How To Spend One Day in Reykjavik, Iceland in 2024

Reykjavik is booming in popularity these days which is thanks in part to airlines offering cheap layovers between the US and Europe. Reykjavik is not a large city and all of the main sights and tourist attractions are all within close proximity to each other.

Whether you are on a bigger Icelandic trip or just on an Iceland stopover, this one day in Reykjavik itinerary will guide you through what to see, what to do, where to eat and more!

---

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

---

Like this post? Then please pin to share!

How To Get To Reykjavik From Keflavik Airport

The best way to get to Reykjavik city centre is by bus, especially if you’re on a budget. Keflavik airport is about forty-five minutes outside of the city.

You can book your Keflavik Airport: Reykjavik City Bus Transfer in advance which will drop you at the central bus station. If you want to get dropped at a hotel stop, then the price of the ticket increases a little.

The bus timetable is very extensive and there is a bus available 35-40 minutes after every flight arrival.

One Day In Reykjavik – Things To Do

The activities below are not meant to be crammed into one ‘non-stop without breathing’ Reykjavik one day itinerary. It’s more of ‘a pick’n’mix guide’ to help you choose what you’d like to see and do during your time in Reykjavik.

#1 Climb to the Top of Hallgrímskirkja Church

When you arrive in Reykjavik, it is hard not to miss Hallgrímskirkja Church. It is the tallest building in Reykjavik by a mile and it towers over the whole town making it an impressive part of the skyline.

Guðjón Samúelsson is the architect behind the design which was inspired by cooling Icelandic lava. Amazingly, construction began in the 1940’s but the building itself wasn’t completed until over 40 years later. Unfortunately, Guðjón passed away before it was finished.

There was huge controversy during the construction as many Icelandic people thought that the building was far too big and ugly. I can’t say I agree as I thought that the building was stunning, especially up close.

I highly recommend climbing to the top of the tower where you can get a spectacular view (weather dependent) out over the city which costs 1,000 ISK (€7.20/$8).

#2 Relax in the Einar Jónsson Sculpture Park

Right next to Hallgrímskirkja Church, is a beautiful sculpture garden which holds over 26 pieces of work by Einar Jónsson. While you need to pay to enter the museum, it is completely free to wander around or have a picnic in the gardens.

It is a really peaceful place to visit and relax during your 24 hours in Reykjavik. While you’re wandering, make sure to watch out for the sculpture that looks very much like Hallgrímskirkja Church. This monument is dedicated to Hallgrímur Pétursson, the Icelandic poet that the church was named after.

#3 Visit the Althingi Parliament House and Austurvöllur Square 

The Althingi Parliament House, Domkirkjan, and Austurvöllur Square are all located next to each other. If you are interested in the history of Iceland, then you should definitely make a stop here during your 24 hours in Reykjavik.

The Icelandic Parliament moved into Aithingi Parliament House in the late nineteenth century. Prior to Iceland becoming an independent nation, Iceland was ruled by Denmark. The crest and insignia on the building are symbolic of the Danish Kings rule at that time.

The church which stands on the grounds of the square is called Domkirkjan (Reykjavik Cathedral) and it is the seat of the Bishop of Iceland. You can go inside the church from 10 am until 4 pm on weekdays.

#4 Window Shop Along Laugavegur Street

Laugavegur, known as Reykjavik’s main shopping street, is lined with quaint boutiques, cool cafés and bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s quite easy to spend an hour or two here but if you only have one day in Reykjavik, keep an eye on the time.

We stayed right in the centre of Laugavegur and I really enjoyed window shopping and stopping for a coffee or two on the way to other places we wanted to visit. It is very easy to be enticed into some of the quirky boutiques and end up spending quite a lot of dollar so be warned!

Pro Tip: If you plan on taking some gifts home then I highly recommend buying some lopapeysa (cosy Icelandic woollen jumpers) or beautiful lava rock jewellery. Food gifts are also popular too – Icelandic liquorice, Icelandic salt and the infamous mustard you find on Icelandic hotdogs (so delicious, I promise!)

#5 Explore the Cool Street Art Scene

One thing that really amazed me about Reyjkavik is how colourful it is. The houses are painted in bright colours such as blue, red and yellow and there is also a massive street art scene.

I loved turning corners and coming upon a huge, vibrant art mural on the side of a building or a bench painted in bold neon colours. If you only have one day in Reykjavik but want to explore the street art scene more then I highly recommend checking out this self-guided tour by WayfaringViews.

#6 Go On A Unique Walking Tour

When visiting a new city, I always like to explore as much as possible on foot. You can learn so much about a place from a local tour guide and they often have great recommendations on where to eat and drink too. As this is a one day in Reykjavik itinerary, I highly recommend booking a free local tour or walking guide in advance.

There are so many cool walking tours in Reykjavik that you can book in advance depending on your interests; from a Game of Thrones tour, Icelandic Beer Tour, Reykjavik Highlights tour, Reykjavik Historical Tour...you get the picture! These are all reasonably priced and come highly recommended!

If you’re on a budget, there is also a free walking tour, which is what we went on. Our guide, Erik, was absolutely amazing (and hilarious too!) and I learned a lot about the history and politics of Iceland from him.

