How to Spend One Day in Reykjavik

The biggest city in Iceland, Reykjavik feels more like a big town than a city. While we enjoyed walking around and spending one day in Reykjavik, the real magic of Iceland is the natural wonders outside the city. If you only have a few hours or one day in Iceland, I would prioritize some of the nearby sites and skip visiting Reykjavik. For ideas of things to do near Reykjavik, see our Guide to the Golden Circle or visit our Iceland page.

If you are planning to spend more time in Iceland, Reykjavik is a fun city to add to your plan and there are plenty of fun things to see and do. We spent a week in Iceland before flying on to Europe and only visited Reykjavic during our 1-night layover on our way home, which was the perfect way to enjoy this one-of-a-kind city. Below you can find a complete list of things to see in Reykjavik in one day as well as suggestions for a one-day in Reykjavik itinerary and things to know to help plan your day in Reykjavik.

Quick Loop at the Top Sites to See with One Day in Reykjavik

Below you can find a list of things to see and do in one day in Reykjavik Iceland.

Things to do Nearby Reykjavik: Visit the Blue Lagoon, Tour the Golden Circle, Visit some Waterfalls, and hiking.

Things to Know About Spending 1 day in Reykjavik

How long do you need in Reykjavik?

We adored Iceland and were glad to spend a day in Iceland, but is a day in Reykjavik enough? We think one day is the right amount of time to explore Reykjavik, especially if you are visiting during the warm months. One day will give you time to walk around the streets and choose a few museums to explore. If you have more time in Reykjavic you can easily find more to do with the number of sites and tours.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Reykjavik?

Iceland has year round appeal. While many people visit Iceland during the summer months, there are also plenty of people who choose to visit in the winter when the northern lights are often visible. Reykjavik in particular is a good year round destination. Remember that in the summer, you can expect 24 hours a day on sunlight and in the winter you will be spending most of the time in the dark.

What is the Best Way to get from the Airport to Reykjavik?

There are a few ways to get from the airport to Reykjavik. If you are planning a longer visit, you can rent a car or campervan right at the airport. Driving and parking in Reykjavik is relatively easy.

Another option is to take a taxi. Taxis are quite expensive and start at 21.500 krónur (about $171 US). There is no Uber ot Lyft in Iceland.

The most popular and affordable way to get to Reykjavik is on the a Flybus. This bus operates often and is comfortable and relatively affordable. You can book your tickets online in advance or directly at the airport. The bus takes you into a central spot in Reykjavik and then offers connections to many other areas via smaller buses or shuttles. We found this service efficient, although still a bit pricey for our family of 5.

See more on the Flybus Website.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Reykjavik?

The best ways to get around Rekyjavik is on foot, by car, or on a bus. Rekyjavik is a very walkable city and many of the most interesting attractions are within walking distance. You can also drive your own car or take a taxi around to make it easier. Check out the Hop on and Hop Off Bus tour.

What are the Top places to stay in Reykjavik

Lodging in Iceland is expensive, and most of the spots right in downtown are the most expensive. This means you can stay further outside the city to save a little money, or spend more and stay in the city. Below are 3 options for places right in town:

• The Reykjavik EDITION
• Black Pearl Apartment Hotel
• Alda Hotel Reykjavík

One Day Reykjavik: Details of Things to Do

Below you can find details on some of the things to do with one day in Reykjavik.

Hallgrímskirkja

This Lutheran church right in the heart of Reykjavik has become a symbol of the city. It is the largest church in Iceland and has an expressionist architectural style.  The cascading columns are designed to mimic Iceland’s basalt landscapes. Since most buildings in Reykjavik are short, you can see the church from many places around the city.

The church was completed in 1986 after 41 years of construction, and you even climb the tower for a fee to take in the views of the city. In front of the church are several statues including a statue of Leif Ericsson, the Norse explorer from the 11th century.

National Museum of Iceland

Laid out over two floors in a rather non-descript building, the National Museum of Iceland is home to a number of artifacts that help tell the story of human history in Iceland.

The museum is more designed for adults and can be visited in about 1 hour if you take your time. If you are interested in understanding the cultural history of Iceland from early settlement to the modern day, this museum is a good stop.

