FREE Guide: Perfect Day in Reykjavik

Getting to Reykjavik

Flybus Airport Transfer to Reykjavik

@WanderingSophia

✈️ If you're flying into Iceland, you'll land at Keflavik International Airport, which is 50 km outside of Reykjavik. 🚗 It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the city centre. 👉 3 Ways to Reykjavik: Rental Car, Taxi or Flybus. 🚌 Flybus provides excellent service. You can book a one-way or return ticket in advance; see the link below. 🚌 The bus will be waiting for you whenever you land. 🚌 It’s right outside the door, where you exit after picking up your luggage. 🚍 Flybus takes you to the central bus station. From there, you'll quickly be sorted into smaller groups, put onto minibuses and taken to your accommodations. 🤩 It’s super easy to navigate, even if you are jet-lagged and exhausted. 🇮🇸 INSIDER TIP: Everything is expensive in Iceland, especially alcohol, which is highly taxed and has limited distribution points. 🍷 If you want to indulge while in Iceland, suggest that you buy your booze at the airport, where you'll get the cheapest prices in the country. 🧳 You’ll be forced through the duty-free gift shop on the way to pick up your luggage. 😊 Discover a wide range of Icelandic Gins. 🐧 Lundey Puffin Gin is dark purple-blue in the bottle and transforms into a pretty pink when mixed with tonic water. 🍫 And if alcohol is not your thing, you can get some of the BEST prices here on Icelandic chocolate and body products.

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AVIS Car Rental - Keflavik (Pick up)

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✈️ The Avis pick-up desk is inside the terminal. 🔑 Grab your keys and take a short walk to the closest parking lot to find your car.

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Lotus Car Rental Iceland

@WanderingSophia

🚗 I’ve rented cars from many companies in Iceland, but Lotus Rental Car is my new favourite! 👉 Their office is offsite, but they make everything easy and fast! 😊 When you book, advise them of your arrival time. Someone will be waiting with the Lotus Car sign in the entry hall. 🚗 Their offices are a 5-minute drive from Keflavík airport. ⭐️ Even though their office is offsite, their friendly service makes Lotus Rental Car my top choice for Iceland.

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Blue Car Rental Keflavík

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🚗 Blue Car is an Icelandic Rental Car Company. I've rented from them several times and had good service. 🚶Their pick-up location is an 8-10 minute walk from the terminal. 🚌 Alternatively, you can catch the rental car shuttle, which picks up from a spot not far from the door you'd exit for the Flybus. NOTE: Blue Car also has a location in Reykjavik by the harbour. Details below.

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IceRentalCars

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🇮🇸 IceRental Cars is another Icelandic company. I use them often as they usually offer some of the lowest prices. 🚶Their pick-up desk is offsite. It's a 10-12 minute walk from the terminal, or you can use the rental car shuttle that picks up outside the terminal close to the Flybus.

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NOTE ON RENTAL CARS IN ICELAND:

📸 Take pictures of your car before you leave the airport, as all companies will diligently check for scratches and dents; upon return,

👉 Pick the right car for your adventure. Most roads do not require a 4x4, but you'll encounter a few bumpy gravel patches.

🛻 If you plan to visit the Highlands or travel on any F roads, you need to rent a 4x4.

💨 Be careful of high winds! They can literally blow your door off, so hold on tight when you open.

💦 DON’T drive through rivers... seems obvious, but most rental car companies will warn you about this!

Safe.is

safe.is

🇮🇸 Safe.is is an invaluable website, espeically if you are travelling in the winter.

🚙 If you're not sure if you need a 4x4, you can check on the type of road you need to take to arrive at your destination.

🚗 Safe.is issues alerts and provides the conditions of roads throughout the country.

Blue Car Rental - Reykjavik

@WanderingSophia

👉 Depending on your travel plans, you can also pick up your rental car in Reykjavik. 🚗 Blue Car in Reykjavik offers great service and is located in the harbour area, making it walkable if you stay downtown. 🧳 I dragged my suitcase from Hallgrimskirkja (Reykjavik's dramatic cathedral) to Blue Car in under 30 minutes.

