Reykjavik 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Reykjavik

  • Arrival: Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the main airport in Iceland. You can take a bus or a taxi to your accommodation. BusQuick and Gray Line are popular bus companies offering transfers from KEF.

  • Accommodation: Consider staying in the downtown area for easy access to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Options include CenterHotel Plaza and Apotek Hotel.

  • Breakfast: Grab a bite at Bakarí Sandholt, a popular bakery in downtown Reykjavik.

  • Activities: Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, the tallest church in Iceland, and enjoy the panoramic view from its tower. Explore The Sun Voyager sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, a symbol of hope and dreams for the future.

  • Lunch: Dine at Harpa Food Market, offering a variety of food options from different vendors.

  • Afternoon: Stroll around the colorful streets of Reykjavik, visit The Blue Lagoon (pre-book your tickets online due to high demand), or explore the Reykjavik Art Museum – Hafnarhús.

  • Dinner: Savor Icelandic cuisine at Fiskfélagið or Dill, both offering modern takes on traditional dishes.

  • Evening: Relax at one of the many geothermal pools in Reykjavik, such as Laugardalslaug or Blue Lagoon Spa. Enjoy the local nightlife at bars like Kaffibarinn and B51.

Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

  • Transportation: Rent a car or join a guided tour to explore the Golden Circle, which includes Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. Reykjavik Excursions offers guided tours.

  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or dine at one of the restaurants along the Golden Circle route.

  • Dinner: Return to Reykjavik and have dinner at Kaffi Vinhlíð or Kopar.

Day 3: South Coast Adventure

  • Transportation: Rent a car or join a guided tour to explore the South Coast, which includes Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vik village, and Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck.

  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or dine at one of the restaurants along the South Coast route.

  • Dinner: Return to Reykjavik and have dinner at Paparazzi or Seafood Grill.

Day 4: Northern Lights (if season applicable)

  • Evening: If you’re visiting between September and April, book a tour to hunt for the Northern Lights. Reykjavik Excursions offers guided tours.

  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Matur og Drykkur, which serves traditional Icelandic dishes using local ingredients.

Things to Know:

  • Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so pack layers and waterproof clothing.
  • Useful apps for navigation and weather updates include Maps.me and 12°Celsius.
  • Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink.
  • Iceland uses the Euro as its secondary currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash on hand.
  • The sun rises late and sets early in winter, while summer days can be very long.