If you’re visiting Reykjavik for the first time, this guide has everything you need to plan the perfect stay and feel less overwhelmed. We’re answering all your questions about Reykjavik and sharing helpful tips for first-timers!
Visiting Reykjavik for the first time? You’re in for a treat!
While most travelers rush off to explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, Reykjavik itself is full of charm, culture, and incredible experiences. After visiting three times, we’ve learned the ins and outs of this quirky capital—and we’re sharing everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
From top attractions to local tips, and practical advice, this Reykjavik travel guide will help you hit the ground running.
Our experience – Why trust us?
We’ve visited this city a total of three times, and can tell you from personal experience that it’s worth a stop on your Iceland itinerary.
From iconic landmarks to quirky local spots, we’ve spent countless hours walking the colorful streets, sampling Icelandic cuisine, and experiencing the city in different seasons.
As travel bloggers, we don’t just visit a place—we dive deep to find the best experiences, practical tips, and insider knowledge to help you make the most of your trip.
If this is your first time exploring Iceland’s charming capital city, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Reykjavik Travel Guide
- Best time to visit
- How many days do you need?
- Top things to do in Reykjavik
- Reykjavik City Card: Worth It?
- How to get from airport to city center
- Getting around Reykjavik
- Custom Reykjavik Map
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Tips for visiting Reykjavik
- Perfect done-for-you itinerary
Best time to visit Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a year round travel destination where each season has its own draw for visiting.
Summer is the peak season in Reykjavik, so you can expect expensive car rentals, food, excursions, and accommodation. This season is ideal for experiencing the midnight sun and joining fun day trips from the city, but you’ll need to book your trip far in advance.
Spring and fall bring a happy medium of fair weather, dwindling crowds, and relatively normal daylight hours. This is a good season to visit if you don’t mind working with the weather.
Although the winters in Reykjavik can have unpredictable weather, the lack of crowds, cheaper prices, and opportunity to see the northern lights are enough to draw anyone here in the coldest season.
If you’re planning to visit more than just Reykjavik, we have an in-depth look at regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, in our complete guide to the best time to visit Iceland.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
You could spend as little as a single day in Reykjavik and see a majority of the main sites and landmarks around downtown. In fact, many people visit Reykjavik during a stopover so you won’t be disappointed even if you’re working on a time crunch.
Two to three days will give you more time to explore outside of downtown and many of the activities we’ve rounded up in this list.
More than three days will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city, join a guided tour, and even make a day trip to the South Coast.
→ Related: Find out exactly how many days you need in Iceland, based on what you plan to see and do!
Things to do in Reykjavik
If we had to choose our top recommendations for things in Reykjavik, this list would be it! If you have limited time to explore this city, here are the things you shouldn’t miss out on…
- Do the free walking tour
- Take in the views from Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Go on a food tour
- Soak in luxury hot springs
- Stroll down Rainbow Street
- Day trip to the Golden Circle
We have an entire article dedicated to the best things to do in Reykjavik where we share details and tips for first-time visitors.
The Reykjavik City Card: Is it worth it?
The Reykjavik City Card works like a city pass where you pay a flat rate and you get entrance and discounts to select entertainment, museums, restaurants, and experiences around the city.
There are three different tiers available for purchase:
- Reykjavik City Card 24 hours. 5.500 ISK (~$40 USD)
- Reykjavik City Card 48 hours. 7.700 ISK (~$55 USD)
- Reykjavik City Card 72 hours. 9.500 ISK (~70 USD)
No matter which tier you choose, you have the same benefits and discounts around the city. You’ll get free entrance into the main museums in Reykjavik, all swimming pools in the city, and free unlimited bus travel, to name a few. View the entire list here.
We think it’s worth the cost if the activities that you’re doing outweigh the cost of the card. You’ll need to lay out everything you plan to do, what it costs, to weigh if the card is worth it for your specific trip.
You can purchase a Reykjavik City Card online.
How to get to Reykjavik from the airport
There are a variety of different options and budgets to get to Reykjavik from the airport.
Self-drive
Given that most people explore Iceland as an epic road trip, driving a rental car to Reykjavik is one of the most common options. We highly recommend picking up your rental car from the airport, so you’ll have your own set of wheels as soon as you arrive.
From the airport, it’s a straight shot into the city center as it follows Route 41 virtually the entire way. It’s a 52 km (32.2 mile) drive and takes roughly 45-minutes.
Flybus airport transfer
This is one of the most efficient ways to get to the city center that won’t break the bank.
The Flybus takes you from the airport to the BSI bus terminal for about 3.999 ISK (~$30 USD). Expect it to take around 45-minutes.
One of the biggest perks is the unlimited baggage allowance. The other is that the departure times are based on flight schedules. They are scheduled to depart 30-40 minutes after a flight lands and will wait for you in case your flight is delayed.
View the bus schedule on the Flybus website.
Bus 55
If you’re traveling Iceland on a budget and don’t mind a little extra time in transit, Bus 55 is the best option for you.
A one way ticket to Reykjavik costs 2.280 ISK (~$16 USD) and takes 1 hour, 20 minutes to get to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik.
These buses run everyday of the week, nearly all day. Check current timetables and routes using the Straeto app.
Rideshare/taxi
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft do not operate in Iceland.
Taxis are an option, although they’re the most expensive. Rates start at around 15.000 ISK ($110 USD) depending on what service you use. You’re much better off having your own car rental or taking public transport to Reykjavik.
How to get around Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a small and very walkable city, but there are plenty of additional transport options for you to get around.
You can zoom around the city quickly on an electric scooter using the Hopp Scooter App. These are a super quick, convenient, and affordable way to get across the city if you don’t want to rely on public transport.
Reykjavik’s bus system is another excellent way to get around. The buses are called Straeto and they run to all the major sites and attractions around town. Plan your bus route and pay for your rides using the Straeto App.
→ Related Reading: These are just a few of the useful apps we used while traveling around. Find more in our guide to Iceland Travel Apps.
There are several 24-hour taxi services in Reykjavik, but note this is the most expensive way to get around the city. That said, rideshare apps do not operate here so if you’re looking for a driver of any kind, this is your only route.
Reykjavik Map: All of our recommendations in one place!
Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our custom Reykjavik Map.
It’s filled with 50+ custom pins of all the best things to do in Reykjavik, plus our favorite eateries, day trips and more! We’ve made personal notes for each pin and included many of our personal photos so you know exactly what to expect from each pinned location.
Where to eat in Reykjavik
Even for a small city, Reykjavik has an amazing food scene. From world cuisines served in casual settings to some seriously fine dining opportunities, Reykjavik has something for just about every traveler.
Here are some of our favorite Reykjavik dining options:
- 101 Reykjavik Street Food ($): An excellent place to sample some of Iceland’s more traditional dishes at a reasonable price
- Svarta Kaffið ($): only two dishes on the menu (vegetarian or meat-based soup in a bread bowl), they do soup very well
- Apotek ($$$): craft cocktails and elevated dishes in a posh setting (order the Double Passion for dessert and thank us later!)
- Messinn ($$$): fresh seafood (try the Arctic Char!)
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur ($): Home to Iceland’s most famous hot dog
- Cafe Loki ($$): popular with tourists, this is a good place to try authentic Icelandic dishes (the rye bread ice cream is excellent!)
- Kröns ($$): an eclectic menu of flatbreads, burgers and tacos
- Hlemmur Mathöll ($$): food hall with lots of dining options
- Garðurinn ($$): If you’re vegan and/or gluten-free, this is your spot! They have a menu that rotates daily.
- Mama Reykjavik ($$): Another fabulous vegan option.
→ Related: Check out our guide to Icelandic food to find out what to try and what foods are worth skipping!
Where to stay in Reykjavik
First off, let’s start with a little advice…
Since taxis in Iceland are hella expensive and public transportation doesn’t run very frequently (you’ll typically have to wait 30 minutes between buses), we’d highly recommend choosing a hotel or Airbnb in a central location.
While you may save a bit of money staying on the outskirts of town, you’ll end up paying more to get around or end up spending tons of time going from place to place.
We’d recommend staying somewhat close to the area between the Reykjavik Art Museum and Hallgrimskirkja Church (see the teal section on the map above for the general area to which we’re referring). This is where most of the sights you’ll want to see are located.
Hotels in Reykjavik
- ODDSSON Downtown Hotel (budget-friendly): This is a cozy apart-hotel in a great location right in the center of downtown. They offer a range of single, double, triple and quadruple occupancy rooms with kitchenettes at various price points so it’s a great option for groups traveling on a budget.
- Reykjavik Treasure B&B (cute mid-range B&B): I stayed at this B&B with my mom in 2019. It is centrally located and includes a delicious breakfast. The rooms are fitted with comfy beds, modern touches and ensuite bathrooms.
- Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik (luxury stay with amenities): This modern luxury hotel has a great location in downtown Reykjavík. The rooms feature minimalist Icelandic designs with modern touches and high end finishes. The property also includes a fitness center, free Wifi and complimentary breakfast.
Airbnbs in Reykjavik
- Cozy apartment near Reykjavik Harbor (budget stay): This stylish and modern 1 bedroom apartment comes with everything you will need to make your Iceland stay comfortable. Conveniently located near the Reykjavik Harbor and near the center and a quick walk to downtown. You’ll be right in the center of the action.
- Reykjavik Domes Luxury Dome // Standard Dome (unique stay): Reykjavik Domes is part of a camping resort just east of downtown. They offer private domes – one standard and one luxury – outfitted with a king sized bed, wood burning fireplace and even a private hot tub (for the luxury dome only). The one thing they don’t have is a private bathroom – you’ll have to use the communal bathrooms shared with other campers.
Want more options? Check out our article on the best Airbnbs in Iceland. We have a whole section with Airbnbs in Reykjavík as well as some cool stays just outside of town.
Hostels in Reykjavik
- KEX Hostel: Kex is the Icelandic word for biscuit, which may sound like an odd thing to name your hostel, but this highly-rated social hostel in downtown Reykjavik was converted from an old biscuit factory. With an onsite cafe, bar and heated outdoor patio, you’ll have plenty of space to socialize and meet other travelers.
- Galaxy Pod Hostel: This quirky pod-themed hostel is just a 10-minute walk from the city center of Reykjavik. Instead of the traditional hostel bunks, Galaxy offers single and double-occupancy pods that may look a bit like you’re sleeping on a spaceship, but at least you’ll have your privacy!
Tips for visiting Reykjavik
Keep these useful tips in your back pocket as you explore all these amazing things to do in Reykjavik.
- Card is king. Debit and credit is the primary payment method nearly everywhere in Reykjavik. Some cash will be handy, but you won’t need too much.
- You can drink tap water. In fact, you likely won’t catch locals drinking bottled water since Iceland’s tap water is so pure. There are even water fill up stations around the city center.
- International flights arrive outside of the city. Although you’d expect to fly directly into Reykjavik when visiting Iceland, the airport is actually in Keflavik, about 45 minutes outside of the city.
- English is widely spoken. Virtually everyone in Iceland knows English, so not to worry if you didn’t brush up on some staple Icelandic words before arriving.
- Reykjavik is super safe. It’s one of the safest cities in Europe!
Want the perfect Iceland itinerary planned for you?
If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary. This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more!
It covers ALL the bases, from driving directions and timing of activities, to necessary reservations and recommended places to stay.
The itinerary is customizable for 7 days, with 8- or 9-day options, hitting all of the highlights of the Southern Coast of Iceland.
Plan your trip to Iceland
We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland.
- You’ll want to keep this guide handy if you plan on driving Iceland’s Golden Circle.
- We’ve got the perfect one week itinerary for your first time in Iceland.
- This article will help you plan the perfect Iceland road trip.
- Read this if you plan on renting a car in Iceland, or if vanlife is more your style, we have a complete guide to campervan rentals in Iceland.
- And don’t forget camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to save money!
- Get a complete cost breakdown for your Iceland trip and follow our sneaky budget tips to save money!
- Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!
Don’t miss your chance to grab our Iceland packing list!
Click the banner to download our complete packing list for Iceland! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Iceland trip.
And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?
Save this article on Pinterest for later!
We want to hear from you!
Are you planning on visiting Reykjavik and still have questions? Is there anything you think we’re missing in this Reykjavik travel guide? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you with the answers you’re looking for!