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Accomadations in Reykjavik

🇮🇸 In terms of capital cities, Reykjavik is tiny and totally walkable. Recommend that you stay in the downtown versus a suburb.

👉 Ideally try to stay away from the main street where many of the shops, restaurants, and bars are located (Laugavegur). 

🚗 It’s more difficult to find parking for a rental car in this area because parts are pedestrian-only, and it's in the most expensive pay-for-parking section.

🍺 Too close to bars! Once stayed at a wonderful hotel just off of Laugarvegur and was awoken every night when rowdy patrons left the bars at closing time.

Guesthouse Sunna

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❤️ Guesthouse Sunna is my favourite place to stay in Reykjavik! 🇮🇸 Sunna isn't fancy; no plush bathrobes or luxe toiletries. But Iceland’s expensive, and Guesthouse Sunna offers excellent value. 🛏️ Rooms are simple and spotless with cozy duvets. 👉 Central location, right next to Hallgrímskirkja (Reykjavik's dramatic cathedral). 🥄 Communal kitchens for self-catering. 🚗 Small (free) parking lot for guests. 🍎 Option to pay for breakfast: Yogurt, cereal, bread, jam, cold cuts, cheese, fruit and hard-boiled eggs. 👉 The guesthouse offers a range of rooms, from single rooms with shared bathroom to larger rooms, some with balconies and your choice of private or shared bathrooms.

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Snorri's Guesthouse

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🇮🇸 This is the first place I ever stayed in Iceland. I chose it primarily because of its name. 🛏️ It’s clean, has eclectic decor, and is good value. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. 🍎 Prices usually include breakfast. 🚗 Free parking on the street for rental cars. 👉 It’s slightly further out, an 8-minute walk to Hallgrímskirkja and 25 minutes from Harpa, the concert hall on the waterfront.

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Kvosin Downtown Hotel

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🛏️ I try to only reccomend places that I have actually stayed in, but a good friend with great taste raved about Kvosin Downtown Hotel. 🤩 It's a bit more upscale then Snorri or Sunna and centrally located, almost next door to Reykjavik's City Hall and Iceland's Parliament. 👉 It's close to restaurants but does not have onsite parking. 🚗 There are public parking lots nearby. 🚶It’s a 2-minute walk from Tjörnin, Reykjavik's small lake, which is a great place to see swans and pink-footed geese.

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Best Cafes & Bakeries in Reykjavik

Brauð & Co

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🥐 Brauð & Co. is an awesome bakeshop in Reykjavik. 👉 It's the perfect spot to pick up a grab-and-go breakfast or car snacks. 🍞 And if you're self-catering, their breads are amazing for toast and sandwiches. 😋 Spoiler Alert! Everything from their cookies, croissants, and muffins are delicious! But if you want to try something Icelandic, go for: ❤️ Hjónabandssæla - Happy Marriage Cake: This cake is made with homemade rhubarb jam and topped with buttery, crumbly oats. It's one of the best things to eat in Iceland. 🐌 Snúður: These swirled pastries, called “snails,” are popular throughout Scandinavia. The ones at Brauð & Co. are some of the best around! 😋 Available in delicious flavours like cinnamon, caramel & muesli, and cardamom. 😊 Vínarbrauð: A long and flaky pastry with jam or custard in the middle, dusted with sugar and almond slices or a drizzle of icing. HOURS: 6:30 am - 5 pm

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Café Babalú

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🌟 Café Babalú is a one-of-a-kind spot. ☕ Go for the quirky, eclectic decor. Stay for the friendly service, great coffee, and yummy treats. 🍅 Warm up with grilled cheese and tomato soup. 😀 There's a lot going on decor-wise, but it's fun, cheery, and bright. It'll put a smile on your face. ✨DON'T miss their Star Wars-themed bathroom with sound, lights, and lifesize decals of your favourite characters. ⏰ HOURS: 7:30 am - 9 pm

