One Day in Reykjavik, Iceland: Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
Want to find the perfect one-day itinerary in Reykjavik? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Iceland or simply have a layover there, this guide has everything you will want to see, do, and eat!
Iceland’s beautiful waterfront capital, Reykjavik, is in the perfect location to spend one day around the city and nearby attractions. When I was planning my trip to Iceland, I wanted to spend at least 24 hours in Reykjavik before I drove all of Route 1.
The majority of this list are things that I did and would recommend to anyone visiting. I wasn’t able to go to all the museums and tours in one day, but I will next time I visit. This itinerary is the perfect one-day in Reykjavik 2025 guide, we will cover the best sites to see, the best things to do, restaurants that will make you drool, where to shop, and the top local tours.

Is it Worth Spending One Day in Reykjavik?
Yes! Spending one day in Reykjavik is 100% worth it. This guide is a blend of relaxation and adventure.
The food in the city is some of the best food I have had in my entire life, and trust me I am a foodie through and through. I also loved some of the local shops, but some of them can be pricey so be aware of that. If you are curious about accommodations, there are a number of hotels that are affordable in the area.
Tip: If you visit during the winter, this is a great spot to view the Northern Lights.

How to Spend One Day in Reykjavik
We are going to break up your day by breaking down the morning, afternoon, and evening. I’ve included what to do, what to eat, and what to see for each of these parts of the day.
Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Reykjavik!
Morning:
Breakfast at Sandholt
Start off the morning early at Sandholt Bakery. The bakery opens at 7:30 am and I highly recommend going right when it opens. We were extremely thankful we got there early because it flooded with people soon after.
My friend and I are both gluten-free, and she is also dairy-free, so finding a place for us to eat could be difficult at times. Thankfully, there are plenty of gluten-free options in Iceland, Sandholt being one of them.
We told our waitress of our dietary needs and she helped us with what food we could order. We ended up with Shakshouka (without the bread), macaroons, vanilla lattes, and one of their specialty gluten-free fresh fruit cakes that melted in our mouths.

Walk the Waterfront
Take a stroll down by the harbor and waterfront to look out at the beautiful fjords across the water, fishing boats, and architecture.
There is a steel sculpture by the waterfront that resembles a Viking long-ship, called Sun Voyager. This sculpture was created by the artist, Jon Gunnar Arnason, who created this piece to represent a dreamboat back in the Viking era. If you’re luck and visit on a sunny day you can also see Mount Esja across the bay.

Along the waterfront also stands Harpa Concert Hall, where the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera perform. This stunning award-winning building allows visitors to view the house, free of charge. This building is worth the visit even if you only decide to walk by. Its distinctive colored glass facade was inspired by the basalt landscapes of Iceland.
If you love museums, Reykjavik has a plethora of historic, informational, and interactive museums. The National Museum of Iceland ranks high on the list. The museum contains a vast collection of artifacts, archeological remains, arts and crafts, and tools and furniture. Some items date back from the 1600s to the modern era.
Perlan – Wonders of Iceland, is also a top visited museum for those who spend one day in Reykjavik. A part of this museum that I enjoyed was the interactive portions. The museum has a section where you can walk through a hallway that feels like an ice cave, while another portion has an interactive wall of volcanic activity under the path.

Afternoon:
After a morning of walking the waterfront and visiting the impressive museums, stop at one of the Reykjavik Roasters for a coffee and maybe a snack. If you are a little more hungry or have a sweet tooth, Eldur and Is is a dessert cafe with amazing crepes and ice cream.
I have celiac and the staff was very knowledgeable about what items contained gluten, and they had a dedicated clean workspace to make gluten-free crepes. I went with a crepe filled with berries, topped with hazelnut, and a small dollop of ice cream on top.
Eldur and Is is located directly on Skólavörðustígur Street, otherwise known as the rainbow street in Reykjavik. This street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and large beautiful murals on a variety of building walls.

At the end of the road is Hallgrímskirkja church, the largest church in Iceland. This is a major landmark in the center of Reykjavik that is easy to spot based on its unique architecture.
The design was inspired by Iceland’s natural rock formations and is one of the most visited places in Iceland. You can visit the church for free, however, if you want to walk up the stairs of the tower there is a fee.
If you observe the church at a distance or visit the inside, there is still plenty of time in your afternoon! The main shopping street in Reykjavik is called Laugavegur, and it is known for a vibrant mix of shops. If you’re looking for local wool sweaters, souvenirs, books, or jewelry, this is the place to check out.
Not interested in shopping? Reserve a spot on a tour or rent a car to visit the famous Black Sand Beach, Skogarfoss waterfall, Gullfoss waterfall, or Langjokull glacier during a one-day adventure in Reykjavik.
Favorite Tours Near Reykjavik:
✅ Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike
✅ Glacier Hike & South Coast Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik
✅ Crystal Treasures of Vatnajokull: Ice Cave Adventure
✅ From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos

Evening:
Dinner at Sumac
Now that you’ve spent the morning touring the city and the afternoon on an adventure, it’s time to unwind and eat an amazing Middle Eastern-inspired dinner at Sumac. The restaurant is open from Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30 pm and closed on Sunday and Monday.
While visiting Reykvaik we were wandering down the street and decided that we should probably eat dinner and found Sumac. This was hands down one of the top 3 meals I have had in my entire life. The ingredients were fresh, and the wine paired perfectly with each savory bite.
The waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the entire menu and explained each dish very well. I was highly impressed by her knowledge and she was able to help us with our dietary restrictions without a problem.
We stopped in early enough that we were able to get seated immediately, however, I recommend making a reservation if you can because the tables did fill up over the time that we were there.
I still dream about this restaurant, weekly! It will always be on my Iceland itinerary.

