One Day in Reykjavik: The Perfect 24 Hour Reykjavik Itinerary

Starting your Iceland adventure off in its compact capital city? Discover how to spend one day in Reykjavik with my detailed itinerary!

Reykjavik is often considered as the gateway to the Icelandic wilderness. However, it’s also an unmissable and charming city in it’s own right, and when you’re planning your Iceland itinerary, make sure you include at least one day to explore Reykjavik!

When I took my solo trip to Iceland, I based myself in Reykjavik and gave myself plenty of time to explore. I didn’t rent a car as I wasn’t comfortable driving alone, so my Golden Circle and South Iceland excursions departed from the city. Although I was visiting Iceland on a budget, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of affordable things to do in Reykjavik!

Read on to find out how to spend a day in Reykjavik from morning to evening, including the best things to do in Reyjkavik in 24 hours!

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One Day Reykjavik Itinerary

Morning: City walk, Opera House, Hallgrimskirkja

If you have just one day in Reykjavik, make the most of your day by waking up early!

If you’re visiting during the winter months, you might start your day in darkness, but that’s a perfect time to grab a delicious breakfast! Brauð & Co is a popular spot on Frakkastígur with a colourful shop front, serving buns and pastries.

For a ‘grab and go’ option, Deig offers freshly-baked bagels and doughnuts, with vegetarian and vegan options.

Once you’ve fuelled up, it’s time to get out and explore Reykjavik! One of my favourite things about the city was simply walking around, taking in the colourful houses and vibrant street art.

Reykjavik is a pretty compact city, easily explored on foot in just a couple of hours. To start my day in Reykjavik, I took a guided walking tour (10am-midday). It’s a great way to learn about the city, and the tour guide gave us some top tips on what to eat, drink and see while in Iceland!

Prefer to explore self-guided? These are some of the main sights to check out in between strolling Reykjavik’s charming streets…

Sun Voyager Statue

One of the most recognisable emblems of Reykjavik, the Sun Voyager statue is a bare-bones Viking long-ship overlooking the harbour. Created by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason, it’s said to represent hope, progress, freedom and the promise of undiscovered territory.

Harpa Concert Hall

Just along the seafront from the Sun Voyager Statue, you’ll find a striking honeycomb glass building, the Harpa Concert Hall. Opened in 2011, the theatre is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and Reykjavík’s Big Band. Iceland’s first ever purpose built concert hall, the building has won awards for its architecture. At night, the glass windows are lit by 714 LED lights.

On my visit, I checked out the interior – the public can access the foyer area for free. There are also regular concert performances, so it’s worth checking out in the evening to experience a bit of Icelandic culture! The exterior design is inspired by the basalt landscapes of the Icelandic countryside, a striking building along the city’s waterfront.

The Rainbow Street

Heading back into the city centre, make your way to the ‘rainbow street’ – which is exactly what it sounds like! The centre of Skólavörðustígur was once painted with a large rainbow to celebrate Reykjavík Pride, and the rainbow is now a permanent fixrure along this lively street.

The street is also home to multiple art installations, including a piece by Yoko Ono. Lined with vibrant cafes and charming independent stores, Skólavörðustígur is a cultural and artistic hub and a symbol of diversity and creativity.

Hallgrimskirkja

One of the most visible and striking buildings on Reykjavik’s low skyline, Hallgrimskirkja is Iceland’s largest church. Completed in 1986, the church is one of the city’s best-known landmarks, with a design intended as homage to Iceland’s rugged, rocky landscapes.

Heading up to the top of the 73m tower is also a must, for amazing views of the city and ocean; as well as dramatic vistas of the mountain landscapes. Don’t worry – there’s a lift! I absolutely can’t resist a good view, and I loved the contrast of the colourful roofs of the city against the white snowy backdrop and moody sea.

Opening Times: Church: 10.45am-5pm (tower entry closes at 4.45pm)
Entry Fee: The church is free to enter, and the lift to the observation deck costs 1400 ISK.

Laugavegur

If you’re planning on picking up some Icelandic souveneirs during your Reykjavik day trip, Laugavegur is the place to do it! This colourful street is packed with independent boutiques, selling gifts and clothing. If you’re like me and LOVE a supermarket abroad, you can dip into Bónus to check out what’s on offer and pick up some local snacks.

