Ferran
2. Sep 2024 ∼ 12 min. read

Two Days in Reykjavik: Discover the Best Things to Do

For campervan travellers, Iceland’s natural landscapes are the biggest attraction. However, at the beginning or end of your trip, you might be considering spending a bit of time in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik.  

This is where most Icelanders live, and is a surprisingly cosmopolitan and happening city, despite its small size and population. This guide will navigate you through the top sights and experiences, ensuring you capture the essence of Reykjavik in just 2 days. 

From the top sights of the city to the fascinating museums and raucous nightlife, here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Reykjavik.  

Day 1  

Morning: Exploring the Heart of Reykjavik 

Your exploration of Reykjavik begins in the heart of the city, where you’ll find the major attractions. Start your morning with a visit to two of Reykjavik's most iconic landmarks: Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall.  

Hallgrímskirkja and the Leifur Eiríksson Statue 

Hallgrímskirkja Church is the most famous symbol of Reykjavik, towering above the city at the top of the tallest hill. Standing at an impressive height of 74.5 meters, the church is visible from various points throughout the city.  

The design of Hallgrímskirkja is inspired by Iceland’s natural landscapes, particularly the basalt lava flows. The façade features an array of concrete columns flowing upwards to the tower, mimicking the basalt columns that are commonly seen around Iceland (at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, for example).  

In front of Hallgrímskirkja, you'll find the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, a historic figure known for being one of the first Europeans to set foot in North America. This statue was a gift from the United States, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament.  

Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall 

From Hallgrímskirkja, wander down Skólavörðustígur (the Rainbow Road) to snap some more pictures. Then, cutting across the main drag Laugavegur, make your way to the water’s edge and the sculpture called “Sun Voyager”.  

This striking steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason sits on the waterfront and is another iconic sight in Reykjavik. It resembles a Viking ship and is an ode to the sun, symbolizes hope and discovery in the spirit of the Vikings as they sailed West from Norway in search of a new life.  

Just a short walk from there along the waterfront you’ll come across the Harpa Concert Hall, a striking modern building with a stunning glass facade that plays with the light of the Icelandic sky. Harpa is home to some of the biggest concerts in Reykjavik, and you can enter for free to wander around and enjoy the views across the water.  

Exploring Downtown Reykjavik and Austurvöllur Square 

As you continue your morning stroll, head towards Austurvöllur Square, one of Reykjavik’s main squares. The grassy lawn in front of the Icelandic Parliament House is a good spot to sit on a sunny day, and there are bars that line the square for a drink. Right next to the parliament is Reykjavik's oldest church, Dómkirkjan, and the historic Hotel Borg.  

From here, it’s a good time to wander downtown, taking in the historic wooden buildings, colourful facades, and street art. There are plenty of cafés for coffee, small boutique stores, and souvenir shops.  

Lunch: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur  

No trip to Reykjavik is complete without stopping by the city’s famous hot dog stand. In the downtown area near the old harbour is where you’ll find it – it has been in this spot since 1937 and has served big names like Bill Clinton, the Kardashians, and most of the crew from Game of Thrones when they were in the country filming.  

The go-to order here is one with everything (Ein með öllu), which comes with the classic lamb hot dog loaded with fresh and crispy onions, sweet mustard, ketchup, and a remoulade sauce. Order two if you’re hungry and you’ve still got yourself an inexpensive meal.  

Afternoon: Dive into Icelandic Culture 

Tjörnin (The Pond) and Reykjavik City Hall 

Your afternoon in Reykjavik continues at Tjörnin, affectionately known as "The Pond" by locals. This serene lake is a central focal point in the city, with peaceful paths tracing the water’s edge where ducks and swans live.  

At the northern end of The Pond is the Reykjavik City Hall. Here, there are free public toilets if you need to go, but more importantly, a huge topographical map of Iceland. It’s a great way to visualise the campervan trip you just took or are about to embark on.   

