Reykjavik, Iceland 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Accommodation: Hotels in Reykjavik like CenterHotel Plaza or 101 Hotel offer comfortable stays.
  • Activities: Visit Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic Lutheran church with a panoramic view of Reykjavik. Explore the nearby downtown area, Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur streets for shopping and dining.
  • Food: Try traditional Icelandic dishes like Fermented Shark at Icelandic Fish & Chips or Plokkfiskur at Kopar.
  • Things to Know: Most establishments accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash for small purchases. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers!
  • Transportation: City buses and Reykjavik Express Bus (Strætó) are the most common forms of public transport in Reykjavik. A city map with bus routes is available at the tourist information center.

Day 2: Golden Circle

  • Activities: This popular route takes you to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Rent a car or join a tour for this day trip.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse in Iceland’s tomato region.
  • Dinner: Head back to Reykjavik and enjoy dinner at Seafood Grill Vesturbæjar (Sægreifinn), known as the “Sea Baron.”

Day 3: Blue Lagoon & South Coast

  • Activities: Visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport. Continue to explore the South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and Vík Village.
  • Lunch: Pack snacks for this long day or try local cafés along the way.
  • Dinner: Try Húsan in Vík for traditional Icelandic cuisine or visit Dyrhólaey Restaurant for seafood with a view.

Day 4: Reykjavik Sightseeing

  • Activities: Visit the Perlan (Reykjavik’s landmark water tanks) and its Glacier & Volcano Exhibition, explore the Sun Voyager sculpture, and stroll around Tjörnin lake.
  • Food: For lunch, dine at Café Loki, which serves traditional Icelandic cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Evening: Relax at one of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools, such as Laugardalslaug or Vesturbæjarlaug.

Day 5: Northern Lights (if traveling between September and April)

  • Activities: Book a guided Northern Lights tour for an unforgettable experience in the Icelandic night sky.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a pre-tour dinner at Café Babalu or Matur og Drykkur, both known for their creative menus and great atmosphere.

Day 6: Departure

  • Activities: Spend your last day exploring any missed attractions or relaxing before your departure. Remember to buy souvenirs from local shops like 12 Tónar music store or Icewear Iceland for unique items.
  • Food: Have a farewell meal at Kaffivagninn, a retro-style cafeteria on Austurvöllur square.