Lunch in Reykjavik

For a quick lunch on the go, I’d recommend trying some of Reykjavik’s street food. For meat-eaters, Iceland’s famous hot dogs are an absolute must! The go-to spot is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a humble hot dog stand with an epic reputation and affordable prices. Since 1937, they’ve served up their signature hotdogs, with famous visitors including Bill Clinton, who the owners named a hotdog after. I tried the hotdog in my meat-eating days, and can confirm it’s worth the hype.

If you’re after a sit-down lunch, Reykjavik Fish serves up dishes from the sea in a shabby-chic dining area, from fish and chips to soups and stews.

Plant based? SÓNÓ Matseljur and Kaffihúsið Garðurinn are fully vegetarian cafes, with vegan options.

Afternoon: Visiting Reykjavik’s Museums

Obviously, you won’t have time to visit every museum during your day in Reykjavik, but there are some great ones to check out. To help you plan, I’ve shared a couple of the most popular alongside two I particularly enjoyed on my visit! So take your pick of a couple from this selection…

National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland explores this small country’s history, from early settlements in around 840 AD to modern times. The permanent exhibition holds around 2000 items, including ancient artifacts, important manuscripts and art and design pieces.

For anyone wanting to learn more about the country’s cultural and social history during their day in Reykjavik, the National Museum of Iceland is a great place to do it!

Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Admission Fee: 2500 ISK (adults), 1200 ISK (students & seniors)

Icelandic Phallological Museum

Probably one of the most giggle-worthy museums I’ve been to, but also a fascinating natural history experience! The Icelandic Phallological Museum is home to over 200 specimens of animal penises. Yep. A museum dedicated to willies.

It’s actually a really fascinating place to visit, and a genuinely educational experience on animal biology and physiology. Blending humour with science, compare the sizes of animal appendages including bulls, seals, bears and whales.

Opening Times: 10am-7pm
Admission Fee: 3300 ISK

Icelandic Punk Museum

Who knew a museum in a former public toilet could be a highlight of my day in Reykjavik? As someone who loves punk music, the Icelandic Punk Museum was a must-do on my list. Explore news cuttings, stories and exhibits from icons of Iceland’s music scene, and even try out some of the instruments for yourself!

Opening Times: 2pm-6pm
Admission Fee: 1500 ISK

Evening: A foodie tour and the Northern Lights

You’ll probably be hungry after all that exploring. Luckily, Reykjavik has plenty of great spots to enjoy dinner. Seabaron is a well known fish restaurant in Reykjavik and I really enjoyed the fish soup on offer there. Skál offers fresh Icelandic small plates dining, and blow-the-budget Michelin star hunters should check out the menu at Dill.

Since my trip I’ve actually gone fully vegetarian – if you’re looking for plant-based eating in Reykjavik, try Mama Reykjavik (fully vegan). Fjallkonan is a popular restaurant that offers vegetarian and vegan menu options. With many of Reykjavik’s restaurants, you may need to book a couple of days in advance to secure your table.

Reykjavik Food Tour

Alternatively, a Reykjavik food tour is the perfect way to eat your way around the city! The evening tour starts at 5pm daily, and you’ll visit some of Iceland’s most famous spots as well as beloved family-run establishments. With 6 tastings along the way, it’s a great way to get a taste of Iceland’s top dishes.

Head out in search of the Northern Lights

If you’re visiting between September to April, it’s prime time to go hunting for the lights in the sky! The iconic aurora borealis, aka the Northern Lights, are a huge selling point for a trip to Iceland. They’re not guaranteed, but seeing them against the mountain backdrops of Iceland’s countryside is a big tick off the bucket list!

Tours start at 8.30pm and 9.30pm and last around four hours – so there’ll be time to fit in the food tour first.

Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to catch the Northern Lights on my tour – but if you do, it’s well worth the risk! Most operators offer a free reschedule if you don’t see them on your tour, so if you’re staying longer in Iceland, you might get the opportunity for a second attempt.

Summer evenings in Reykjavik

If you’re visiting outside of Northern Lights season, don’t worry!

From April to August, the sun sets later – with June and July seeing the sun set at almost midnight! If you’re visiting during these summer months, there are plenty of ways to enjoy an evening in Reykjavik, from a relaxing hot spring dip to a live demonstration of a volcanic eruption!

Other great evening activities for a day in Reykjavik include:

• Relax in the Sky Lagoon – open until 10pm. It’s around a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, but if you don’t have your own transport, you can book tickets with included transfers.
• Watch the world’s only live lava show, recreating a volcanic eruption with real molten lava in a 50 minute immersive experience! Evening shows take place at 6pm and 8pm – I’d recommended booking tickets in advance as the shows often sell out.
• Have a drink at Reykjavik’s ice bar.
• See a show at Harpa Concert Hall or the National Theatre of Iceland.