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Kaffibrennslan

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🏡 Feels you're having tea at grandma's house. 🍵 I've only had hot drinks at this cozy cafe: matcha, cappuccino and a frothy hot chocolate. 🍰 Kaffibrennslan boasts a delectable menu of grilled sandwiches and mouthwatering cakes, cookies, crumbles, and waffles. 🍀 Love the seating section in the adorable greenhouse lit with fairy lights. 🍷 If you just want to chill with a glass of wine or beer before returning to your accommodations, this is the perfect spot! ⏰ HOURS: Monday - Friday 8 am - 11 pm Saturday 9 am - 1 pm Sunday 9 am - 11 pm

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Sandholt

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🍰 Sandholt Bakery is one of the oldest bakeries in Iceland that's been served by four generations of master bakers. 🍪 Everything here looks (and tastes) delicious. 🥖 The showcase displays beautiful pastries, baguettes and chocolates. You can also order off the menu for an eat-in breakfast or lunch. 🥪 Standouts were the skyr with fruit compote and granola or their decadent grilled cheese sandwich on homemade sourdough bread with sriracha cream. ⏰ HOURS: 7 am - 6 pm

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Te & Kaffi

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🇮🇸 Te & Kaffi is an Icelandic coffee roaster and coffeehouse chain with several locations in Reykjavik. ☕ Icelanders love their coffee, but you won't find any Starbucks as the country embraces local cafes and roasters. 🍪 Te & Kaffi offers a similar menu to your local Starbucks with cappuccinos, lattes, and matcha lattes, along with sandwiches and baked goods. ⏰ HOURS: Monday to Friday 8 am - 6 pm Saturday to Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

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Must-See Places

Harpa Concert Hall

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🤩 Harpa Concert Hall is one of my favourite places in Reykjavik. I visit it every time I'm in Iceland. 🌟 Its award-winning design was created out of 3D crystal columns meant to resemble basalt rock. 🥰 To truly appreciate its beauty, you need to look at it from different angles as it changes with the light. 📸 You're guaranteed to get a great photo! On sunny days, the geometrical blocks cast interesting shadows and light. 📸 Harpa is mesmerizing at night. It dazzles with changing lights meant to resemble the northern lights. 🎻 Harpa is also home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. And the long-running comedy show "How to be Icelandic in 60 Minutes." ⏰ HOURS: Sunday to Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm Wednesday to Saturday 10 am - 8 pm 😊 NOTE: Even if Harpa is closed, it's still worth visiting the outside.

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Sun Voyager

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💦 Stroll down the waterfront and take in the magestic Sun Voyager, a stainless steel sculpture that many think resembles a Viking ship. ☀️ But artist Jón Gunnar Árnason intended it to be a dream ship, a tribute to the sun. 📸 This is another favourite photography spot, especially at sunrise and sunset. 😊 But it looks stunning at any time of day or season. WARNING: The walk along the waterfront is one of the windiest parts of the city. Bundle up! ⏰ HOURS: Always open

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Hallgrímskirkja

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⛪ Hallgrímskirkja is the second tallest building in Iceland and a dramatic landmark that you can't miss when you visit Reykjavik. 😀 Before the church's entrance, you'll be greeted by a towering bronze statue of Leifur Eiriksson, the first European to set foot in North America, nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus. ⛪ The sanctuary is free to visit. It has a soaring ceiling and a huge organ. ☀️ It's worth paying to take the elevator up the cloak tower, especially on a sunny day, for a fantastic viewpoint. 👉 There is a gift shop to the left of the entrance to buy tickets. 📸 PHOTOGRAPHY NOTES: 🕒 From the clock tower, you can take great shots of colourful Reykjavik. 😊 Don’t forget to pose with the Leifur Eiriksson statue. ☀️ Hallgrimskirkja is especially pretty when the last of the day’s sunlight casts a rosy glow on it. ⏰ HOURS: 9 am - 8 pm

