If you’re embarking on a road trip around Iceland, Reykjavik will be your first stop within the country. With a population of about 120,000 people (just under half of Iceland’s entire population!), Reykjavik is a great place to begin your trip and get accustomed to Icelandic culture. Here is a full guide to spending one day in Reykjavik, including all of the top tourist attractions and things to see.
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How to spend one day in Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran church and the second-tallest building in Iceland. Over 41 years in the making, the church was finally completed and opened to the public in 1986.
The towering columns along the outside of Hallgrimskirkja are meant to emulate the basalt columns found all around Iceland.
Make sure to go up to the top of the church for sweeping, panoramic views over the city. Tickets cost 1,200 ISK ($9.18 USD) and can be bought from the counter inside. Be aware that the church bell rings every 15 minutes — it’s very loud!
Address: Hallgrímstorg 1
Rainbow Street
The road leading up to Hallgrimskirkja (Skólavörðustígur Street, or Rainbow Street) has a lovely history and makes for a great photo op.
Since 1999, the city has held the annual Reykjavik Pride festival. Skólavörðustígur Street would be painted in rainbow colors every year as a symbol of inclusivity and respect. Eventually in 2019, the rainbow paint became permanent, with residents being allowed to participate in the painting.
Iceland is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly nations on Earth, and the Rainbow Street in Reykjavik is an awesome reminder of that!
All along the street, you’ll find restaurants and shops selling souvenirs and Icelandic-made goods. If you want fewer people in your photos, make sure to visit earlier or later in the day — the street can get quite busy at peak times.
Address: Skólavörðustígur 101
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Einar Jónsson Museum
Located just a few steps away from Hallgrimskirkja, the Einar Jónsson Museum showcases the works of Iceland’s first sculptor.
Entrance to the museum costs 1,500 ISK ($10.93 USD), but there is a sculpture garden around the back that you can wander around for free. The sculptures are pretty cool and the garden is open 24/7. A quick stroll around the sculptures is one of the best free things to do in Reykjavik!
Address: Hallgrímstorg 3
National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland covers over 1,200 years of human history in Iceland. You’ll find exhibitions with cultural and historical artifacts, photographs, and personal stories woven in.
One of the most stunning artifacts is the Valþjófsstaður door, a carved church door from the 13th century!
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day. Tickets cost 2,500 ISK ($18.21 USD) and can be bought online from their website.
Address: Suðurgata
Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is an abstract, stainless steel sculpture along Reykjavik’s waterfront that resembles a Viking ship.
Built in 1990, the sculpture commemorates Reykjavik’s 200th anniversary. It was designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason, who unfortunately didn’t live to see it unveiled. The Sun Voyager makes a great, quick stop if you’re taking a walk along the waterfront.
Address: Sæbraut
Harpa Concert Hall
Located just a bit farther down the road from the Sun Voyager, Harpa is one of the most stunning buildings in Reykjavik. It serves as both a concert hall and a conference center, hosting the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.
Inside, you can catch a concert, visit the cafe and gift shop, or watch a free movie about Iceland’s natural wonders in the Iceland Expo Pavilion.
Address: Austurbakki 2
Sky Lagoon
The newest player in Reykjavik’s spa scene, the Sky Lagoon is a luxurious adults-only hot pool that offers an entire 7-step spa ritual.
The entire experience is so lush. I came out of the Sky Lagoon feeling like a new woman! Soaking in hot springs is a very common cultural phenomenon in Iceland, and Sky Lagoon should definitely be on your radar as one of the best.
You can buy entry tickets to the Sky Lagoon in advance on their website or through GetYourGuide.
Address: Vesturvör 44-48 200, Kópavogur
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is probably one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, full stop.
Compared to the Sky Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon is larger, family-friendly, and a bit more expensive. Included in your ticket is a silica mud mask and a free welcome beverage (woohoo!). If you have room in your budget, I’d recommend doing both the Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon — they’re different but equally enjoyable experiences.
