My Reykjavik Travel Guide: Lessons From a Trip That Nearly Froze My Toes Off

Did you know Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world? I didn’t either, not until I was standing outside the Hallgrímskirkja church at 9pm, and the sun was STILL up! I nearly cried from confusion and joy at the same time. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland’s capital, buckle up, because I’ve made basically every rookie mistake possible so you don’t have to.

Getting There and Getting Around

So here’s the thing nobody tells you: Keflavik Airport is not actually in Reykjavik. It’s like 45 minutes away, and I learned that the hard way while standing there like an idiot looking for a city bus that didn’t exist. I ended up booking a shuttle through Reykjavik Excursions, which honestly saved my trip.

Once you’re in the city itself, walking is totally doable. Reykjavik ain’t huge, and most of the good stuff downtown is within stumbling distance of each other. I rented a car for day trips though, and that was clutch for reaching the Golden Circle.

• Book airport transfers in advance, prices double if you wait til last minute
• Download the Stræto app for city buses if you’re not renting a car
• Rent a car if you plan on chasing waterfalls outside the city
• Parking downtown is annoying, use the app called Parka

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

I made the mistake of booking a hotel way outside the center to save cash. Big mistake. Huge. I ended up walking 40 minutes back from a bar at midnight in the freezing wind, questioning all my life choices. Learn from me, please.

Stay near the old harbor or downtown by Laugavegur street. Yeah it costs more, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not trudging through sleet just to get a coffee.

Budget Tip That Actually Works

Guesthouses and apartments through Airbnb tend to be cheaper than hotels here, and a lot of them have kitchens. Iceland is stupid expensive for eating out, so cooking even one meal a day saves real money.

Things I Wish I Knew About the Food Scene

Okay, real talk: a burger and fries cost me like 25 dollars my first night. I nearly choked on my drink when the bill came. Reykjavik food is pricey, there’s no way around it, but there’s some genuinely great stuff if you know where to look.

The hot dog stand called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is legendary, and for good reason, it’s cheap-ish and delicious. I also stumbled into a random soup place near the harbor that had unlimited bread refills, and honestly that saved my budget for two days straight.

• Try the fermented shark if you’re brave, I was not brave, I regret nothing
• Grocery stores like Bónus are your best friend for saving money
• Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) is everywhere and it’s amazing, buy it
• Happy hour deals exist! Look them up before you go out

Must-See Spots (According to Someone Who Got Lost a Lot)

Hallgrímskirkja is stunning, climb to the top for a view that’ll make your jaw drop. The colorful houses downtown are perfect for photos, though I definitely annoyed some locals by blocking their driveway trying to get the perfect shot.

The Sun Voyager sculpture by the water is smaller than I expected, but still worth a visit especially at sunset. I also loved wandering through the Harpa Concert Hall, even though I didn’t have tickets to anything, the architecture alone is worth seeing.

Day Trips You Shouldn’t Skip

The Golden Circle is basically a greatest hits tour of Iceland: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. I did this in one long day and honestly regretted rushing it. Take two days if you can.

The Blue Lagoon is touristy, sure, but it’s touristy for a reason. Book tickets weeks ahead though, I tried to walk in without a reservation and got turned away. Talk about a frustrating afternoon.

Weather and Packing (aka Why I Looked Like a Marshmallow)

Iceland weather changes like every twenty minutes, no exaggeration. I packed like it was gonna be mild and ended up buying an emergency wool sweater from a gift shop because I was freezing. Layers are everything here.

• Waterproof jacket, non-negotiable
• Wool socks, your feet will thank you
• Sturdy waterproof shoes, not cute sneakers like I brought
• A hat that actually covers your ears

Before You Book That Flight

Reykjavik is unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled, part small European city, part gateway to otherworldly landscapes. It’s expensive, sure, and the weather will mess with your plans at some point, but it’s absolutely worth the hassle.

Take what I’ve shared here and tweak it to fit your own trip, everyone’s Iceland adventure ends up a little different anyway. Just remember to book things like the Blue Lagoon in advance, dress like you’re preparing for battle against the wind, and always, always double check where your accommodation actually is relative to downtown.

If this guide got you even a little excited for your own Reykjavik adventure, do