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Rainbow Street

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🌈 Rainbow Street (bottom part of Skólavörðustígur) is a popular selfie spot. 📸 It will be crowded when you visit, during the day. But you can get your shot earlier in the morning or in the evening when the crowds have moved on to dinner. 🛍️ Skólavörðustígur is lined with many of Reykjavik’s nicest boutiques. You’ll walk up it on your way to Hallgrímskirkja. 😊 Always open and free to visit,

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Tjörnin

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📸 Tjörnin is another one of my favourite photography spots in Reykjavik. 🦢 The small lake is often filled with swans and adorable pink-footed geese. 🚽 At one end is Reykjavik's city hall (also a good spot to use the free restroom during office hours). 🤩 The best time to visit is as the sun is starting to set and casts a golden glow on the lake. INSIDER TIP: Save some bread from breakfast and come down to feed the geese and swans. NOTE: The birds are not shy and will waddle over for a snack. 📸 PHOTOGRAPHY NOTES: 👉 Another great photo spot is from the west side of Tjörnin. You'll get a nice reflection on the water of a nearby church and Hallgrímskirkja. 😊 Always open and free to visit.

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Kjarvalsstaðir

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🇮🇸 The Reykjavik Art Museum has three locations: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn. 🎫 When you buy a ticket, you can access all three spaces within 24 hours. 🇮🇸 The Kjarvalsstaðir hosts a permanent exhibit of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval—a fisherman who became one of Iceland’s most beloved painters. 🌋 Kjarval’s moody and stylized depictions of Iceland’s landscape are as unique and compelling as the country’s otherworldly natural beauty. 💎 This museum, filled with Kjarval’s paintings and sculptures, is a hidden gem that most tourists miss. 🚶It’s a few minutes walk from the city’s famous church, Hallgrímskirkja, and the perfect place to spend an hour on a cold or rainy day. ⏰ HOURS: 10 am to 5 pm

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Perlan

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❤️ The Perlan Nature Museum is my favourite museum in Iceland. ✈️ On a stopover, you can experience all of Iceland in one place. 🎫 Recommend booking your ticket before you arrive to avoid any line-ups. See the link below. 👉 Don't miss the Ice Cave and Glacier Exhibit. Made from over 350 tons of snow, you'll truly feel like you're inside a real ice cave. 🥶 Warning: it's chilly; bring your hat and mitts. 📸 It’s a great photo spot; take your picture while sitting on an ice throne. 😊 Dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights. This isn't the easiest bucket list item to accomplish. That's why Perlan's Áróra Northern Light Show is such a gem. 👉 The spectacular 25-minute show allows you to experience the Northern Lights at any time of year. 🌋 If you're curious about Iceland's latest volcanic eruptions, the Volcano Show is a great guide to understanding Fagradalsfjall, the volcano that came to life in March 2021 after being dormant for 6,000 years. 👀 The observation deck alone is worth the visit!!! Its panoramic view of Reykjavik and its surroundings is spectacular. 📸 This is an amazing photo spot. 💎 The space under the dome has a restaurant, cafe, and ice cream parlour. It's one of the most incredible places to enjoy a meal!! 🤩 Great food with a 360-degree view. ☕️ Cafe: Hot drinks, croissants & sandwiches. 🐟 Restaurant: Fish & chips, pizza and soup. 🍦 Ice Cream Parlour 🍷 Bar: The ultimate spot for cocktails at sunset. ⏰ HOURS: Exhibitions: 9 am - 10 pm Cafe: 9 am - 6 pm Ice Cream Parlour: 10 am - 10 pm Restaurant: 11:30 am - 6 pm Bar: 11:30 am - 10 pm 📍 The Perlan is on Reykjavik's highest hill. It's approximately a 30-minute walk from downtown. If you're not up for the walk or it's too chilly, grab a cab. 🚗 PARKING: Free

