Itineraries for Your Trip to Reykjavik
1 Day in Reykjavik for First Timers
My first visit to Reykjavik was a single day before my cruise left to circumnavigate the island. I dropped my luggage and set out to explore the city, from the old harbor to the colorful downtown with Hallgrímskirkja standing tall. I loved how walkable the city was, with coffee shops ready to warm you up and keep you going.
With one day in Reykjavik, you can spend some time exploring the many parks and gardens (if the weather cooperates), or head indoors to check out the museums that focus on everything from art to the Vikings. This 1-day Reykjavik itinerary for first timers makes things easy by recommending a few activities you can easily tackle before the sun sets.
Reykjavik has a cold climate with mild summers. Dressing in layers is recommended.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to Viðey Island.
Iceland has a long Viking history, which is fun to explore on your visit to Reykjavik. Start with a stop at the Saga Museum, where you'll be immersed in exhibits that walk you through this interesting part of history. Then, pop over to the National Museum of Iceland to see artifacts, Viking tools, and more. If you’re more interested in learning about the massive mammals that live in the waters nearby, the Whales of Iceland exhibit is a must.
A visit to Reykjavik isn't complete without spending some time near or on the water. Head down to the Old Harbor to walk the Sculpture and Shore Walk, where you'll find the Sun Voyager sculpture and a view of Viðey Island on a clear day. Snag the Reykjavik City Card and head over to the island via ferry to check out the Imagine Peace Tower and views of the city. If you want to spend more time on the water, look for puffin or whale-watching cruises, which are available seasonally.
Plan something special for your night in Reykjavik, whether that's enjoying the lively bar scene or heading to the Lava Show for some superheated fun and a bit of science. If you want to explore all the interesting cuisine that Iceland is known for, a food tour is the way to go. You'll get to try pylsur, the Icelandic hot dog that gained notoriety when President Bill Clinton visited in 2004. For some extra fun, see if there are any evening art museum openings you can check out.