Rainbow Road – Skólavörðustígur

So many photos of Reykjavic Iceland show the famous Skólavörðustígur, or Rainbow Road in Reykjavic. One of several similar roads in Iceland, you can find this road right in the heart of Reykjavic between Bergstaðastræti and Laugavegur Streets.

The road was created during Reykjavic Pride when over 100,000 people came together to celebrate and create this now permanent colorful road. The road continues to symbolize LGBTQ-friendly attitude of Iceland.

Harpa

This striking building on the waterfront of Reykjavic is home to a concert hall and conference center. The building itself is a work of art and several pieces in front including sculptures and pools of it make a great view with the harbor in the background. You can purchase tickets to an event at the concert hall, or just walk around and check out the building from the outside.

See more at the Harpa Official Website.

Nauthólsvík  Geothermal Beach

Iceland is known for its hot springs and geothermal features, but if you don’t have time to explore further than Reykjavic, you can still visit a geothermal pool right in town. This beach was constructed in 2001 with a lagoon and sea walls where hot geothermal water mixes with the cold ocean water creating a warmer place to swim

There is a fee to visit the geothermal beach, but you also get changing facilities, and a hot tub in addition to the pool. See more on the official page of Nauthólsvík.

Whale of Puffin Tour

You can take a boat tour right from Reykjavik to see whales and puffins. These range from a one hour cruise in the harbor to a longer boat ride. There are also many other day tours that leave from Reykjavik, so if you only have a short time for a visit to Iceland, you can simply stay the night in the city, take a day tour and return to the airport to catch your plan.

Árbæjarsafn

This historic museum right in Reykjavic takes you back in time to when the early settlers first lived in Iceland. There are 20 houses at the property to explore and you are likely to find animal such as horse, cow and sheep. The museum is open June-August and during the winter by appointment.

See more on the official site of Árbæjarsafn

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

As an island nation, Iceland has a long seafaring history. If you have one day in Reykjavik and are planning to walk around town and the waterfront, a stop at the maritime museum is a great addition to your itinerary. Admission to the museum is free for kids and you can also visit as part of a tour.

See more on the official site of the Reykjavik Maritime Museum.

Saga Museum

Recreating moments in Iceland’s history, the Saga Museum brings history to life. Shockingly lifelike figures set in historic scenes tell the story of early settlement. The artifacts in the displays are authentically constructed and you can take a tour in several languages. Since the Saga Museum is right in town, it is an easy addition to your one day in Reykjavik

See more on the Saga Museum Website.

Perlan

This large dome is located on a hill in Reykjavic. This one of a kind building made from hot water stroage tanks among other things is now home to an educational center. Walk through a 100 meter ice tunnel, watch the northern lights in the Planetarium, and visit the viewing platform for views of the city. If you have one day in Reykjavik and the weather isn’t cooperating, this is a great indoor option.

See more on the Perlan official Website.

Art Museum

Reykjavik has an up-and-coming art scene. From outdoor sculptures, galleries, street art, and museums there are plenty of ways to explore art in Iceland. The best way to see the most in Reykjavik is with the 24 hour City Card. Visit the website to see some of the art galleries and museums included. Make sure to check out the National Gallery of Iceland.

Walk Around Town

One of the best things to do with one day in Reykjavik is to wander around town. You can visit many of the main sites, walk along the shorlines, check out Laugavegur Street, do some shopping, grab a coffee and take in the feel of Reykjavik.

Consider doing a walking tour to learn more about the town.

Map of Things to do with one day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik One Day Itinerary

If you take a look at the different things to do in Reykjavic in a day, it is pretty obvious that you can’t do it all in a single day. Below is a suggested itinerary for 24 hours in Reykjavik.

In Town Walking Tour

Start your morning on Laugavegur Street. Stop at one of the cafes for breakfast and walk up Rainbow Street to Hallgrímskirkja. Make your way to the waterfront and check out the Harpa building. Grab some lunch and then choose an afternoon activity. Visit one of the museums, or take one of the tours to see puffins or whales. Most of the museums can be seen in about 1 hour, so if you get the 24 hour City Card you will save some money and can see several museums.

If it’s a nice day, head to the geothermal beach in the late afternoon for a quick swim before heading out to dinner.