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Perlan Museum - Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show

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Grótta

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💎 Grótta is one of Reykjavik's hidden gems. 👉 It's just outside of downtown Reykjavik. 🚗 You can drive to the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in less than 10 minutes, or it's an hour's walk along the waterfront. 👉 Here, you’ll find the Grótta Lighthouse and nature reserve. 📸 The best photos are taken at sunrise. 💎💎💎 The ultimate hidden gem in the area was a lucky discovery. 🥶 I visited the Grótta Lighthouse on a cold February morning and found myself staring at three barefooted Icelanders. 👋 They waved me over to discover this geothermically heated foot bath. 😊 What a treat to sit at this free foot bath while looking out at the snow-covered mountains. 🚶To find the Kvika Thermal Foot Bath, head to the Grótta parking lot and walk towards the wooden shed. The foot bath is nearby. ⏰ HOURS: Always open 💰 COST: Free 🚗 PARKING: Small lot close to the lighthouse.

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Best Tours from Reykjavik

Whale Watching Tours

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🐳 Going whale watching in Iceland is a magical experience. ☀️ The best time to see whales is from April to early October. 👉 The season peaks in the summer. ❤️ Love that the tours include an expert guide who points out where to look. 🥶 Dress warmly, even in summer; it can be chilly! The tour company provides comfy thermal overalls to help keep you warm.

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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

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Sky Lagoon

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❤️ Visiting a thermal bath is a must-do while in Iceland. 😀 I’ve tried most of Iceland's thermal baths. And don't get me wrong—the world-famous Blue Lagoon is amazing, but my favourite is Sky Lagoon. 🚗 It’s a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. 👉 Or book a ticket that includes transportation. ⭐️ Strongly suggest you book before arriving in Iceland to ensure you get a ticket. See the link below. 😃 Don't hesitate to book the pricier ticket that includes their Seven Step Ritual. 💦 Start by relaxing in the lagoon's warm waters while taking in the stunning views. 🥶 Warning: The second step is a cold plunge. FYI, it’s optional but definitely invigorating! 👉 Then head into the turf house, where you'll enjoy the sauna, fronted by a massive window, the largest window in Iceland. 😇 The salt scrub is heaven. 👍 You're guaranteed to leave feeling relaxed. ☕️ And before you leave, indulge at their cafe and restaurant. You can have a sandwich, soup, or a coffee, or share one of their platters—local feasts that suit your eating style. BEST TIMES TO VISIT: ☀️ At sunset, splurge on champagne or their rhubarb lemonade while you enjoy the views from the lagoon. 💎 Or visit when the Sky Lagoon first opens to enjoy the experience with fewer fellow travellers. But both times I've visited (winter and summer) have never found it too crowded. ⏰ HOURS: 9 am - 10 pm

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Sky Lagoon with Skjól Ritual Spa and Transfers from Reykjavik

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The Reykjavik Food Walk

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😊 One of the best things to do in Reykjavik is take a food tour. 🇮🇸 Not only will you eat delicious food, but you'll also learn about Iceland's culture and history. 🦈 HARKAL: Fermented shark... if this sounds disgusting, you're right! But harkal is one of Iceland's traditional, national foods... something the Vikings ate to survive. 😉 Do you dare try it? 🌭 PYLSA: Icelandic hot dogs are mainly made of lamb. Order them with EVERYTHING: Icelandic mustard, ketchup, remoulade, fried onions, and raw onions. NOTE: There are 4-5 unique stops on each tour that vary depending on the time of day. ⏰ TIMING: 3 hours with multiple time slots throughout the day. Approximately 2 km of walking. Check out the link below to discover my favourite tour.

