Reykjavik, Iceland-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Reykjavik’s Culture and Nature

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with breakfast at a local café. Try Café Loki, which serves traditional Icelandic dishes like pancakes and waffles.
  • 10:00 am: Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church, a stunning Lutheran church that’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Head to the Reykjavik Harbour for lunch at Fish Company, which serves fresh seafood.
  • 1:30 pm: Visit the National Museum of Iceland, which tells the story of Icelandic history, from the Viking Age to modern times.
  • 4:00 pm: Explore the Laugavegur shopping street, where you’ll find a variety of shops, galleries, and cafes.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Dill Restaurant, which serves innovative Icelandic cuisine in an intimate setting.
  • 9:00 pm: Experience Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife by visiting the Bar 11 or Kaffibarinn, two popular bars with a lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start the day with breakfast at Café Bar 13, which serves traditional Icelandic dishes.
  • 9:30 am: Visit the Reykjavik Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Take a guided tour to the nearby Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located on a lava field. Soak in the warm waters and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Reykjavik Botanical Garden again, or explore the nearby Keflavík town.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Fish Sticks, which serves fresh seafood and has a lively atmosphere.
  • 9:00 pm: Experience Reykjavik’s nightlife by visiting the Hlemmur Square, where you’ll find several bars and clubs.

Transportation

  • The city center is easily walkable, but buses are also available. You can purchase bus tickets at the bus stops or download the Moovit app to plan your route.
  • Consider renting a car for exploring the surrounding area, especially if you want to visit places outside of Reykjavik.

Tips

  • Be prepared for unpredictable weather; bring warm clothing and waterproof gear.
  • Respect Icelandic culture by learning a few basic phrases like “Halló” (hello) and “Takk” (thank you).
  • Don’t drink tap water in Iceland; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Try some traditional Icelandic food, such as Hákarl (fermented shark meat) or Pönnukökur (small, thick pancakes).

Accommodation

  • Consider staying at a hotel like the Grand Hotel Reykjavik, which offers comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Alternatively, you can stay in a hostel like the Reykjavik Hostel, which has dorms and private rooms available.

Things to Know

  • Iceland is a cash-based society; not all places accept credit cards.
  • Some shops and restaurants may have limited opening hours outside of peak season.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.