Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Reykjavik?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Reykjavik?
Many visitors spend one to five days in Reykjavik during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, grab some drinks at a bar, and find the best deals at the shops.
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It makes a good starting point for exploring the country, but many people head quickly into Iceland's countryside, as that is what the region is known for. In town you'll find the National and Saga Museums, which offer a fascinating overview on the country's Viking past. Just outside of town is the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa, which is in the town of Grindavik. The city has a thriving nightlife scene that is centered around its many festivals.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Reykjavik? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Reykjavik?
Three days in Reykjavik is often considered ideal, as many tourists spend one to five days here. This amount of time is perfect if you want to go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, grab some drinks at a bar, and find the best deals at the shops. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.
How to spend 3 days in Reykjavik
When visiting Reykjavik, you can't miss the Thermal Pools as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Reykjavik is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Funky History Walking Tour in Reykjavik - With local storyteller ($66)
- Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland ($43)
- Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik ($195)
Reykjavik is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
Known for it's hiking, Reykjavik sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hike to Mt Esja ($169)
- Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Tour ($182)
- Glacier Hike and South Iceland Sightseeing from Reykjavik ($201)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.
Public transit in Reykjavik is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.
Shopping in Reykjavik is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.
Is 4 days enough time in Reykjavik?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Reykjavik at your own pace to go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, grab some drinks at a bar, and find the best deals at the shops. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Reykjavik, Iceland
How to spend 4 days in Reykjavik
If you have more than 4 days in Reykjavik, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Reykjavik, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small-group Glacier Lagoon (Jokulsarlon) Day Trip from Reykjavík ($213)
- Golden Circle and Fontana Geothermal Spa Day Trip from Reykjavik ($120)
- Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Trip from Reykjavik ($73)
Is 5 days enough time in Reykjavik?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Reykjavik has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Reykjavik as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Reykjavik
Having 5 days in Reykjavik will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Reykjavik, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Reykjavik, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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