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Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

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Golden Circle Day Tours

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🫶 Iceland's Golden Circle is the country’s most popular tourist areas, with three big attractions, Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir National Park. 👉 In addition, there are several hidden gems, including Kerið Volcano Crater and Brúarfoss, 🇮🇸 To discover these awe-inspiring natural sites, you can take a day tour or self-drive. 👉 Have linked my favourite Golden Circle Tour below. 🚗 Or if you want to drive yourself, check out my Golden Circle 2-Day Itinerary on Thatch. 😊 I’ve done all of the planning for you!

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From Reykjavik- Golden Circle, Bruarfoss & Kerid Volcano Crater

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Iceland South Coast Tours

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🇮🇸 Taking a South Coast Tour from Reykjavik is doable in one day, but it's a long one. 💦 Expect to see amazing waterfalls, black sand beaches and pass fields with cute Icelandic horses. ❤️ I've posted my favourite South Coast Tour in the link below. 👉 Also, check out my 2-Day Itinerary for a self-driving South Coast Tour: Waterfalls & Hidden Gems.

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Iceland's South Coast Full Day Tour from Reykjavik

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NORTHERN LIGHTS:

🇮🇸 Many people come to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

✨ It’s possible to see the Aurora from September to mid-April. With the peak time from November to February.

🙃 The biggest challenge is that you need clear skies, and the right solar conditions.

🙂 Suggest that you DON'T book your tour in advance.

👉 When you arrive in Iceland, check the Icelandic Aurora website to see if conditions are good.

😃 My favourite company is Elding.is.

🚢 They offer Northern Lights boat cruises that get you away from the city lights.

😉 If you don't see them, you get a voucher to try again for free.

😊 Or go by land and get taken outside the city, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, while a professional Aurora hunter seeks out the dazzling lights while you stay warm. See them and take home one of their professional photos.

Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

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#1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos

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Aurora forecast for Iceland | Aurora forecasts | Icelandic Meteorological office

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Where to Eat in Reykjavik

Kol Restaurant

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💎 Kol Restaurant is the most upscale restaurant on the list and totally worth the splurge. 😊 With wood accents and glowing pendant lights, it has an elegant yet warm and cozy vibe. 🍹 I stayed nearby and popped in to try their craft cocktails, so good that I stayed for dinner. I loved it so much that I went back the following night. 🇮🇸 Kol creates a delicious fusion of Icelandic and international tastes. 🐟 You can't go wrong with fish of the day in Iceland. 👉 But check out their menu in the link below. 🥂 Planning on trying their Bubble Brunch next time I'm in Reykjavik.

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Café Loki

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🇮🇸 If you want to try traditional Icelandic food, Cafe Loki is the place to go. 💛 It's easy to find; the bright yellow building is right across the street from Hallgrímskirkja. 🐟 Given that it's Icelandic food, fish is prominently featured on the menu, but there's a vegetarian plate. RECOMMENDATIONS: 🐑 Icelandic Meat Soup: Popular throughout Iceland. Every family has its own recipe, it's lamb and root veggies. 🐟 Plokkfiskur: This simple dish is fish mashed with potatoes in a creamy sauce. It’s Icelandic comfort food! Served with rye bread and salad. 🦈 Icelandic Braveheart Platter: Dare to try Harkal? It's an old Viking classic, fermented shark. I’ve tried it... WARNING! Don't smell it! And take the traditional Brennivín shot afterwards! The classic Icelandic alcohol that translates to burning wine. 🍨 Rye Bread Ice Cream: This was my favourite and totally unique. A vanilla ice cream blended with crumbled rye bread and topped with whipped cream and rhubarb sauce. ⏰ HOURS: 8 am – 10 pm

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Hlemmur Mathöll

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🇮🇸 Hlemmur Mathöll is described as the first stop for foodies and was Reykjavik's first food hall. 👉 It's located in the building that was once the main bus terminal. 😋 You'll be tempted by the range of offerings from its ten restaurants. ❤️ What I love about food halls is that everyone can choose their favourites but you can all eat together at a communal table. RECOMMENDATIONS: 🇮🇸 SKÁL! The restaurant focuses on traditional recipes and forged Icelandic ingredients. 🐑 Fjárhúsið: Translates to Sheephouse, the restaurant specializes in Icelandic lamb. 🍕 You'll also find gelato, pizza, tacos and, of course, fish & chips. ⏰ HOURS: 11 am - 11 pm