Museums and Galleries 

Reykjavik is of course also home to the country’s best museums, and this afternoon should be spent exploring one of them. For history buffs, the Settlement Exhibition offers a look at the remains of a Viking Longhouse, unearthed when a hotel downtown began renovations in their basement. Word on the street is that it could even be the longhouse of Ingólfur Arnarson himself, the first man to permanently settle in Iceland. The National Museum and Reykjavik Art Museum are also world-class, each showcasing fascinating aspects of Icelandic heritage and contemporary art.  

For something more interactive, there’s the Lava Show, where dried lava is superheated in a furnace until it turns back into its molten state. Pouring into a room of onlookers, the show educates about volcanoes and lava in Iceland, all while a member of staff manipulates the lava using a long metal rod.  

For a more unusual experience, the Icelandic Phallological Museum has long been a popular choice in the city.  

Evening: Food and Nightlife 

Dinner Recommendations 

As the evening closes in around Reykjavik, the town comes alive with diners out to enjoy the city’s fabulous food scene. There’s an abundance of restaurants to choose from, and most of them excellent. It’s impossible to recommend them all, but I’ve rounded up a few below that I’ve returned to again and again over the years in Reykjavik.  

• High End – The Food Cellar ($$$$): The Food Cellar (Matarkjallarinn) is a nice choice for a meal. Classic Icelandic restaurant with seafood dishes, steaks, lamb, and a few others. It also turns into a bit of a cocktail lounge later at night 

• Seafood – The Fish Market or The Fish Company ($$$$): The Fish Market is an excellent restaurant that offers a wide range of seafood dishes inspired by Japan. The Fish Company on the other hand is more your classic Icelandic seafood restaurant, with several types of fish on offer. Both are on the expensive side.  

• Michelin-Recommended – Sumac Grill and Drinks ($$$): This place is probably around the same price point as the Food Cellar. It offers Moroccan and Lebanese-inspired food, fantastic flavours and plenty of vegetarian options as well. Note that it does small plates meant for sharing. Featured as a recommendation in the latest Michelin Guide.   

• Pub-Style – Sæta Svínið Gastropub or Icelandic Bar ($$$): Sæta Svínið is a great gastropub that does pub-style meals like huge burgers with waffle fries, ribs, salads, fish, and plenty more. Icelandic Bar is a fun spot with several different hot dogs, burgers, and more – you can also try a bite-sized piece of fermented shark here.  

• Burgers: Le Kock or Vitabar ($$): Reykjavik loves a good burger, and these two spots are my go-to when I’m craving an easy burger and loads of fries. Vitabar is an old favourite, a place that seems unchanged from the 90s, and has a very grizzly, local clientele. Le Kock on the other hand is buzzy and trendy, attached to the Hotel Exeter with excellent beers on tap and inventive burgers.  

Reykjavik's Nightlife 

After dinner, dive into Reykjavik's famed nightlife, where things don’t get going until after midnight and carry on until the wee hours of the morning. Whether you prefer a bustling dance floor or a cozy cafe setting, the compact nature of the city means you're never more than a short walk from your next destination. Here are a few tried-and-tested bars to consider:  

• Röntgen Bar: Just an all-around great bar spread over several levels in one of the city’s historic houses. 

• Micro Bar or Skuli Craft Bar: Both cool spots with loads of craft beers on tap.  

• Kaffibarrinn: A Reykjavik institution that used to be part-owned by Damon Albarn of Blur/Gorillaz fame, and who still has a house in Reykjavik. It’s pretty chill in the evenings and gets crowded late at night on the weekends as DJs take over.  

• Lebowski Bar: A fun bar themed around the Big Lebowski movie, with loads of different White Russians on offer.  

• American Bar/The English Pub: They might sound touristy, but these two spots are always a lot of fun any day of the week with troubadours playing classic sing-a-longs.  

• Bravo Bar: Very nice spot that has a great happy hour from 4–8pm.  