While the tours are technically free, please remember that these guys are volunteers and should definitely be paid well for their service. Also, book as far in advance as possible as they tend to book up quite quickly.

#7 Be Dazzled By The Harpa Concert Hall

This spectacular modern landmark is such a sight to behold on the Old Harbour in Reykjavik. The construction of the concert hall and conference centre first began in 2007 but it wasn’t fully completed until 2011 due to Iceland’s economic crisis.

The design is the work of Ólafur Elíasson – the glass panels glisten with light reflected from the sea and sky and it’s simply stunning to look at. The Harpa Concert Hall hosts the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera and there are plenty of other events year-round.

If you have no time to watch a performance, it is still well worth visiting the Harpa Concert Hall during this one day in Reykjavik itinerary. There is the option of watching a free exhibition ‘Iceland’s Natural Wonders‘ in the Iceland Expo Pavilion.

#8 Enjoy the Views of The Sun Voyager Sunset

If you walk along the waterfront from the right side of the Harpa, you will easily spot the Sun Voyager statue – or Sólfar in Icelandic. It resembles a Viking longboat and was designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason as an ode to the light and the sun.

We were lucky that it was a clear day when we visited as we could see the beautiful Mt. Esja across the water.

#9 Check out Some Of Reykjaviks Quirky Museums

The Phallological Museum: This museum is definitely ‘out there’, it’s weird but it’s also strangely fun to explore. It is as the name suggests a museum of penises – it began as a project by Sigurður Hjartarson who began collecting as a kid.

The museum now includes penises from not only Icelandic animals such as the blue whale but also elephants and even the Icelandic handball team! Open from 10am – 6pm except on Sunday.

Punk Rock Museum: In an underground bathroom, lies Reykjavik’s ode to punk rock. Yes, you did read that right. You can experience how punk rock evolved in Iceland and you may even spot the odd picture of Bjork in there too.

It’s open Monday-Friday from 10am – 10pm and Saturday-Sunday from 12pm-10pm.

---

Where To Eat in Reykjavik

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Hotdogs are one of the most popular things you can eat in Reykjavik and they’re quite cheap too. If you are looking for the best hotdog stand, there is one that you can’t miss out on and that’s Bæjarins Beztu.

You will most likely find a queue of both locals and tourists but it moves quite quickly. Also, former US President, Bill Clinton once ate here which has made the spot even more popular.

What makes the hotdogs so spectacular are the condiments – ketchup, sweet mustard, fried and raw onions and a mayo/relish mixture. It is definitely a must-try for travellers to Iceland.

Braud & Co: This place was recommended to us before visiting Reykjavik and as a lover of all things bread, I knew we had to visit. They sell lots of bakery delights from savoury to sweet. I highly recommend the sourdough paired with some Icelandic cheese and coffee.

Reykjavik Chips: This cosy, fast food place is located on Vitastígur, just off the main street. They literally only make one thing – chips (fries) – but man, do they make them good! There are lots of different sauces to choose from and there are vegetarian/vegan-friendly options too. I had mine with Icelandic salt while my partner ate his with cocktail sauce. (He ended up eating 3 portions, he loved it so much!)

Svarta Kaffid: This was my absolute favourite place to eat in Reykjavik plus as an added bonus, it was 2 mins from our accommodation (Main street). From the minute you walk into this rustic, low-lit bar, you are hit with the waft of their daily soup offerings (vegetarian and meat) which are served in a bread bowl. They are so filling, comforting and incredibly affordable. It’s an absolute must visit!

Where To Stay In Reykjavik

Iceland is notoriously expensive and I have included some budget tips in my guide here. You might not need accommodation if you are on a layover but if you are spending more than one day in Reykjavik/Iceland, there are accommodation options to suit all styles and budgets.

We stayed in 41-A Townhouse which would suit a mid-range budget, friends of ours have stayed there since and loved it! It is right in the centre, it has all the mod-cons and the staff could not have been more helpful. The coffee machine is pretty neat too!

Other Accommodation options include:

• Galaxy Pod Hostel – from €32 per person/per night
• Loft – HI Hostel – from €32 per person/per night
• CenterHotel Midgardur – from €184 per night (with spa access)
• Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel – from €214 per night
• Northern Light Inn (close to Blue Lagoon) – from €229 per night

Map Of The Best One Day In Reykjavik Itinerary

This map contains all of the locations listed above to help you make the most of your 1 day in Reykjavik. It also includes the best food spots in Reykjavik and where to stay in Reykjavik. You can save this to your phone/tablet and use it as a guide during your time in Reykjavik, Iceland.

---

Have another couple of days in Iceland? Then why not check out some of the amazing day trips on offer. Whether you are on a layover or in between stops on an Icelandic road trip, no visit to Iceland is complete without a visit to the majestic Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is 20mins away from Keflavík airport or 45 mins away from Reykjavik. You can check out my top tips here to make the most of your time there.

---

Like this post? Then please pin to share!

Over To You….

Have you been to Reykjavik? What was your favourite thing to do there?

---

Sharing is caring ❤