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Grandi Mathöll

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🇮🇸 Grandi Mathöll is another great Reykjavik Food Hall. 🚢 Its fronted by massive windows, so you can eat with a great view of the harbour. 😊 The coolest thing about this place is that most of the restaurants are owned by women. Enjoy anything from classic fish & chips to tacos. HOURS: 11 am - 9 pm

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Pósthús Food Hall

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❤️ Pósthús Food Hall & Bar is the most central and the easiest to find. 📬 It was once Reykjavik's post office and is now a fabulous food hall where you can find pretty much anything you are craving. 🍕 Pizza, sushi, tacos, pasta and Indian food with a Scandinavian twist. 🐟 I had Fish & Chips at Finsen! 😊 Because of its central location, this food hall likely attracts more tourists than the other two mentioned. ⏰ HOURS: 11:30 am - 10 pm

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Solon Islandus

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🇮🇸 Sólon Íslandus is in the heart of Reykjavík on the corner of Bankastraeti. 👉 Built in 1926, it has a stunning exterior. Inside, it has an art deco vibe, big windows, beautiful floors, and comfy velvet booths. 🐟 The baked Arctic char with potato mash and lemon & caper butter was divine. 😋 Or try the classics, fish & chips or Icelandic lamb, 🍔 Vegan Ooomph Burger with caramelized onions on a potato bun... looked so good. Next time! ⏰ HOURS: 11:30 am - 9 pm.

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Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

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🇮🇸 Every guide, blog post, and Instagram reel will mention Reykjavik's famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. 👉 It's been there since 1937, and you'll often find a line! But it moves fast, and worth the wait! 🌭 Order your hot dog with EVERYTHING! 🇮🇸 That's Icelandic mustard, which is a little sweeter, ketchup, remoulade (a mayo with herbs and capers), raw onions, and fried onions. 😊 And don't fret; there's a Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand in the Keflavik airport if you miss out or need another before you fly!

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Víkinga Pylsur

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🇮🇸 Víkinga Pylsur is a gourmet hot dog wagon located next to Hallgrimskirkja. 🌭 You can get the classic hot dog with mustard, ketchup, and onions. 🐑 Or try the pulled lamb or pulled pork on a bun. 🌭 The Vegan Wonder is loaded with veggies and absolutely delicious. 😋 The difference at Víkinga Pylsur is not just the meat but the delicious sauces. So grab a handful of napkins and enjoy! ⏰ HOURS: 11 am - 9 pm

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Forréttabarinn

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👉 Forréttabarinn is a local place. 🚢 Located down by the harbour, it was once an industrial space. 😊 It has high ceilings, big windows and an open kitchen; the bar has TVs playing the hottest sports match of the day. 🍷The food and cocktails are terrific. 🇮🇸 Their focus is on fresh Icelandic ingredients, so of course, there’s amazing fish but also chicken, burgers and loads of veggie options. 🐳 If you’re heading down to the harbour for whale-watching or on a Northern Lights cruise, stop by! ⏰ HOURS: 4 pm - 11 pm

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Valdís

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🍧 Valdís is a colourful and delectable Ice Cream shop on a Reykjavik side street. 🍦 With loads of flavours, you'll find one to love. 🍓 There are the classics, fruity flavours and a few that you might not be expecting, like Chocolate Licorice, Turkish Pepper, Rye Bread and Rhubard Skyr. 🍨 Icelanders eat ice cream year-round, so don't be shy to head over for a cone no matter what time of year you visit. ⏰ HOURS: 11:30 am to 10 pm

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Where to Shop

🐧 Icelanders call the tourist shops in downtown Reykjavik "Puffin Shops," where you can buy classic souvenirs like t-shirts, mugs, puffin stuffies, and more!