Iceland Tours from Reykjavik

Chances are your day in Reykjavik is part of a longer trip to Iceland. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a great spot to base yourself in for exploring more of the country – especially if you don’t have a vehicle to self-drive. These are some of the best day trips you can take from Reykjavik around Iceland:

Golden Circle Tour: The essential Iceland tour! I did this on my first day, and it’s a great intro to the stunning landscapes across Iceland. You’ll visit multiple waterfalls, as well as the beautiful Thingvellir National Park, with time to explore these areas at your own pace.

South Iceland Tour: Visit the waterfalls and black sand beaches of Iceland’s south, and drop into the fairytale village of Vik for lunch.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise: Experience amazing marine wildlife in the Icelandic waters, including the potential to see humpback whales, dolphins and puffins.

Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour: Travel across Iceland by jeep and hike across Kötlujökull Glacier to explore a spectacular ice cave.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Chances are if you’re spending the day in Reykjavik, you’ll be looking at an overnight stay (unless you’re visiting on a cruise ship!). If you’re looking for the perfect place to rest in Iceland’s capital, here are a few ideas – for all budgets!

Hostels

Sadly, the hostel I stayed in on my trip is now closed – but as a city popular with solo travellers, Reykjavik still has plenty of budget accommodation options. KEX Hostel is a traveller favourite, with a range of dorm room sizes and a great location. You could also surround yourself with greenery and enjoy a contemporary, modern hostel stay at Nordic Hostel – one of the top rated hostels in Iceland!

Hotels

Mid-Range: The well-located Center Hotels Plaza is perfect for staying in the heart of Reykjavik, with cosy vibes and easy access to sightseeing, restaurants and bars. For art-lovers looking to spend a little more, Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel is a charming spot, home to the Iceland’s largest privately owned art collection.

High-End: If you’re willing to splash out, Tower Suites Reykjavik offers stylish penthouse suites with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes; and The Reykjavik EDITION offers 5* service in style.

A Day in Reykjavik FAQs

Is one day in Reykjavik enough?

You won’t be able to cover all the museums and activities Reykjavik has on offer in one day, but 24 hours is enough time to explore on foot and get a good feel for the city.

If you have a longer trip to Iceland planned, or you’re visiting for just one day as a stopover, I’d recommend prioritising getting out to explore the country. I’d definitely advise booking at least four full days in Iceland to get the most out of your trip.

If you do have an additional day in Reykjavik, you can take things a little more slowly, visiting some more of the museums and take some local tours.

When’s the best time to spend a day in Reykjavik?

During the winter months in Iceland, you’ll get significantly less sunlight, with December having the shortest days. In December, the average sunrise time is around 11am, and the sun will set around 3-4pm. I visited in late January, and had around six hours of proper daylight. Visiting in January or February means you might be eating breakfast in the dark, but by the time you head out to explore, you should have ample daylight to explore

September to April is Northern Lights season, so if you’re chasing the aurora, these are the best times to visit Reykjavik. In particular, the months of December-February are reported to have the highest chances of seeing the lights due to regular clear weather and more hours of darkness.

What’s the best way to get around Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a compact capital, and for just one day in Reykjavik, you’ll be able to walk to all the major attractions. However, if you’re planning a longer trip to Iceland, you may want to rent a car at Keflavik airport.

If you don’t have a car, it’s still very easy to get around Reykjavik. I found it a great city to walk around, and I booked coach excursions to see more of Iceland. There are also public buses that run around the city, with adult fares from 650 ISK for a single journey. You could also consider renting a bicycle to explore the city!

What to wear for a day in Reykjavik?

This will differ depending on the time of year you visit! If you’re visiting during the winter months like I did, make sure you pack very warm clothes, as temperatures can drop to below freezing! I wore my trusty North Face jacket, and layered up with thermal tights under my jeans.

More Iceland Travel Guides:

• 8 Awesome Things to Do In Reykjavik
• Why Iceland is Perfect For Your First Solo Trip
• The Icelandic Punk Museum, Reykjavik
• Iceland In Winter Packing List: Travelling With Hand Luggage
• How To Visit Iceland on a Budget – What I Spent
• What To Expect On A Golden Circle Tour In Iceland
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Iceland