Reykjavik 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Reykjavik

Day 1: Arrival & City Introduction

  • Accommodation: Stay at CenterHotel Plaza or Hotel Odinsve, centrally located hotels with great amenities.
  • Breakfast: Grab a bite at Braud & Co., a popular bakery in Reykjavik.
  • Morning: Explore Hallgrimskirkja Church and its observation tower for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the adjacent museum, The Saga Museum and the Cultural History Museum.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Kaffivagninn, a food truck park with a variety of options.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sun Voyager sculpture by the seafront and the Harpa Concert Hall.
  • Dinner: Dine at Fish Market, offering a wide selection of Icelandic fish dishes.
  • Evening: Take a relaxing dip in the geothermal pools at Laugardalslaug or the Blue Lagoon (if you arrive early in the day).

Day 2: Nature & Sightseeing

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Bergsson Mathus.
  • Morning: Visit the Perlan Museum and its adjoining water tank exhibitions. Take a day tour to the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall.
  • Lunch: Packed lunch or grab something on the go during your tour.
  • Afternoon: Continue your tour to Þingvellir National Park, exploring the Silfra fissure (optional snorkeling/diving activity). Return to Reykjavik in the evening.
  • Dinner: Dine at Grillmarkaðurinn for a great steak dinner.

Day 3: Northern Lights Hunt

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at Café Loki, known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine.
  • Morning & Afternoon: Spend the day at leisure or explore Reykjavik’s vibrant art scene, including the Reykjavik Art Museum and the Eye Hospital & Gallery.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a light dinner before your northern lights hunt.
  • Evening: Join a guided northern lights tour (November to March) or check the forecast for an independent hunt.

Day 4: South Coast Adventure

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Sandholt bakery.
  • Morning: Take a full-day tour to the South Coast, visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the charming village of Vík.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Packed lunch and dinner during your tour.

Day 5: Farewell & Shopping

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at Mokka Kaffibarinn before checking out.
  • Morning: Spend the morning exploring Kolaportid flea market, shopping for souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Reykjavik Roasters or Café Babalu.
  • Afternoon & Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit the Whales of Iceland museum or relax in one of Reykjavik’s many geothermal pools before heading to the airport.