Here are some ideas on how to spend one day in Reykjavík, Iceland’s charming capital city!
Do you want to have a taste of Reykjavík?
Do you want to hear about the history and traditions of Iceland and enjoy local food at the same time? Then join The Reykjavík Food Walk, the tastiest sightseeing tour of Iceland. During this four-hour tour, you explore local cuisine and visit six restaurants with a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes the must-visits as well as hidden gems and local hangouts. On the menu are Icelandic lamb, homemade Icelandic ice cream, local cheeses, skyr, Icelandic seafood, and of course, the famous Icelandic hot dog.
Do you want to see the city by bus?
Taking the Hop On/Hop Off bus from City Sightseeing is the most relaxed way to explore the city. The bus pass is valid for 24 hours and you can hop on and off the bus at conveniently located bus stops. With stops at Harpa Concert Hall, the National Museum of Iceland, Laugavegur shopping street, Hallgrímskirkja church, Perlan, Höfði House, and more, you will get the chance to view all the highlights of the city within one day.
Do you want to see the city on foot?
During the Walk with a Viking walking tour, you get an intimate view of the city. The walking tour is a great introduction to Reykjavík, and you will walk past all the famous landmarks of the city, including Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík Harbour, Hallgrímskirkja church, Tjörnin pond, and the Parliament building. Next to this, local hidden spots are visited as well, like an Elf home. This family-friendly tour is spiced up with stories from Icelandic history and mythology. It even includes a lesson in the Icelandic language.
Do you want to see whales?
You don’t have to travel far to go on a whale safari, as Reykjavík offers good options for whale watching with regular departures from the Old Harbour area. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen year-round in Faxaflói bay, a large bay next to Reykjavík. In summertime, there are regular sightings of humpback whales and minke whales. You can choose to go on a bigger boat with a refreshment bar, or on a small RIB boat. The bigger boats have snug inside areas that offer shelter from bad weather, but the small boats have the advantage that you can get very close to oceanic wildlife.
Do you want to go to a spa?
On just a ten-minute drive away from Reykjavík, you’ll find Iceland’s newest retreat, Sky Lagoon. Located at the edge of the bay of Kópavogur, the pool offers amazing coastal views. Everything at Sky Lagoon revolves around “The Ritual,” a seven-step process to revitalise your senses and achieve utter relaxation. Sky Lagoon boasts a modern approach to traditional Icelandic swimming culture, making it the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a drink, socialise, and soak in the sun.
Visit our tour information centres for more tips and info!
