reykjavik Itinerary: A Quick Overview
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of how to spend a perfect day in Reykjavik.
- Morning: Soak at the Sky Lagoon (my favorite!) or the Blue Lagoon, then grab specialty coffee at Reykjavik Roasters.
- Late Morning: Visit Hallgrímskirkja and shop for lopapeysa along Rainbow Street.
- Mid-Day: Snack at BakaBaka, Brauð & Co, or Pósthús Food Hall.
- Afternoon: Stroll the Sculpture & Shore Walk to the Old Harbor, Harpa Concert Hall, and Sun Voyager.
- Evening: Go on this Reykjavik Food Tour – my absolute must-do!
- Night: Sip a nightcap at Skúli Craft Bar or Apótek Bar.
- Bonus: Summer? Watch sunset at Grottá Lighthouse. Winter? Go on this Northern Lights tour!
One-Day Reykjavik map:
Use this interactive Reykjavik map to follow this itinerary on the go!
Best Day Trips from Reykjavik:
If you have more than one day in Reykjavik, consider taking one of these day trips!
- South Coast Small-Group Guided Tour
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour – my top pick!
Essential Tips for 1 Day in Reykjavik
- When to visit: This Reykjavik itinerary works year-round. In summer, days stretch on forever, giving you extra time to explore. In winter, you’ll have only a few daylight hours, but cozy evenings and a chance of seeing the Northern Lights are the trade-offs! Opening hours for thermal spas (like the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon) are limited in winter too.
- Start or end your trip in Reykjavik: Most international flights arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) between 6 and 8 AM. Logistically, it makes sense to spend your first day or last day in Reykjavik. This itinerary works perfectly either way!
- Book ahead: Reserve your hotel 3-6 months in advance for the best selection and to avoid even steeper prices. Book your Sky Lagoon time slot and Reykjavik food tour at least one month ahead to secure your preferred times!
- Getting around: I recommend exploring Iceland by rental car! Pick up your rental car at the airport on arrival and drop it off before flying out. That’s the easiest way to explore the island, travel between Reykjavik and the airport, and visit a lagoon. Once you’re in Reykjavik’s downtown, you can park the car and explore entirely on foot.
- Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: If you want an intimate, scenic soak, choose the Sky Lagoon – it’s my favorite! The downside is, in the low season (October-May), it opens later in the morning. The more popular (and touristy) Blue Lagoon opens by 8 AM year-round, so it’s the best pick to maximize your day in the off-season. No rental car? Book the Sky Lagoon with round-trip transfers or the Blue Lagoon with round-trip transfers.
- Packing tips: Dress in layers (it gets cold, even in the summer!), wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a swimsuit for the lagoon.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
If you’re only in town for one night, convenience is key! Stay downtown so you can walk to Reykjavik’s top sights like Hallgrímskirkja, Rainbow Street, Harpa Concert Hall, and the harbor. And if you’re coming by rental car, make sure there’s parking at (or near) your hotel!
Here are my top boutique hotel picks in Reykjavik:
- Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel: Eco-boutique style meets Icelandic charm at Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel. You’ll love the organic touches, cozy rooms, a 10-minute walk to Rainbow Street, and free on-site parking. This is my top pick!
- Kvosin Downtown Hotel: These apartment-style suites with kitchenettes in the historic center are homey yet stylish.
- Apótek Hotel Reykjavík: This chic, historic property features a central location and a standout on-site restaurant and cocktail bar.
The Ultimate 1-Day Reykjavik Itinerary
From thermal lagoons to cozy cafés, this 1-day Reykjavik itinerary shows you exactly how to spend 24 hours in Iceland’s capital – including all my favorite things to do, see, and eat!
Soak at the Sky Lagoon
Hop in your rental car and kick off your day with a soak at the Sky Lagoon – my favorite Icelandic spa!
Just 15 minutes from downtown, I’d choose it over the more famous Blue Lagoon any day. The serene vibe, sleek Icelandic design, breathtaking ocean views, and signature 7-Step Ritual (sauna, steam, cold plunge, body scrub… the works) make the Sky Lagoon an unforgettable Reykjavik experience.
From the thermal baths of Budapest to the mountaintop spas of Lucerne, the Sky Lagoon is still the coolest spa I’ve ever soaked in. The sauna’s floor-to-ceiling ocean views alone are worth the ticket!
We spent about two hours here before heading into downtown Reykjavik. That’s all you need.
MADDY’S TIPS: I recommend booking the first timeslot for the most peaceful soak. June through September, you can start early. But October through May, the Sky Lagoon opens later. If you want a sunrise soak, the (more popular, touristy) Blue Lagoon may be a better fit; it opens by 8 AM year-round.