Sky Lagoon: 7-Step Ritual
Time for some self-care at Sky Lagoon. I highly recommend the 7-step ritual, it is one of the most soothing experiences that both of us have ever done. It wasn’t overcrowded which was a nice change of pace.
Tip: Making a reservation ahead of time is necessary.
I really liked pulling into the parking lot and seeing the lagoon from the outside (pictured below). The building is a dark grey with grass on the roof and sides, making it a different vibe than the other lagoons we stopped at. The inside is a spa that you could only dream of.
We had independent changing rooms that were cozy and clean. Once we headed into the lagoon, we hung out for a little before starting our 7-step ritual. The order of the steps amplified our senses and was laid out perfectly.
This is the perfect way to end a day in Reykjavik. I have ever felt so calm and relaxed after a spa/lagoon experience. Sky Lagoon’s 7-step ritual will always be on my Iceland itinerary.

Drinks at
If you’re up for one last stop to end the night, Solon has amazing wine and classic cocktails hand-picked by some of the best sommeliers. We each got one of the special cocktails that were beautifully made with the perfect blend of ingredients.
Solon is open from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 11:30 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.

How to Get Around Reykjavik
If visit Reykjavik for 24 hours, there are several ways to get around the city. It’s a walkable city if you plan on staying within city limits or near the city, I wouldn’t worry about renting a vehicle.
To get to Reykjavik’s city center from the airport, the Airport Direct Premium Bus is a popular option. The bus will pick guests up from the airport and drop off at selected hotels and bus stops.
There is also a public bus in Iceland called Strætó where you can purchase a 1-day pass.
If you plan on doing a little more adventuring, a car rental might be more suitable for your one day in Reykjavik. If you prefer not to drive, there are plenty of tours that leave from Reykjavik to the waterfalls, snowmobiling, snorkeling, and more.
Visiting Reykjavik: FAQs
1. Can I wear jeans in Reykjavik?
Yes, this is a common question! Many locals and visitors wear jeans throughout the city.
If you plan on doing outdoor activities, I recommend Coalatree Trailhead pants. They are comfortable, unisex, and have 360 degrees of movement.
2. How much money do I need per day in Reykjavik?
You should budget around $150 – $300 per day.
If you’re staying overnight, eating at mid-price restaurants, planning on renting a taxi, or shopping, I recommend budgeting on the higher side.
3. Is going to the Golden Circle worth it for 24 hours in Reykjavik?
It truly depends! This is one of the, if not the top attractions in Iceland. There will be a lot of people there, but it highlights some of Iceland’s natural beauty.
4. What is the best adrenaline tour to book?
If you want an unforgettable experience, reserve a spot now for a Snowmobiling Adventure on Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss.

Extra Time in Reykjavik?
If you have more than 24 hours to visit Reykjavik, here are a couple of my thoughts on extra activities.
A lot of people have Blue Lagoon on their list of things to do, however I wrote my honest review in this section. What I would recommend to anyone visiting is to visit the Silfra fissure, there is no place in the world like it.
⭐ Blue Lagoon – In my opinion, I don’t think that visiting the Blue Lagoon is worth it. The natural hot pools that I would go to again are: Sky Lagoon, Krauma, and GeoSea.
The Blue Lagoon is pretty, but what a lot of the photos don’t show is the amount of people. While we were in the open changing room we were shoulder to shoulder with everyone else, and we ended up leaving early due to the amount of people.
⭐ Snorkel / Dive in Silfra – This experience is worth it if you have a little extra time! Silfra is the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It was a magical experience for us.
The icy cold glacial meltwater is so clean you can drink it (literally). Don’t worry, you will be in a dry suit so you will be warm(er).

Where to Stay for One Night in Reykjavik
- Kvosin Downtown Hotel
- Location: Behind the Reykjavik Cathedral and the Icelandic Parliament
- Amenities: Free Wifi, parking, bar, terrace, breakfast, fridge, facilities for disabled guests, family rooms, flatscreen TV, and private bathroom.
- Fosshotel Reykjavik
- Location: One block from the waterfront on Porunnartun Street
- Amenities: On-site parking, free Wifi, airport shuttle, family rooms, sea view, very good breakfast, private bathroom, fitness center, room service, facilities for disabled guests, 2 restaurants, and a bar.
- Kex Hostel
- Location: One block from the waterfront on Skulagata Street
- Amenities: Vibey hostel with guest rooms and dormitory rooms (some rooms have a private bathroom & shower). Communal kitchen on site, buffet breakfast, free Wifi, terrace, live music, restaurant, and bar on site.

Conclusion: One Day in Reykjavik
Reykjavik offers an unforgettable experience, even if you only have one day to explore. This 24-hour itinerary has covered the city’s top attractions, the best spots to grab a coffee or enjoy a meal, and where to stay for a seamless visit.
Whether you’re on a short layover or planning what to do during a full day in Reykjavik, this vibrant city will captivate you with its rich history, unique culture, and local charm. It’s no wonder Iceland is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations!
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels