1 Day in Reykjavik, Iceland: The Perfect Itinerary

Planning to spend 1 day in Reykjavik and wondering how best to spend your time? Here’s the ultimate day itinerary and all of the best things to see in the capital.

Reykjavik is pretty easy to see in a day. We’ve visited the Icelandic capital twice now and both times we managed to see most of the sights in less than 24 hours. 

Of course, the main reasons people visit Iceland are the natural wonders located outside of the main city centre, but almost everyone who travels to Iceland lands in Reykjavik. While, I highly recommend spending at least one day exploring the capital, in all honestly, you don’t need any longer than that. 

So, if you’re planning on visiting Iceland and are wondering how to spend your first (or last) day in the country, here’s the ultimate itinerary for one day in Reykjavik. 

The Blue Lagoon

Before we get completely stuck into this itinerary let’s talk about something that is almost definitely on your Iceland to-do list – the Blue Lagoon.

The milky blue waters have become a bucket list place to visit in all of Europe. But, since they are about 20 minutes from Kefvalik Airport and 40 minutes from Reykjavik, it makes the most sense to visit them on the way to or from the airport.

There’s even a dedicated shuttle bus that will take you from the airport to the city centre via the Blue Lagoon and vice versa.

So, depending on what time your flight lands, I recommend heading to the lagoon before tackling Reykjavik. Or, on your final day in Iceland, visit the lagoon on the way back to the airport. It’s also the perfect way to relax before or after a flight.

✅ Book tickets for the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, here.

1 Day in Reykjavik Itinerary

So, now that you’ve spent some time relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, it’s time to head to the Icelandic capital city. This itinerary contains about 1.5 hours of walking, plenty of stops along the way, and a few museums. Depending on your interests or time, you could also swap out a few of these museums for a few extras that I included at the end of this list.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best things to do during 1 day in Reykjavik. 

10:00 – Whales of Iceland

Start your day at one of Iceland’s most interesting museums. Whales of Iceland is a wonderful place to visit, particularly if you’re interested in wildlife and the gentle giants of the ocean. 

It’s a fairly small museum, but there’s a lot of information and things to read about these sea creatures. 

When you step inside, you come face to face with about 10 to-scale models of different whale species hung from the ceiling. It’s a pretty surreal experience to see the sheer size of these creatures. When you walk around the corner, you’ll find more models, including the Blue Whale, the largest creature on the planet.

I’ve always known that whales are huge (being the biggest creatures in the world, and all), but you don’t really appreciate how large they are until you see models of them like this. It’s also made me want to go whale watching even more than I already did!

As well as the giant whale models, there are also several short films and a movie showing that is around an hour long. It tells the story of several whales that beached themselves along the coastline in the Caribbean, and how all our shipping activities are making the oceans too noisy. It was a very interesting watch and also pretty eye-opening. 

Overall, I loved this museum and it’s easily one of the best in Iceland. It opens from 10:00 – 17:00 every day and costs 4300 ISK per adult, which is around £25. You’ll probably need around 2 hours here – it’s a great little start to your trip!

✅ This is easily one of the best museums in Iceland

12:30 – Visit Harpa Concert Hall

Next, walk to Harpa Concert Hall. This is about 20 minutes on foot from the Whales of Iceland Museum. The entire design of this building is beautiful. 

With its glass exterior, Harpa quite literally glitters in the sun. Designed by renowned artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, its striking glass façade reflects the dynamic Icelandic landscape beautifully. 

You can also visit the inside of this hall and see the unique architecture here too. Once again, the light plays beautifully on the walls. 

There is a range of events here too from classical concerts to contemporary performances and the hall was also designed with perfect acoustic.

Also, if you come for the golden hour, it’s a photographer’s dream!

13:00 – Walk Along the Coast to the Sun Voyager

From Harpa, continue your journey about 10 minutes further down the seafront to the Sun Voyager statue. 

This is one of my favourite walks in Reykjavik because, as well as seeing the city on one side, you can also see the mountainous landscape that Iceland is so famous for on the other. It’s a truly beautiful part of the city. 

The Sun Voyager statue itself is a representation of Iceland’s ocean heritage. Its sleek, stainless steel design mirrors a Viking ship, with its prow pointed towards the horizon.

It’s a pretty impressive spot. Seeing that statue and admiring Mount Esja in the background is definitely a must during one day in Reykjavik.

13:30 – Walk to Rainbow Street

By now, you’re probably getting a little peckish, so head back inland to the city and visit one of the most famous streets in Iceland – Rainbow Street. 

Locally known as Skólavörðustígur, this street is mostly known for the rainbow painted onto the pavement. Located in the old town of Reykjavik, it’s charming and colourful and one of the must-sees of a day in Reykjavik.

As well as the rainbow, the street is also lined with a selection of cosy cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant street art. You’ll almost always find this street busy as locals go about their day and tourists snap lots of photos. It’s a great spot to experience the more vibrant side of Iceland.

It’s also the perfect place to grab some food as you can find some great spots to eat along the street itself and in the surrounding areas.

14:30 – Admire the views from Hallgrimskirkja Church

After lunch, walk a further 10 minutes to Hallgrimskirkja Church, another of the most famous sights in Reykjavik. This church is one of the most unusual and beautiful churches in Europe. It’s pretty impressive to look at; the design came from Iceland’s nature.

Have you ever visited the famous Reysnifara black beach along the south coast of Iceland? Do you remember the basalt column that you see when you first step onto the beach? 

Well, it’s those columns that inspired the design of the church. And, in my opinion, they did a pretty damn-good job!

As well as the outside of the church, you can also explore the inside. If I’m perfectly honest, compared to other churches and cathedrals I’ve visited in Europe, it’s not that impressive inside. The pipe organ is the most interesting part. 

However, it’s well worth climbing to the top of the church for incredible views over the city

To get to the top of the tower, you’ll have to pay a fee of around 1400 ISK (about £8), but you’ll be treated with panoramic views over Reykjavik and the mountains beyond.

15:15 – Wander down Laugavegur

This is Reykjavik’s main street and another great place to experience to vibrant atmosphere in the capital. 

You’ll find plenty of shops where you can buy trinkets, souvenirs, Icelandic winter gear and much more. You can also find plenty of eateries and little cafes, ideal for grabbing a cup of coffee and having a little break from the chilly winter air. 

During my first trip to Iceland, I bought my souvenirs from a gift shop down the street. Additionally, Laugavegur is a popular hub for cultural events and street performances.

15:45 – Discover Reykjavik’s Street Art Scene

When I first decided to visit Iceland, I had no idea the country was home to some pretty incredible street art. But, you can find all sorts of artworks and murals in Reykjavik’s city centre if you know where to look. 

The most popular streets of Laugavegur Street, Grettisgata Street and Skólavörðustígur are home to some wonderful artwork. A few of my favourites are the Viking Mural and the Vampire Mural. If you head to the docks, you’ll find some more great art. 

You can also find street art in other parts of Iceland like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

16:30 – Head to Perlan

Perfectly showcasing the wonders of Iceland, Perlan is another of the capital’s best museums and the final stop on this Reykjavik itinerary. It’s located quite a way from the city centre, on top of Öskjuhlíð Hill in the south. Despite the walk to get there (around 25 minutes), it’s well worth a visit.

It’s a pretty impressive building, consisting of a glass dome on top of six massive hot water storage tanks. From the top of this, there’s an observation deck where you can see more panoramic views over the city.

They also have a revolving restaurant on the upper levels where you can grab a bite to eat or a coffee.

Inside the museum, you’ll find lots of information about Iceland’s unique geological and environmental landscapes – from the geysers on the Golden Circle to the glaciers of the south. 

There are interactive exhibits that showcase the country’s volcanic activity, pristine wilderness, northern lights, and a pretty eye-opening exhibit about how the glaciers are retreating. 

You can also learn about the county’s wildlife here. There are exhibits about polar bears, the diverse marine life in the oceans, the puffins along the coastline, and much more. There’s also a real ice tunnel that you can walk through that they keep at a pretty frosty -10°C

With its commitment to sustainability and conservation, the museum is a must-see for those interested in nature and the environment. It’s well worth a visit even if you only have 1 day in Reykjavik and we learned so much from our time there.

The exhibitions are open from 9am to 10pm daily and cost 5390 ISK, which is around £30 per adult. It’s a pretty expensive museum but is one of our favourites in the city.

✅ You have to visit this museum if you’re interested in Icelandic nature

If You Have More Than 1 Day in Reykjavik

If you have longer than 1 day in Reykjavik, the best thing to do without a doubt is to hire a car and explore the wonders outside of the capital. 

However, if you are staying in Reykjavik while you explore Iceland, or find yourself with some time to spare in the capital before you fly home, here are some more things you can do in the city centre. 

Be Amazed by the Lava Show

This is definitely one of the hidden gems in Iceland. The Lava Show was first opened after the famous volcanic eruption in 2010 to give people a chance to get up close and personal with lava in a safe and educational way. 

The show itself is the only live lava show in the world and is completely fascinating. First, the host will talk you through a little history of the show, then play a video showing some of the most famous volcanic eruptions in the history of Iceland. Then, you get to the good part. 

The room goes dark and you can hear the crackling noise as the 1100°C lava comes pouring down the tube. And you can instantly feel the heat. You’ll get to see the way the lava cools, how it interacts with ice, and what happens if you crack into it after it’s solidified. 

It’s a fantastic experience and one of the best things you can do in Reykjavik.

Go on a Food Tour

It’s no secret that Iceland is a very expensive country. Eating out in Iceland can be pretty pricey. Plus, quite often, there are a lot of bizarre thighs on the menu that you’re not sure you really want to eat, but you’re sure you want to try…

That’s the beauty of a food tour! 

With this experience, you can go on a 3-hour food tour of the city, sampling many of its culinary delicacies along the way. This includes lots of Icelandic food like traditional lamb soup, an Icelandic hot dog, salted cod, and the dreaded fermented shark – if you dare!

If you do decide to go on a food tour in Reykjavik, I highly recommend Your Friend in Reykjavik’s Food Lovers Tour. Not only do you try some of the most delicious foods in the country, but you’ll also learn a lot about the history, myths, and legends of Reykjavik. 

Relax in the Sky Lagoon

If there’s one thing Iceland is famous for it’s hot springs and geothermal pools. While most people will rush off to the Blue Lagoon, there is actually a pool much closer to the capital that’s well worth a visit. 

The Sky Lagoon is quite literally the place where the sky meets the sea. This luxurious geothermal spa is located about a 16-minute drive south of downtown Reykjavik. 

It’s almost like a giant infinity pool, providing panoramic views of the mountains and ocean that surround the capital of Iceland. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the lagoon is a magical experience. 

As well as the main lagoon, Sky Lagoon also has a 7-step ritual, that they recommend to all visitors. This includes a steam room, a sauna, and cold plunge pools. It’s pretty invigorating!

✅ This is the best geothermal pool close to Reykjavik city centre

Visit FlyOver Iceland

If you like VR experiences, you’ll love FlyOver Iceland. It provides the perfect immersive experience in all of Iceland’s landscapes from one room. 

Located in Reykjavik, this attraction uses stunning visual effects to create a virtual flight over some of Iceland’s most iconic destinations. You’ll soar above glaciers, cascading waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and picturesque coastal villages. 

They also use specialized motion seats, wind, and mist effects to make it seem more real.

✅ Book tickets to FlyOver Iceland here.

FAQ About 1 Day in Reykjavik

Here are a few of the most common questions asked about spending one day in Iceland’s capital.

Is one day in Reykjavik enough?

In my opinion, yes, 1 day is enough to see the highlights of Reykjavik. The city is easily walkable, and you can cover most of the top sights plus throw in a few of the city’s best museums in 24 hours or less.

Can you do a day trip from Reykjavík?

Yes, some of the best things to do in Iceland are outside the capital city, so I highly recommend you do at least one day trip from Reykjavik.

The most popular day trips are the Golden Circle and South Coast. But you can also visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and even go as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon as a day trip from the capital. 

Can you do Iceland in 1 day?

Absolutely not! Iceland is impossible to see in just one day as there’s just so much to see. You could spend 3 weeks there and only just scratch the surface of what the country has to offer.

I’ve been to Iceland twice and still have plans to go back and see much more. However, it is possible to see the capital city in one day.

Is it possible to walk around Reykjavik?

Yes, it’s very possible to walk around Reykjavik and you definitely don’t need a car to explore the capital. It’s a fairly small city and most of the major sights can be seen with just an hour of walking, including this entire itinerary.

The furthest thing on this itinerary from the city centre is Perlan, and that can still be reached with just a 30-minute walk.

For the best chances of seeing them, I recommend joining one of the many northern lights tours that depart from Reykjavik. They’ll take you to one of the dark sky preserves on the island (such as þingvellir National Park).

Alternatively, you can stay somewhere outside the capital where there’s less light pollution.

What’s the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland is completely different in winter to what it’s like in the summer months. You’ll have a very different experience depending on what time of year you choose.

In the winter months in Iceland, you’ll have snowy grounds, frozen waterfalls, cold temperatures, fewer daylight hours, chances of seeing the northern lights, lower prices, and less predictable weather. 

Alternatively, in summer, you’ll have (much) higher prices, greenery everywhere, never-ending daylight (the midnight sun), wildflowers, (much) larger crowds, and all of the island’s roads will be open. 

In my opinion, the best time to visit Iceland is during the shoulder seasons between March and May (around Easter is pretty good too) and September to November. During these times, you’ll have the perfect amount of light (the sun will still rise and set), more reasonable prices, and fewer crowds. 

Pick earlier in the year if you want a snowy experience. Alternatively, choose later in the year if you want the greenery and access to hiking trails around the whole island.

Final Thoughts on Spending One Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the ideal capital to spend one day in. You can see most of the city’s sights on foot and walk easily between them in 24 hours or less. 

Alternatively, if you’re planning on using Reykjavik as a base while you explore Iceland, then there are plenty of things to keep you busy in the evenings. 

All in all, I hope you have a wonderful time in Reykjavik and that this guide has helped you see the best of the capital city of Iceland.