Reykjavik is a great city to explore, and you can see so much of it in just one day. Use this guide below for the top sights to see and the best places to eat. From its vibrant street art and historic landmarks to its cozy cafes and renowned restaurants, Reykjavik offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and culinary delights. Follow along to make the most of your day in this charming Icelandic capital!
Other resources to help you plan the perfect trip to Iceland!
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
- How Much a 2 Week Trip to Iceland Really Costs
- Is 2 Days Enough Time to Explore the Golden Circle?
- Vik, Iceland: A Complete Travel Checklist for 2024
- Ultimate Guide to Vatnajökull National Park: Must-See Sights and Activities
- Exploring East Iceland: Hiking, Hot Springs, and Hidden Gems
- Top 5 Sights In North Iceland You Can’t Miss
- The Ultimate Travel Itinerary for Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- If you are planning a trip to Iceland, I recommend booking your rental car through Go Rental and use my code Caitlyn5 for 5% off your car!
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Start the Day With a Pastry
Start the day with a pastry from Braud & Co. Braud & Co. is a very popular coffee shop and bakery. There are a few locations across the city but they are all usually very busy! Don’t worry though, there lines do usually move pretty quickly. They are most known for their cinnamon rolls but they have all kinds of pastries that are equally as delicious!
Things to do in the City
Rainbow Road
Your first stop is one must-see spot in Reykjavik: the Rainbow Road. This colorful pathway is a symbol of Iceland’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its commitment to inclusivity. It’s also a fantastic photo opportunity, especially with the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church in the background. I recommend this as your first stop so you can beat the crowds to get the best photo.
Hallgrimskirkja
After you finish here, walk up Rainbow Street until you reach Hallgrimskirkja. Hallgrimskirkja, completed in 1986, is a striking Lutheran church designed to resemble Iceland’s volcanic basalt columns. Entry to the church is free, allowing you to marvel at its stunning architecture. For around $10 USD, you can take an elevator to the top, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the area. With windows on all sides, you can see in every direction! However, be aware that the bells ring every 15 minutes and are quite loud from the top. It’s best to avoid this part of the visit if you have young children or sensitive hearing.
Sun Voyager
From there head over to the Sun Voyager. The Sun Voyager is a stunning stainless steel sculpture located on the waterfront, just a few minutes from the Harpa Concert Hall. Installed in 1990 to commemorate Reykjavik’s 200th anniversary, this artwork is often mistaken for a Viking ship. However, it is actually a dream boat and an ode to the sun. The Sun Voyager symbolizes the promise of undiscovered territory and embodies a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Just down the street from the Sun Voager is the Harpa, a striking concert hall and an iconic symbol of Reykjavik. The Harpa is known for its stunning architecture and hosts a wide range of events, including conferences, exhibitions, and festivals. Even if you’re not attending an event, you can still explore the beautiful interior. Take a guided tour, experience Iceland from above in the Saga VR room, or check out Circuleight, an innovative and interactive experience.
Shopping
If you find yourself with extra time, be sure to checkout a few shops in the city. Reykjavik has plenty of small businesses and souvenir shops to browse when you’re in the city! I won’t spend too much time on this though, as most shops offer similar items. However, you might find some unique local crafts and Icelandic specialties if you take the time to explore a bit deeper.
Puffin Boat tour
Another great thing to do in Reykjavik is take a Puffin Boat Tour. If you weren’t able to see puffins anywhere else in Iceland, you can take a short boat ride to Lundy Island, also known as “Puffin Island ”. This is available from May- August as this is the nesting season for puffins. The boat tour departs for the Reykjavík harbor, is around 1 hour long and costs around $55 usd.
Restaurants
Reykjavik has a large food scene with plenty of great places to try! Below, I have listed a few of my favorites that I recommend trying during your day in the city.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Icelandic Hotdog)
The famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand is not to be missed! I highly recommend getting it with all the toppings for a true Icelandic hot dog experience. The combination of crispy onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade creates a delicious and unique flavor that you won’t forget. The line might be long at times, but it moves quickly, so it’s definitely worth the wait.
Hlemmur Food Hall
Food halls are great, especially if you are traveling with a few people! Hlemmur Food Hall, Reykjavik’s first food hall, is a must-visit and located in the heart of downtown. With around 8 vendors to choose from, there’s something for everyone. I personally tried Flatey Pizza and loved it. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet dishes, street food, or sweet treats, Hlemmur Food Hall has got you covered. It’s a fantastic spot to relax, eat, and soak in the local culture.
Grandi Mathöll
Another great food hall, though located a bit out of the heart of downtown, Grandi Mathöll offers a fantastic selection of around 7 different vendors. I personally had pasta from Ristorante Piccolo, which was delicious and the portion size was generous enough for two! My dad tried a wrap from Korean Street Food, and it was equally as delicious. This food hall is perfect for those looking to explore diverse cuisines in a relaxed setting. Despite being slightly off the beaten path, it’s definitely worth the trip for a delightful culinary experience.
This food hall is conveniently located near the harbor, making it the ideal spot to grab a bite if you’re in the area for the Puffin Boat Tour!
Sweets!
You can’t leave the city without trying a few pastries and some ice cream! While you might not get to visit all of these places, each one is a great option depending on where you find yourself in the city.
Omnom
After stopping at Grand Matholl, indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Omnom, a local chocolate factory and ice cream shop! Savor the unique flavors of Icelandic chocolate and treat yourself to a handcrafted ice cream creation. Don’t forget to pick up some Omnom chocolate bars to enjoy later or share as gifts.
DEIG Workshop
Another great stop if you’re craving something sweet is DEIG Workshop. They are known for their crème brûlée donuts, and they are definitely worth the hype! They also serve a variety of other donuts and bagels, making it a perfect spot for breakfast too.
Eldur og Ís
Located on the Rainbow Road, Eldur og Ís serves a variety of sweet and savory crepes as well as delicious ice cream. This charming spot is perfect for a quick treat as explore the city!
Valdis
Valdís is a popular ice cream shop in Reykjavik, known for its unique and adventurous flavors. They have two locations in the city, one located close to the harbor and another located just a few blocks from the Sun Voyager.
Where to Stay
Reykjavik offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels. We personally stayed at Center Hotels Laugavegur, but Center Hotels has nine different locations around the city. Each location varies slightly in price, but they tend to be more affordable. If you book directly through their website, you can save up to 25%, receive a free welcome drink, and enjoy complimentary early check-in and late check-out.
One Day in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a great city to explore, and you can see so much of it in just one day. From its vibrant street art and historic landmarks to its cozy cafes and renowned restaurants, Reykjavik offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and culinary delights. Use this guide to discover the top sights and best places to eat, ensuring you make the most of your day in this charming Icelandic capital!