You can buy entry tickets to the Blue Lagoon in advance on their website or through GetYourGuide.
Address: Norðurljósavegur 9, Grindavík
Try some Icelandic food
Reykjavik is a great city for foodies. There are numerous restaurants where you can get traditional and innovative Icelandic dishes.
Here are some unique foods to try in Reykjavik:
- Skyr: Thick and creamy Icelandic yogurt
- Pylsur: Hot dog with fried onions, mustard, and remoulade
- Rúgbrauð: Rye bread that is steamed in wooden casks underground near a geyser
- Slow-roasted lamb: All sheep in Iceland are fully free-range and fed grain-free diets!
If you have the time, I’d also recommend taking a food tour in Reykjavik — that way, you can try a bunch of Icelandic foods all at once!
How to get to Reykjavik
The vast majority of the time, visitors to Iceland will fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Nowadays, you can find relatively inexpensive nonstop flights from all over the USA, Canada, and Europe.
Keflavik Airport is about 50 km (31 mi) from Reykjavik’s city centre. There are a few options to get to Reykjavik from the airport.
Public transportation
Public transportation is the cheapest way to get to Reykjavik from the airport. The Route 55 bus runs every day and connects the airport to the city center with several stops along the way.
After arriving at Keflavik, find the Strætó bus stop near the departures side of the terminal. A one-way adult ticket costs 1,960 ISK ($14.29 USD) and can be bought on the bus. You can pay the fare with a debit/credit card, the Strætó app, or cash (although you have to have exact change).
Shuttle transfer
There are several different companies that run shuttle transfers to and from the airport. Flybus, Airport Direct, and Gray Line Airport Express all offer shuttle bus or minibus services to designated drop-off spots or directly to your hotel.
Prices range from around $20 to $45 USD one-way. You get the best deal when you book in advance, so it’s worth doing a bit of research before your trip!
Car rental
If you’re in Iceland for more than a few days, I highly recommend renting a car or a campervan! The flexibility it gives you can’t be matched.
There are dozens of car rental agencies at the airport. I used Northbound to find a 4WD with a pop-up tent. They picked me up from the airport when I arrived and drove me back after I dropped off my car.
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Budget (under $150 USD/night)
Mid-range (between $150 and $250 USD/night)
Bougie (over $250 USD/night)
Reykjavik FAQ
Is one day in Reykjavik enough?
Yes, one day in Reykjavik is enough to see nearly all of the main tourist attractions. If you’re short on time and prefer spending time in nature, I’d say that even half a day is enough time in Reykjavik.
How long should I spend in Reykjavik?
Anywhere from half a day to two days is a good amount of time. I wouldn’t spend longer in Reykjavik unless you’re using it as a base to take day trips from. It’s a nice city, but there is so much more to do beyond Iceland’s capital.
What’s the best way to get around Reykjavik?
The best ways to get around Reykjavik are on foot, by car, and by bus.
The city centre is very walkable and you can reach most tourist attractions on foot. If you have a rental car, I’d recommend parking it in a central location and then walking to your destination. You can download the Parka.is app to find and pay for parking in downtown Reykjavik.
Taking the public bus is also an easy and cost-effective way to get around the city. If you’re going to be riding the bus frequently, you can purchase a Reykjavik City Card for unlimited 24-, 48-, and 72-hour rides.
Is Reykjavik worth visiting?
Yes, Reykjavik is worth visiting (for a short amount of time, at least!). All travelers to Iceland will pass through Reykjavik at one point or another, so it’s worth taking a look around.
That being said, it’s not the most exciting or unique city out there. I’d recommend budgeting less time than you think to explore Reykjavik. Instead, go out and explore all the natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.
The Golden Circle, Vik, East Iceland, Akureyri, the Icelandic highlands… there are so many incredible places around the country!
Recommended tours in Reykjavik
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Thanks for reading this guide to one day in Reykjavik! If you’ve ever been, let me know what your favorite thing to do was in the comments below.
xoxo Niki