NO RENTAL CAR? No problem. Book the Sky Lagoon with round-trip transfers or the Blue Lagoon with round-trip transfers.
GOOD TO KNOW: Towels, toiletries, hair dryers, and swimsuit bags are included at both lagoons, so just bring your swimsuit and whatever you need to get ready for the day!
Grab Coffee at Reykjavik Roasters
After the lagoon, drive into the city and park near/at your hotel. Then, stroll over to Reykjavik Roasters for some of the best specialty coffee in all of Iceland.
Grab a flat white or pour-over, snag a window seat, and let the caffeine kick in before your day’s adventures. (Or, if you’re short on daylight, take it to go!)
Stop by the Hallgrímskirkja
Next on your 1-day Reykjavik itinerary? It’s Hallgrímskirkja – the city’s most iconic landmark, and one of the most distinctive churches in the world.
Its striking column-like design was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava formations (like at Reynisfjara Beach!), and at 244 feet tall, you can spot it from almost anywhere in the city.
Pop inside to see the colossal pipe organ and shockingly minimalist interior (free to enter). Then, pay 1400 ISK (about $12 USD) to ride the elevator to the top for views over Reykjavik’s colorful rooftops, mountains, and Faxaflói Bay.
Stroll Along Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur)
From Hallgrímskirkja, wander down Skólavörðustígur – better known (and far easier to pronounce!) as Rainbow Street.
What started as a temporary Pride installation is now a permanent ribbon of joy-inducing color running through the heart of Reykjavik. Snap a photo – with the Hallgrímskirkja glowing in the background – before popping into a few boutiques and grabbing a snack.
This pedestrian street is lined with cafés, souvenir shops, and independent boutiques. Don’t miss my two favorite shops:
- Rammagerðin: For high-end, beautifully handcrafted Icelandic goods, including lopapeysa sweaters, blankets, beanies, and more.
- The Handknitting Association of Iceland: For traditional, hand-knitted lopapeysa and accessories made from Icelandic sheep’s wool.
MADDY’S TIP: Look for labels or ask the shopkeepers to confirm that wool items are local and hand-knitted. Many cheaper sweaters around town are mass-produced. You want the real deal. Authentic, sustainable, and made to last for decades (literally).
Go for a Mid-Day Snack
When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of amazing food in Reykjavik (which is not something I expected before visiting for the first time!). Just remember, your Reykjavik foodie walking tour (A.K.A. the best part of the day!) is coming up, so don’t eat too much.
These are my three favorite options for a mid-day snack. Take your pick:
- BakaBaka: This is my go-to café/bakery in Reykjavik. The kardimommubollur (cardamom buns!) are buttery, spicy perfection, but their crispy and chewy chocolate chip cookies have my heart. They also serve brunch-style plates like huevos rancheros, shakshuka, and gourmet grilled cheese.
- Brauð & Co: If you’re chasing the most legendary kanilsnúða (cinnamon roll) in town, this colorful bakery is the place. The fresh-baked aroma alone will lure you in!
- Pósthús Food Hall & Bar: If you want options, wander into this stylish food hall, housed in Reykjavik’s old post office building. You’ll find international food stalls serving up everything from burgers to bulgogi to butter chicken.
Stroll Along the Sculpture & Shore Walk
Ready for a seaside stroll? From downtown, meander over to Gamla Höfnin, Reykjavik’s charming old harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob on the water, seabirds soar overhead, and Mount Esja looms across the bay. It reminds me a little bit of Bergen, Norway!
This lively neighborhood is filled with little cafés, seafood joints, galleries, and street art. It’s also where Reykjavik’s whale-watching tours depart.
From there, walk along the Sculpture & Shore Walk, a seaside path that winds its way toward Harpa Concert Hall. This honeycomb-glass façade of this striking modern building was inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns. Step inside (it’s free!) to watch the sunlight dance through its geometric panels.
Keep strolling until you reach the Sólfar Sun Voyager, Reykjavik’s most-photographed sculpture; it’s shaped like a Viking ship and symbolizes hope, freedom, and adventure.
MADDY’S TIP: Visiting between May and October? That’s prime whale-watching season in Iceland! Humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins are all common sightings. If you’re visiting in peak summer (halló, endless daylight!), you can squeeze in this whale-watching tour, and simply push your Reykjavik foodie walking tour back to 5 or 6 PM. Book your whale-watching tour here!
Go on a Reykjavik Food Tour
Before this trip, I didn’t expect to be wowed by Icelandic food. But this foodie walking tour of Reykjavik completely blew me away. It was the best thing we did in the city.
