Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital, offers a perfect mix of modern architecture, culinary delights, and urban culture. While much of Iceland is famous for glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, Reykjavík provides a unique city experience to complement the natural wonders.
This guide follows our two-day itinerary in Reykjavík, from our arrival night to a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Arrival Night: Bridge Between Two Continents, Beer, Shopping, and Fine Dining
Day Summary – Arrival Night
- Last scenic stop before Reykjavík at the Bridge Between Two Continents
- Craft beer tasting at RVK Brewing Company
- Shopping along Laugavegur street
- Dinner at Fiskmarkaðurinn
We spent the week prior traveling the Ring Road and planned on spending our two final nights in the capital city. Before reaching Reykjavík, we visited the Bridge Between Two Continents, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The surrounding landscape, dotted with blooming lupins and wild horses, offered a peaceful farewell to Iceland’s open countryside and a perfect transition into city life.
Once in Reykjavík, we checked in at the Exeter Hotel, ideally located in the city center. Our first stop was RVK Brewing Company, a cozy craft beer spot showcasing Icelandic brews. Sampling local beers provided a relaxed introduction to Reykjavík’s urban energy.
Afterward, we explored Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. The pedestrian-friendly street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and souvenir shops. The colorful façades and street art make strolling here visually engaging, and it’s perfect for picking up Icelandic wool products, local designs, or unique souvenirs.
We ended our arrival night with dinner at Fiskmarkaðurinn, Reykjavík’s renowned seafood restaurant. Their modern approach to traditional Icelandic ingredients, paired with beautifully presented dishes, made for a sophisticated first evening in the city. It was some of the best sushi we’ve had!
Full Day in Reykjavík: Casual Eats, Sightseeing, and Traditional Cuisine
Day Summary – Full Day in Reykjavík
- Casual food stops: fish & chips, hot dogs, pastries
- Sightseeing: Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager
- Dinner at Matur og Drykkur
Our first full day in Reykjavík began with tasting some casual Icelandic favorites. We enjoyed fish & chips at Posthus Food Hall, the famous Icelandic hot dogs at Bjarins Beztu Pylsur (yes, they’re worth the hype!), and fresh pastries from Braud & Co. (an absolute must!). These stops offered a delicious introduction to local flavors and were perfect for fueling up before a day of sightseeing.
From there, we visited Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s iconic church inspired by Icelandic basalt lava flows. Taking the elevator to the observation tower offered panoramic views of Reykjavík’s colorful rooftops, surrounding mountains, and the distant ocean. Don’t skip these views!
Next, we walked to the Harpa Concert Hall, a modern glass building that reflects light in ever-changing ways. Even without attending a performance, its design is visually stunning and highlights Iceland’s contemporary architecture.
A short walk along the waterfront brought us to Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture resembling a Viking ship. Positioned with the mountains and sea as a backdrop, it’s an ideal spot for photos, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
To cap the day, we enjoyed dinner at Matur og Drykkur, a restaurant celebrated for modern interpretations of traditional Icelandic cuisine. Using fresh, local ingredients, the menu provided a memorable culinary experience that perfectly complemented the city’s cultural highlights. Dining here was a highlight of our stop in Iceland! The menu featured 11 courses, including horse fillet, scallops, and sheep.
Tips for Reykjavík Visitors
- Walk whenever possible: Reykjavík is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
- Try both casual and fine dining: From hot dogs and pastries to Fiskmarkaðurinn and Matur og Drykkur, the city offers a wide range of flavors.
- Plan photography stops: Sunrise and sunset are best for Hallgrímskirkja, Sun Voyager, and the waterfront. Rainbow Road can get busy midday.
- Explore craft beer: Reykjavík has a growing craft beer scene, including RVK Brewing Company, Einstök, and Skúli.
- Check opening hours: Many shops, museums, and restaurants have seasonal schedules.
Optional Additions
If you have extra time:
- Reykjavík Art Museum or National Museum of Iceland
- Perlan Museum with exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders and observation deck
- Old Harbor tours, including whale watching or puffin spotting trips (we, unfortunately, had our whale watching tour canceled due to strong winds!)
- Street art tours, especially in Grandi and downtown
Reykjavík is a city full of surprises, offering a rich mix of culture, architecture, food, and shopping. From scenic landscapes at the Bridge Between Two Continents to craft beer tastings, shopping, iconic landmarks, and memorable meals at Fiskmarkaðurinn and Matur og Drykkur, the city provides a perfect balance to Iceland’s natural wonders.
Whether wandering colorful streets, photographing landmarks, or sampling Icelandic cuisine, Reykjavík is a destination every traveler should explore on their Iceland itinerary.