Day 2  

Morning: Relax and Rejuvenate 

Start your second day in Reykjavik with a chilled-out morning dedicated to soaking in one of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools 

Sky Lagoon 

Just a short drive from downtown Reykjavik, in the suburb of Kópavogur, lies the Sky Lagoon, a luxurious geothermal spa that offers a unique Icelandic spa experience. Unlike the more distant Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon is conveniently located and provides a serene escape with stunning ocean views.  

The Sky Lagoon has a signature seven-step ritual, offering a series of spa experiences designed to rejuvenate and refresh. From a warm soak in the geothermal waters to a brisk plunge in the cold pool, followed by relaxation in the sauna and steam room, each step is crafted to enhance your well-being.  

Read more about this beautiful Icelandic Hot Spring here.  

Vesturbæjarlaug, Sundhöllin, or Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool 

A favourite swimming pool with Reykjavik locals is Vesturbæjarlaug, located a bit out of downtown in the neighbourhood of Vesturbær. This pool offers a variety of amenities including a 25-meter outdoor pool, kiddie pool, hot tubs, sauna, steam bath, and even outdoor dressing rooms. 

A bit more convenient to the downtown area is Sundhöllin, one of the oldest pools in the capital. Located on a quiet street behind Hallgrímskirkja, it’s a nice spot for a relaxing morning soak, and is never crowded in the early hours of the morning.  

Finally, if you’re staying at the Reykjavik Campsite, right next door is the city’s largest swimming pool: Laugardalslaug. This is a large complex with several pools, hot tubs, and even a full spa with massages and more.  

Afternoon: Scenic Views and Icelandic Nature 

Perlan and its Panorama Views 

Your afternoon in Reykjavik continues with a visit to Perlan, a distinctive landmark on Öskjuhlíð Hill, known as "the Pearl." This building is a former geothermal water plant (look for the distinctive large water tanks) but now is one of the city’s best museums.  

The Wonders of Iceland exhibition delves into every aspect of Icelandic nature, with exhibits on glaciers, volcanoes, and everything in between. There’s also a man-made ice cave in case you didn’t visit one of the ice caves under Vatnajökull, and northern lights show in 8K inside the planetarium.  

On the top level you can also take in the best views of Reykjavik from the Perlan’s observation deck. Then, of hunger strikes, the rotating restaurant at the top offers a chance to dine with a slowly changing backdrop of the city, making every meal memorable. 

Evening: Wrapping Up in Reykjavik 

On your final evening, there should be enough time to get in any last-minute souvenir shopping, enjoy a good meal at one of the restaurants I mentioned above, and soak up the vibes of downtown Reykjavik.  

To get back to the airport for your flight, you can catch the Fly Bus from the BSI Bus Station, with regular departures at all hours of the day.  

FAQs 

Is two days enough to visit Reykjavík? 

Yes, two days is enough to explore Reykjavík. Iceland’s capital city, conveniently located near Keflavik International Airport, is small and compact, with the major sights within easy walking distance of one another. With two days, you should have plenty of time to see everything you want, soak in a pool or hot spring, shop, and eat well.  

Can I See Reykjavik in 24 Hours?  

Absolutely – hold tight for our 24 hours in Reykjavik article coming soon.   

What is the most interesting area to visit in Reykjavík? 

The most interesting area to visit in Reykjavik is the downtown area, also known as 101 (the zip code). This is where you’ll find most of the famous sights in Reykjavik, as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s street art on the walls, cool cafés, and plenty of life year-round.  

Further afield, the Grandi district (past the old harbour) has recently turned into a bit of a cool area, with trendy businesses taking over the old warehouses scattered around the old fishing harbour.  

What is Reykjavík famously known for? 

Reykjavík is renowned for its proximity to the spectacular Icelandic landscapes. It’s the northernmost capital in the world and has a world-famous nightlife. It’s also well known for its geothermal swimming pools and hot springs.