Discover Reykjavík in One Day: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide
Looking for the ultimate Reykjavík itinerary? Here’s everything you need to plan your Icelandic adventure. Iceland is just under 40,000 square miles located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The island has become incredibly popular in the last few years with volcanic activity, black sand beaches and rugged landscapes to explore.
Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital and largest city with an incredible food and art scene. In this guide you’ll learn how to spend one perfect day in Reykjavík.
Reykjavik Highlights
✅ 101 Reykjavík street food
✅ Icelandic Phallological Museum
✅ Braud & CO
Best places to visit in Reykjavík
The capital city is home to the majority of Iceland’s population. Reykjavík has plenty to offer whether you want to explore museums or shop till you drop. If you’re really short on time, consider doing a walking tour!
Visit the Harpa building
The Harpa Opera House opened in 2011 and is an architectural gem for the city. Admission to Harpa is free, there is a restaurant inside as well as a store. Be sure to check their calendar for concerts!
Enjoy the view at Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and offers the best views of the city. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance for $15 USD. This is a quick but iconic must see activity!
Flyover Iceland in less than an hour!
The Flyover Iceland experience opened in late 2019 and is a huge hit for locals and tourists. In addition to the natural wonders of Iceland, the experience showcases its culture. Buy your discounted tickets here!
Spend time in the Icelandic Phallological Museum
Known to be the only Phallological Museum in the world! The location has a cafe and gift shop that is phallus themed. Tickets are $25 USD.
Shop til you drop on Laugavegur street
In addition to the Phallological Museum, Laugavegur street is home to some of the best shops and restaurants in the country. Most of the shops are open until 6 PM except for holidays.
Take a photo with the Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager sculpture was unveiled in the 1990’s and is representative of the Icelandic vikings. This is a perfect spot to catch the sunset in the spring and fall months.
Explore the Whale Museum
This museum is incredible! They have life sized models of whales throughout the museum. Buy your discounted tickets here.
Snap a photo on Rainbow Road
Rainbow Road is one of the most photographed locations in Iceland. The road was painted as a rainbow back in 2015 to celebrate the Pride festival. This is my favorite view of the Hallgrímskirkja church.
Buy authentic wool from the Hand Knitting Association
The Hand Knitting Association has been an institution in Iceland since the 1970s. They offer everything from yarn, knitting kits, and ready to wear sweaters.
My favorite places to eat in Reykjavík
Reykjavík’s food culture is known for fresh seafood, lamb and baked goods. There are plenty of restaurants for all budgets, below are my favorites.
101 Reykjavík street food
This is my favorite spot in Reykjavík for lunch or dinner. They offer local dishes with a rotating menu so you can always try something new. 101 Reykjavík offers different soups with endless refills in freshly baked bread bowls.
The Fish Market
The Fish Market’s is managed by a local Icelandic chef who uses Japanese inspiration for their menu. This is one of the most popular restaurants in town, reservations are strongly encouraged.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
A visit to Reykjavík is not complete unless you’ve had a hotdog from Bæjarins. Don’t be worried if there is a long line, the service is quick and worth the wait. I recommend getting a hotdog with everything and an ice cold pop.
Laundromat Cafe
The Laundromat Cafe is a super fun spot with a yummy brunch menu. I love this place because they also offer take out if you’re on the go.
Braud & CO
Arguably one of the best cinnamon buns in Scandinavia (in my humble opinion). There are a couple of locations throughout the city but the iconic location is on Frakkastgur.
Iceland FAQs
When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?
Anytime of year! Obviously the summer months provide a better chance of good weather. There are plenty of winter activities to keep you occupied during your stay.
How many days to spend in Reykjavík?
It is possible to cram in most of my recommendations within 24 hours in Reykjavík. However I’d recommend spending at least two full days in Reykjavík to see it all. Looking for places to stay during your visit? Learn more about where to stay in Reykjavik here!
Final Thoughts
Reykjavík has something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or a bit of both. In addition to the museums and experiences, there are plenty of free activities to consider during your visit to Iceland.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
