Last Updated on September 14, 2025
In Iceland’s punk-style capital city, there are endless discoveries to make and corners to explore even with just one day in Reykjavik.
1/3 of the country’s artistic population resides downtown, so it only makes sense to flock there for all the action, vibrant colors, music, murals, and museums. My favorite part about the city is that it is easily explored in a single day, and it’s walkable, so you don’t have to spend a ton of money getting around.
After leaving the volcanic stomping grounds of the Keflavik Peninsula, Reykjavik will be your first and final taste of civilization before you begin exploring the rest of the country on an epic road trip, so you definitely shouldn’t skip sightseeing in Reykjavik, even if you only have an 8-day itinerary.
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How To Spend One Day In Reykjavik
If you suffer from serious FOMO when you only have a limited amount of time in a place, fear not, Reykjavik is actually a perfect city to only spend a day in.
Although it is home to 110,000 locals and ex-pats, a lot of the city is centered around one area specifically and the highlights are incredibly close by. You can easily wander Reykjavik for one day and not feel like you missed out on everything to see in the city which is a HUGE plus that comes with traveling here.
This itinerary offers the best things to do, foodie recs., and some exciting early-morning tour options to consider before you begin exploring the city.
Use this map to help you navigate during your one day in Reykjavik! For best use, download this map to your smartphone so you can use it offline (instructions here).
Optional Morning Adventures
Since Reykjavik is so tiny, you can opt for a morning adventure close to the city if you want to get the most bang for your buck while you’re in the area.
All of these are no more than 45 minutes away from Reykjavik making them easy to access and a quiet place to start your one day in Reykjavik itinerary.
Note these are optional, but if you have limited time in Iceland and are sticking around Reykjavik and the South Coast on a 3-day Iceland itinerary, or something more limited, these are great options to consider for a more well-rounded visit.
Whale Watching Tour | Scour Faxaflói Bay for these gentle giants off the coast of Reykjavik. They take you to see puffins during the summer months!
Mt. Esja | Get your blood pumping along this 4.8-mile trail just outside of Reykjavik. Enjoy the sunrise with 360-degree views of Iceland’s stunning coastal landscapes.
Blue Lagoon | A quintessential stop while in Iceland. The milky blue, mineral-rich waters are the ideal way to unwind after a red-eye flight.
Coffee (and pastries) at Braud & Co.
The only way to conquer Reykjavik in one day is by defeating any and all forms of jetlag with coffee and pastries from NONE OTHER than Braud & Co.
It’s an artisanal bakery most famous for its steaming sourdough, but they also serve up legendary croissants, “sickly good rolls“, all paired with a cup of their finest coffee. This is a great pit stop to get the morning started before you go to brunch.
There’s often a line out the door to get your paws on any of their drinks or treats, so arrive early if you can! If you arrive and the line is egregious, Reykjavik Roasters may not have the same legendary pastries, but they do have excellent coffee.
WEBSITE | Braud and Co.
LOCATION | Google Maps
Hallgrímskirkja Church
A day in Reykjavik is not complete without paying a visit to the Hallgrímskirkja Church. You’ve probably seen its unique architecture peeking through the cityscape and it’s finally time to venture inside or maybe even to the top of the church for a stunning overlook of the entire city.
The church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937 because he was inspired by the way lava looks when it cools into basalt columns. You’ll see columns like these if you’re venturing to the black sand beach in Vík, and then you’ll be able to see the stark resemblance of the structures!
Among the towering columns, there is a huge plaza where you can photograph the church and peer up at the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, the first European to discover America. Records show that he arrived in the new world about 500 years before Christopher Columbus did, but there is still some debate as to who really discovered America.
After you pay your respects to the adventurous sailor, you can head into the church to admire the clean atmosphere, pipe organ, and tower.
LOCATION | Google Maps
COST | Free (but for around 1,000 ISK ($7 USD), you can take an elevator to the top of the church tower for the best view of downtown Reykjavik).
Harpa Concert Hall + The Habor
The next stop on the list features some of the most beautiful architectural eye candy in the city, the Harpa Concert Hall. The building is made up entirely of glass and the way the light hits the different angled pieces is so beautiful at any time of the day, but the explosion of colors at sunset is arguably the most beautiful.
They hold events in this building all the time, so you can browse their site to see what is up and coming or book tickets to see the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra! It’s a really beautiful place to wander in and out of, so take your time here and once you’re done, you can head out and explore the harbor.
LOCATION | Google Maps
COST | Free
Breakfast at The Laundromat Café
Just up the road from the harbor is this colorful cafe with an impressive menu of breakfast/lunch options, as well as a fully functioning laundromat (hence the name) in case you needed to wash some clothing!
They serve breakfast every day from 9 am – 4 pm, but their brunch is arguably the best way to enjoy a visit here.