If you only have one day in Reykjavik, this tour isn’t optional. It’s a must.
Over three hours, we wandered downtown with our guide, Tómas, tasting nine Icelandic dishes at five different spots – from food trucks to fine dining.
Everything was delicious (well, except for one very memorable bite), and all of it came with a side of history, culture, and storytelling! Highlights included:
- Plokkfiskur: A delicious traditional stew of cod and potatoes, served with warm rye bread and butter. Pure comfort food.
- Icelandic lamb hot dog: Iceland’s famous street snack, loaded up with ketchup, mustard, remoulade, raw onion, and crispy fried onions.
- Fermented shark: Only for the brave! It was better than I expected, but one bite was plenty.
- Rye bread ice cream: Drizzled in caramelized rhubarb syrup. Yum!
I’m so glad we did this tour – and I know you will be too! Click here to book your small-group Reykjavik food tour.
MADDY’S TIP: This Reykjavik food tour runs multiple times a day, so it’s easy to fit into your Reykjavik itinerary. I chose the 3 PM slot and it was perfect. We soaked at the Sky Lagoon and explored the city earlier, then let this tour double as both lunch and dinner.
Enjoy a Nightcap
After a full day of exploring Reykjavik and indulging in Icelandic comfort food, end your night with a cheeky drink. Here are my two favorite spots:
- Skúli Craft Bar: Iceland may have had a beer ban until 1989 (yep, really), but with how great the local craft scene is today, you’d never guess it. Cozy, candlelit, and beloved by locals, this laid-back craft beer bar offers a rotating lineup of beers from Icelandic breweries like Borg Brugghús, Smiðjan Brugghús, and Malbygg. We went for a few hazy IPAs, but they also pour fruity sours, lagers, wheat beers, stouts, and more.
- Apótek Bar: Prefer cocktails? This chic, upscale cocktail bar at the Apótek Hotel Reykjavík is housed in a former pharmacy. Their cocktails spotlight Icelandic gin and bold Nordic flavors like smoked birch, wild rhubarb, and foraged crowberries. Perfection.
One More Adventure Before Bed? (Optional!)
- Drive out to the Grottá Lighthouse & Nature Reserve (May-August): Visiting in summer? Take advantage of the endless daylight with a little golden hour adventure. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown, Grótta Lighthouse sits at the western tip of Reykjavik – a peaceful seaside spot that’s perfect for a sunset stroll. Note: The causeway to the lighthouse is only accessible at low tide; check the tide times and plan accordingly.
- Go on a Northern Lights Tour (September-April): Visiting Reykjavik in the winter? If you’re not road-tripping around the island, I highly recommend booking this Northern Lights tour to chase Iceland’s most elusive natural wonder. We saw the aurora five times during our last trip – so trust me, it’s worth it! This tour heads out of the city lights, in search of clear skies and those magical ribbons of green, pink, and red light. Hotel pick-up, drop-off, and professional photos are included! Click here to book your Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik.
MADDY’S TIPS: Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik sell out quickly in peak season, so book early to secure your spot! Then, it’s smart to keep an eye on Aurora Forecast to make sure the cloud cover and aurora strength are working in your favor! The best part? This Northern Lights tour lets you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, so there’s no risk in booking ahead.
If You Have Even More Time in Reykjavik…
With a rental car, you can easily extend your Reykjavik visit to include a day trip:
- South Coast Small-Group Guided Tour: You'll see incredible waterfalls (like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss), dramatic black sand beaches, the cute town of Vík, and even the Solheimajokull Glacier.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour: From a volcano and lava fields to Kirkjufell Mountain, and black sand beaches, seal colonies, and fishing villages, so much beauty awaits on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula!
MADDY’S TAKE: If you’re short on time, skip the famous Golden Circle day trip. It’s crowded, and the sights are overrated compared to the two routes above!
Reykjavik, Iceland: Travel FAQs
Absolutely! Reykjavik is small, walkable, and packed with culture, history, and surprisingly great food! With one day, you can stroll the downtown, see the highlights (including the Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall), enjoy the local food scene on a Reykjavik food tour, and even soak in a geothermal lagoon. If you have more time, you can drive out to the Grottá Lighthouse (best in summer, at low tide!) or go on a Northern Lights tour (best in winter!).
Summer offers long daylight hours and mild weather, while winter brings a cozy atmosphere and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Both have their charm – just pack accordingly! No matter what, be prepared for wind and rain!
Nope! Credit are accepted everywhere, and tipping isn’t customary (or expected) in Iceland.
Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a swimsuit if you plan to visit the Sky Lagoon or another geothermal pool. The weather can change quickly, so be ready for anything!
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