Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Reykjavik
Explore Reykjavik, the gateway to Iceland's otherworldly landscapes, offering a vibrant arts scene, geothermal pools, and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Reykjavik is served by Keflavík International Airport; the Flybus or a rental car gets you to the city. Winter (October–March) is best for Northern Lights and fewer tourists; summer brings long days and easier driving. Renting a car is the best way to reach the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Blue Lagoon; guided tours are a good alternative. Book accommodation, Blue Lagoon, and popular restaurants ahead. Pack layers and waterproofs—weather changes quickly. Combine Reykjavik’s cafés and museums with at least one or two days exploring the countryside.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Reykjavik.
Best Time to Visit Reykjavik
Spring
6°C / 1°C
Chilly, days growing longer
Summer
14°C / 9°C
Cool and bright, Midnight Sun season
Fall
7°C / 2°C
Cold and windy, Northern Lights begin
Winter
3°C / -2°C
Dark and cold, peak Northern Lights viewing
Day 1
Hallgrimskirkja
Inspired by Icelandic traditions, this modern cathedral, consecrated in 1986, has a 73m-high tower.
Morning activity: Hallgrimskirkja.
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
Signature hot dogs are cooked up at this renowned little food stand dating to 1937.
Lunch nearby: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur.
Harpa Concert Hall
Modern glass honeycomb concert hall & conference center, home to the national opera & symphony.
Afternoon sightseeing: Harpa Concert Hall.
Fiskfelagid
Dinner in the area: Fiskfelagid.
Sun Voyager
Huge 1990 stainless-steel sculpture of a boat by Jón Gunnar Árnason, set on granite beside the sea.
Evening experience: Sun Voyager.
Day 2
Thingvellir National Park
Protected beauty spot with dramatic rocky scenery, lakes & ridges plus a national historical shrine.
Morning activity: Thingvellir National Park.
Geysir
Famous geyser erupting every several minutes & shooting water up to 70 m into the air.
Lunch nearby: Geysir.
Gullfoss
Iconic waterfall known for its multi-step cascade along a 90° bend of the Hvitá River.
Afternoon sightseeing: Gullfoss.
Fridheimar
Country-style, family-run restaurant offering tomato-based dishes from onsite greenhouses.
Dinner in the area: Fridheimar.
Blue Lagoon
Popular spa destination featuring an outdoor lagoon with mineral-rich waters in a lava field.
Evening experience: Blue Lagoon.
Day 3
Skogafoss
Morning activity: Skogafoss.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Lunch nearby: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
Seljalandsfoss
Afternoon sightseeing: Seljalandsfoss.
Tapas Barinn
Dinner in the area: Tapas Barinn.
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights information center with historical exhibits, art, a theater & guided tours.
Evening experience: Northern Lights Tour.