💎 Below are a few unique spots with Icelandic designs.

MJÚK Iceland

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🛍️ Mjúk Iceland is a family-run shop with three locations in Reykjavik, all on the main shopping streets. 🤩 The most distinct is on Laugavegur, where the corner shop is covered by a Viking mural. 🐑 Mjúk means soft in Icelandic, and you'll find the most colourful hats, scarves, and other woollen products like blankets and ponchos. ⏰ HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11 am - 8 pm Friday - Sunday 10 am - 8 pm

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The Handknitting Association of Iceland

@WanderingSophia

🇮🇸 Many people dream of buying an Icelandic sweater when they visit. 🧶 If you want the real deal, head to the Handknitting Association of Iceland. And buy directly from the people who make them. 👉 It was started in 1977 by a group of women who wanted to share their love of knitting lopapeysa (Icelandic sweater) sourced from Icelandic wool. 🇮🇸 Many have the classic yoke design, with a wide circular pattern surrounding the neck opening. ⏰ HOURS: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm

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Inga Elín Gallerí

@WanderingSophia

🇮🇸 The Veltibollar Cup is a classic design created by the talented artist Inga Elin. ❤️ With countless patterns, you are sure to find one you love! 🏡 This is the kind of souvenir that you'll use daily while sipping your morning coffee. ☕️ There is also a line of espresso cups in the same iconic shape and creamers. ☁️ Not into cups? Check out the lovely cloud plate. ⏰ HOURS: Monday to Saturday 10 am - 6 pm

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Fischersund Perfumery & Boutique

@WanderingSophia

🌸 Fischersund is a family-run perfumery that matches scents with music and poetry. ✈️ I fell in love with their perfumes when I sampled them in the duty-free on my way back home, but next trip returned to visit their shop. ❤️ The perfumery's concept is based on the fact that scent and music are tied to memories. 🇮🇸 While not inexpensive, their evocative scents made from essential oils are a lovely splurge and reminder of your time in Iceland. ⏰ HOURS: Monday to Friday, noon - 6 pm, and Saturday, noon - 4 pm. Closed on Sunday.

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Fótógrafí

@WanderingSophia

📸 A little photography shop where you can pick up some unique prints. My favourite shots were of sheep and Icelandic horses. ⏰ HOURS: 11 am - 2 pm

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Krónan Downtown Reykjavik

@WanderingSophia

🍎 Kronan is a great discount grocery store located in the heart of touristy Reykjavik, just off of the main walking street. 🇮🇸 If you are self-catering, this is a great place to stock up before you hit the road and discover all of Iceland's natural wonders. A couple of things to try: 😆 “Feed the Viking Instant Meals." Just add water & enjoy! 👉 Flavours include: Creamy Mexican Chicken, Chili, Creamy Fish Soup, Couscous (Maui Surfer-style), Icelandic Lamb Soup. 🌭 Icelandic Hot Dogs 👉 There are many hot dog wagons around the country and most gas stations sell them in their hot food area. But you can also buy all of the fixings and make your own, 🍅 Icelandic Tomatoes & Cucumbers 👉 The geothermal energy fuels greenhouses around the country. Buy some locally grown produce and enjoy! 🇮🇸 Flatkaka 👉 Is unleavened Icelandic rye flatbread. Sold in stacks of half circles, it's soft, with a distinct rye flavour and a bit of charring. Use them for sandwiches or as the Icelandic version of a tortilla. 🇮🇸 Rúgbrauð 👉 Found in grocery stores and bake shops, it's the modern version of hverabrauð, which is baked in the ground by the heat of Iceland's natural hot springs. It's dark, dense and a little sweet. It is often served with smoked salmon but delicious on its own with just a little salted butter. 💕 Icelandic Licorice 👉 Icelanders are crazy about black licorice. You can try the basic sweet bites. Or one with soft black licorice covered in milk chocolate. ⏰ HOURS: 9 am - 9 pm

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