GOOD TO KNOW | Brunch is only served Friday – Sunday starting at 11:00 am.
WEBSITE | The Laundromat Café
LOCATION | Google Maps
Hunting For Street Art
Iceland is an extremely creative country with the most artists per capita. Ask a local and there is a large chance they’re a musician, artist, or author.
The street art scene in Reykjavík is one of the most unique I’ve stumbled across with its plethora of think pieces. The subjects, colors, and ideas that are brought to life look like they were built with the city.
You can find art on the side of houses, alleyways, and any little corner you can find. It’s not necessary to block out a certain time in the day to go mural hunting since you’ll see it all throughout the day, but definitely keep your eyes peeled as you roam because some of the best ones are easily passed by.
If a certain neighborhood piques your interest, don’t be afraid to roam into some places to find really unique murals, just make sure you’re respectful of local property.
COST | Free
Shopping On Laugavegur Street
The most popular thing to do with one day in Reykjavik, aside from visiting the Hallgrímskirkja Church is going shopping on Laugavegur Street.
It reminds me of something similar to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, but with a cuter village-like twist on it. There are plenty of shops to go around and I recommend steering clear of the same ol’ souvenir shops and wandering into thrift stores, art galleries, and other unique places to find your perfect souvenir.
There are stores of every shape and size on this road so if you need outdoor gear, a wifi rental, food, alcohol, or anything else, it can be found here, so make sure you stock up before you head out of the city.
LOCATION | Google Maps
COST | Varies
Lunch at Icelandic Street Food
You can find affordable local cuisine in a fast-food style setting at the very appropriately named, Icelandic Street Food.
They’re a family-owned business that uses recipes from the founder’s grandmother, which only adds to the allure of a visit.
No matter what you get, you’re not going to be disappointed. Try their traditional lamb soup, shellfish soup in bread bowls, or their fish stew with a side of bread. This is the perfect place to get a filling meal on the cheap since you’re probably spending a pretty penny on everything else in Iceland.
WEBSITE | Icelandic Street Food
LOCATION | Google Maps
Sun Voyager
The finale of your one day in Reykjavik is at the Sun Voyager, the most photographed sculpture in the city.
It was designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason with the intention of evoking “the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.” However, knowing the history behind this piece makes it all the more interesting:
THE STORY OF THE SUN VOYAGER
Centuries ago, a powerful warlord was living in the center of the known world when he sent his bravest explorers, women, scribes, and other followers on an expedition in all four cardinal directions to conquer and discover new territories.
The group that went east followed the midnight sun and eventually found themselves in present-day Mongolia. They settled here while the scribes documented their journey to the new land. Hundreds of years passed and these documents written by the scribes were re-examined, which confirmed to the people that there was another fatherland in the west.
They gathered all their things and set west for their homeland traversing through pine trees, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, islands, and rivers until they found themselves at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. They built ships to sail west into the setting sun until they came upon a small island in the middle of the Atlantic, Iceland
Jón vividly remembers this story as a part of his past when he was on an expedition in Finland. It inspired him to carve a sun ship into granite rock, finally bringing the design to life to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik.
While observing the sun reflecting off the brilliant stainless steel, you’ll remember the journey of those explorers who went on to discover this magical land.
LOCATION | Google Maps
COST | Free
Dinner At Prikid
This punk-rock, live music venue is the best way to conclude your day in the city.
I recommend snagging a table upstairs by the window because you’ll be able to look down on the city while you enjoy a craft beer or cocktail.
While most restaurants in Reykjavik are on the pricy side, I found Prikid to be very affordable since I didn’t spend more than $20 on a drink and meal.
WEBSITE | Prikid
LOCATION | Google Maps
One Day In Reykjavik Overview
Coffee at Braud & Co.
Harpa Concert Hall + The Habor
Breakfast at The Laundromat Café
Hunting For Street Art
Shopping On Laugavegur Street
Lunch at Icelandic Street Food
Dinner At Prikid
More Things to do in Reykjavik
REYKJAVIK FOOD TOUR | Spend 3-hours eating your way through the capital with a local Icelander. You’ll visit 4-6 restaurants and taste 8 different foods from both well-known spots and secret local dives.
LAUGARDALSLAUG | A heated city pool with hot tubs and a botanical garden.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND | Take a journey from Iceland’s Settlement Era to the present day through a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits.
ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM | This museum is known for one thing… penises. Over 200 to be exact, representing almost all of Iceland’s land and sea mammals.
BAEJARINS BEZTY PYSLUR | Home to the legendary Icelandic hot dog served up since 1937.
NAUTHOLSVIK | This is a year-round geothermal beach with a hot spring.
HOFDI HOUSE | Where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met for the 1986 summit meeting to officially end the Cold War. Enjoy the view from the outside and take a look at a piece of the Berlin Wall. Not for everyone but interesting for history lovers.
