Itineraries for Your Trip to Reykjavik
2 Days in Reykjavik for First Timers
The first time I visited Reykjavik was for a cruise, and I immediately knew I needed to return. I didn't have much of a plan, but spent the day walking through the colorful downtown, trying the renowned Icelandic hot dog, and taking in the views from Hallgrímskirkja. Return visits gave me enough time to head out on a whale-watching cruise and spend some time in the geothermal hot springs.
With two days in Reykjavik, you'll want to kick off your days early with a walking tour and take advantage of the midnight sun to explore the city at night. This 2-day Reykjavik itinerary for first timers is the perfect way to get started.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a whale-watching cruise.
You should prepare for cold weather when visiting Reykjavik, with milder temperatures in the summer.
When you think of Iceland volcanoes, Vikings, and Icelandic horses likely come to mind. Tick off one of these on your first morning in Reykjavik with a horseback riding excursion that will show you how the unique gait of these short-statured horses makes them better able to navigate slick terrain.
Reykjavik has a lively food scene, and the best way to explore it is on a food tour that takes you to local spots to sample quintessentially Icelandic food, such as kjötsúpa (meat soup) and kleinur (fried doughnuts). Iceland's island location means it's a top spot for seafood, which you can find served in everything from soup to salads.
Wrap up your first day in Reykjavik exploring a traditional geothermal pool, where your muscles will instantly relax after a day of exploring. The famous Blue Lagoon is located close to the international airport, or you can make it easy on yourself and book a few hours at the Sky Lagoon closer to the city center.
Day two starts with a bang when you head out on the water to look for whales. You'll find tons of options available, from zippy speedboats to more leisurely sails. If you prefer a water excursion that's a bit more low-key, take the ferry to Viðey Island, where you can hike around and check out the Imagine Peace Tower.
A helicopter tour is a great way to get a sense of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. Tours typically depart from Reykjavik’s downtown airport and offer sightseeing over Thingvellir National Park and Eyjafjallajokull glacier.
Two days might not be enough time to venture to one of Iceland's volcanoes, but you can learn about their power at the Lava Show, also located in the harbor. This lively show will teach you some of the science behind volcanoes and share the power of real lava. Book a premium experience that includes the best seats, a drink, and even some lava to take home.
