Reykjavik is a small, walkable capital that also works as the launch point for Iceland’s dramatic landscapes — here’s how to split your time between city and countryside.
Quick Facts
- Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
- Language: Icelandic (English very widely spoken)
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), no daylight saving
- Best For: Nature day trips, Northern Lights, hot springs, road trips
Best Time to Visit
June–August offers near-endless daylight and access to highland roads, but higher prices and more visitors. September–March offers a chance at the Northern Lights, with fewer daylight hours.
How to Get There & Getting Around
Keflavík International Airport is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik by shuttle bus or rental car. Reykjavik itself is very walkable; a rental car is the standard way to explore beyond the city.
Where to Stay
Downtown Reykjavik (101 area code) puts you within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and the harbor. It’s a small city, so most accommodation is reasonably central regardless.
Top Things to Do
- The Golden Circle day trip: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall
- Blue Lagoon or a quieter geothermal spa alternative
- Hallgrímskirkja church tower for city views
- A whale watching tour from the Old Harbour
- South Coast day trip: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Northern Lights tour in winter months
- Harpa Concert Hall’s striking glass architecture
Where to Eat & Drink
- Icelandic lamb soup (kjötsúpa) on a cold day
- Fresh fish at a harbor-area restaurant
- A hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu, a Reykjavik institution
- Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) as a snack or dessert
Local Etiquette & Safety Tips
- Shower before entering any pool or hot spring — it’s mandatory and taken seriously
- Tap water is excellent and safe — no need to buy bottled water
- Stick to marked paths on glaciers and moss fields; the terrain is more fragile than it looks
Budget Tips & Daily Costs
Iceland is genuinely expensive — food, alcohol, and tours all carry a premium, so budgeting realistically matters here more than most destinations.
- Groceries from a supermarket (Bónus or Krónan) are far cheaper than eating out for every meal
- Tap water and a reusable bottle save real money over a multi-day trip
- Self-driving the Golden Circle is cheaper than a guided tour if you’re comfortable driving
Sample 4-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja, harbor area
- Day 2: Golden Circle day trip
- Day 3: South Coast waterfalls day trip
- Day 4: Blue Lagoon and departure, or a Northern Lights tour if visiting in winter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reykjavik expensive?
Yes, Iceland overall is one of the more expensive destinations for food, alcohol, and tours. Self-driving and grocery shopping help manage costs.
Do I need a car in Iceland?
Not for Reykjavik itself, which is walkable, but a rental car gives the most flexibility for day trips like the Golden Circle and South Coast.
When can I see the Northern Lights?
Roughly September through March, on clear nights away from city light pollution — sightings are never guaranteed and depend on solar activity and weather.
Keep Planning
Iceland’s road trips are a favorite in our Adventure Travel section — check it out for multi-day route planning.
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