Is One Day in Reykjavik enough?
You’ll be surprised at just how small Reykjavik is, so one day is plenty of time to be thorough.
Obviously, if you want to be more in-depth you could do 2 days, but I don’t recommend it since you could spend that day of your itinerary exploring more of Iceland’s picturesque countryside instead. Once you get out exploring, I think you’ll agree!
Where To Stay In Reykjavik
Reykjavik Campsite | If you’re planning on camping in Iceland, this campsite in Reykjavik is the cheapest and the best place to camp in the city. It’s in a quieter neighborhood, so you’ll have quiet nights and all the amenities you need to start your trip off on the right foot. The campsite has wifi, showers, toilets, a full kitchen, and plenty of room for tents and campervans.
Something odd but worth mentioning is that if you decide to tent camp here, the song that the birds sing in the trees is so beautiful that I almost started crying before heading to bed… Which is sorta embarrassing for me to admit, but I couldn’t believe my ears! That alone was enough to book my return!
LOFT HI Hostel | This downtown hostel has a lounge, bar, and rooftop terrace just steps away from Laugevegur Street. It’s within walking distance of the harbor and the main sights of downtown. Plus, they hold fun weekly events. For something a little more budget-friendly, stay here.
House of the Snowbird | These charming and historic apartments are the perfect basecamp for exploring the city. They’re within walking distance of all the hotspots and offer free parking, so you won’t have to scour around the city for a spot. Each apartment is complete with a full-service kitchen, wifi, dining area, oven, and fridges you can fill with your groceries.
How To Get To Reykjavik
The Keflavik International Airport is about 50 km (31 miles) away from Reykjavik, and there are a variety of different ways to get there depending on what type of trip you’re on.
RENTAL CAR | Most trips to Iceland begin with picking up a rental car from the airport, so this is likely how you’re arriving in the city.
AIRPORT/BUS TRANSFER | If you’re taking a group tour around the country or taking day trips to and from the city, an airport transfer is your best bet and surprisingly inexpensive.
From the Keflavik Airport, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Reykjavik. Traffic doesn’t tend to get that bad, so this is a good estimate.
How To Get Around Reykjavik
WALKING | The easiest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get around Reykjavik in a day is on foot. The city is quite small and all of the main points in the city are down one specific street, so you’re not going to waste a lot of time even if you walk.
Also, there really isn’t too much parking in the hub of the city, so you would have to park a little way out and walk anyway. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
RENTAL CAR | Almost everyone that travels to Iceland is going to have a rental car, so driving is going to be convenient for going to large sites like the Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and a grocery store if you need, but everything else you can walk to.
Honestly, there is no need to drag around your rental car for the day because it’ll be more of a hassle than a convenience. If you’re not staying in the city center, park at Hallgrímskirkja Church and then venture out from there. This way you’ll never forget where you parked your car and you’ll start your day in a central location.
Best Time To Visit Reykjavik
Iceland is a year-round travel destination as are all the sights in Reykjavik, so there really is no bad time to visit.
Picking the best time is going to be dependent on the rest of your itinerary unless you’re in Iceland as part of a long layover.
The endless daylight of the midnight sun and ideal daytime temperatures are a huge draw for visiting Reykjavik during the summer months. However, keep in mind the prices and the crowds are the highest during this time.
The shoulder seasons of fall and spring, have thinning crowds and cheaper prices, but the weather can be a bit unpredictable. As long as you come prepared, this is still a great time for outdoor adventures around the country.
Surprisingly, many people prefer visiting Iceland in the winter over all the other months. Snow blankets the entire country and you have good odds of seeing the northern lights.
MORE TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP TO ICELAND:
– 21 Genius Tips For Traveling On A Budget
– How To Book The Cheapest Flights Anywhere In The World
– 20 Incredibly Easy Ways To Save Money For Travel
LOOKING FOR MORE ICELAND TRAVEL RESOURCES? CHECK THESE OUT:
– 50 Iceland Travel Tips For An Incredible Trip
– Iceland Packing List: What To Wear In The Land of Fire & Ice
– The 12 Best Campsites In Iceland
– How Much Does An Iceland Trip Cost: My Two Week Budget Breakdown
– Is The Blue Lagoon Worth It? Everything To Know Before You Go
– The Top 10 BEST Hostels In Reykjavik
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE DURING YOUR TRIP TO ICELAND? SHARE WITH ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
DID YOU FIND THIS GUIDE TO ONE DAY IN REYKJAVIK USEFUL? SAVE IT FOR LATER!
Reykjavik is so beautiful! This is a great itinerary! We visited Iceland last year and loved the capital city 🙂
Thank you! I loved it myself as well. I couldn’t believe how cute it was when I arrived! (: