Reykjavik in a Day: Uncover the Wonders of Iceland's Capital

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by Daniel

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Reykjavik 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind tour of Reykjavik, where the beauty of Iceland comes to life in a single day. Begin your journey at the enchanting Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that promises relaxation amidst its steamy waters. Spend two hours here, soaking in the mineral-rich pools and enjoying the otherworldly atmosphere. Next, marvel at the architectural splendor of Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic church that stands as a testament to modernist design, for an hour. From there, take a brief yet memorable 30-minute stroll to the Sun Voyager, a striking steel sculpture that pays homage to Viking heritage, set against the backdrop of the sea. Continue your cultural exploration at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, where you'll spend an hour immersed in the pinnacle of Icelandic cultural life. Finally, conclude your day at Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center, where for an hour, you can delve into the science and beauty of the Northern Lights through interactive exhibits. This compact itinerary is designed to showcase the highlights of Reykjavik, offering a mix of relaxation, culture, and education, all within the span of a day.

ShanghaiReykjavik
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Cheap Flights
Top 6 Hotels in Reykjavik
TOP 1
The Reykjavik Edition
The Reykjavik Edition
hotelStar
5/5
111 reviews
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TOP 2
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
hotelStar
4/5
53 reviews
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TOP 3
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
hotelStar
4/5
132 reviews
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Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
hotelStar
4/5
133 reviews
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Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
hotelStar
4/5
65 reviews
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Reykjavik Consulate Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Reykjavik Consulate Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
hotelStar
4/5
94 reviews
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Day 1: Immersive Exploration of Reykjavik's Wonders

1

Blue Lagoon

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Begin your Reykjavik adventure with a soothing dip into the geothermal bliss of the Blue Lagoon. Just a short drive from the city, this iconic spa is renowned for its milky-blue waters and rejuvenating properties. Spend a couple of hours indulging in the warm, mineral-rich waters and the modern facilities that blend seamlessly with the raw Icelandic landscape, setting a serene tone for the day ahead.

Attraction Info

  • Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 6/1-8/20,7:00am-0:00am;Open from 8/21-5/31,8:00am-10:00pm;Open from 8:00am-4:00pm during Christmas Eve,New Years Eve, 08:00-18:00

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Lava Restaurant
Lava Restaurant
4.8/5 · 8 reviews
0.0 km from attraction
Max's Restaurant at Northern Light Inn
Max's Restaurant at Northern Light Inn
/5 · 0 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
Moss Restaurant
Moss Restaurant
/5 · 1 review
0.1 km from attraction
Herastubbor Bakeri
Herastubbor Bakeri
/5 · 0 reviews
3.8 km from attraction
50 min,49.59 km
2

Hallgrimskirkja

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Next, ascend to the heavens at Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik's towering church and one of its most recognizable landmarks. With an hour to explore, marvel at the stunning architecture inspired by Iceland's natural beauty, and if time permits, climb the bell tower for panoramic views over the city's colorful rooftops and the distant mountains.

Attraction Info

  • Hallgrímskirkja, Skólavörðuholt 101 Reykjavík
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Messinn
Messinn
/5 · 3 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
Fish Company
Fish Company
5/5 · 2 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
Saegreifinn-The Sea Baron
Saegreifinn-The Sea Baron
3.7/5 · 12 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Cafe Babalu
Cafe Babalu
/5 · 1 review
0.3 km from attraction
Sjavargrillid Seafood Grill
Sjavargrillid Seafood Grill
5/5 · 10 reviews
0.4 km from attraction
Mokka Kaffi
Mokka Kaffi
4.7/5 · 3 reviews
0.5 km from attraction
20 min,1.54 km
3

Sun Voyager

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Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Sun Voyager, a striking steel sculpture along the Reykjavik shoreline. Representing a Viking long-ship, this monument is a dreamboat and an ode to the sun. Immerse yourself in the artistry of this iconic piece for a brief, yet memorable half-hour, capturing the essence of exploration and the Icelandic spirit.

Attraction Info

  • Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5 hour
  • Open 24 hours
7 min,0.58 km
4

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

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As the afternoon unfolds, experience the harmonious blend of culture and architecture at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. With an hour to savor the sights, this dazzling glass structure reflects the vibrant city life and the natural scenery. Step inside to witness the stunning interior design and perhaps catch a glimpse of a rehearsal or two in this hub of Icelandic culture and creativity.

Attraction Info

  • Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Wed-Sat,10:00am-8:00pm;Open on Mon-Tue, Sun,10:00am-6:00pm
17 min,1.31 km
5

Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center

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Conclude your day with an enlightening hour at Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center. Dive into the science and stories behind one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. Interactive exhibits and stunning visuals provide an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the Northern Lights no matter the weather outside, and bringing a perfect end to your Reykjavik exploration.

Attraction Info

  • Grand Park, 2 101 Reykjavík
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-9:00pm
4.4/5115 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent115 Reviews
Vesturbær
Reykjavik
|0.1km from Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center
4.4/5114 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent114 Reviews
Vesturbær
Reykjavik
|0.24km from Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center
4.5/522 Reviews
4.5/5Excellent22 Reviews
Vesturbær
Reykjavik
|0.35km from Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center
4.3/54 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent4 Reviews
Vesturbær
Reykjavik
|0.44km from Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center

Top Things to Do in Reykjavik-2024

TOP 1
Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja
4.6/5 · 196 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 23,033 review
Highlights:
Hall Grimes Church is located on a hill in the center of Reykjavik and is named after the famous Icelandic writer Hal Grimes in honor of his great contribution to Icelandic literature. The church was built in 1930 and is a landmark building in Reykjavik. The statue of Sigurdsson in front of the church was built in memory of Leifur Eiriksson, the father of Icelandic independence. The church was designed by the famous Icelandic architect Gudjon Samuelsson. The foundation stone was laid in 1940. Due to the funds raised by the church and donations from believers, it took almost more than half a century to complete. The church has a novel design and is a pipe organ structure. The main hall is more than 30 meters high and can accommodate 1,200 people; the main tower is 72 meters high, and you can take the elevator to the top floor to overlook the whole picture of the capital. The shape of the lava left after the eruption of Iceland's volcano gave him inspiration for his creation. He used local creative materials and local building materials to design this church with new coordinates and Icelandic national style.
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TOP 2
Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center
Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center
4.5/5 · 50 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,893 review
Highlights:
Aurora Reykjavik, located in the old port of Reykjavik, was founded by four local young people with big brains. Their original intention was to popularize the aurora for tourists who came from the original way. Knowledge, stories and legends, understand the science behind Aurora, and learn how to take better aurora photos. The center also exhibits aurora works by excellent photographers in Iceland and around the world. At the same time, a projection hall is also set up in the center, which plays the high-definition time-lapse impression of the aurora in a loop, accompanied by the graceful music, sit in front of the screen and feel the charm of the aurora.
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TOP 3
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
4.6/5 · 68 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 8,901 review
Highlights:
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is located at the junction of sea and land in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. It is a comprehensive concert hall and conference center in Iceland. It was jointly designed by Icelandic and Danish design companies. It is inspired by the mysterious winter night in Iceland. Night aurora and shapes of volcanic rocks. The glass exterior of the building is like a huge kaleidoscope, with thousands of irregular geometric glass bricks reflecting thousands of colors that dwarf the rainbow as the color of the sky and the seasons change. This modern building is the venue for music and important meetings in Reykjavik. Here you can hear the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, watch Icelandic theatre and perform in various musical genres. The concert hall here can accommodate 1,800 people, in addition to two rehearsal halls, lounges, restaurants, coffee shops, music record shops and souvenir shops.
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TOP 4
Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park
4.8/5 · 94 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 312 review
Highlights:
Vatnajökull National Park is located near the city of Horth in southeastern Iceland. The largest glaciers are second only to Antarctic glaciers and Greenland glaciers. At present, the glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park are the largest ice caps on earth except for the polar regions. It is strange that lava, craters and hot lakes are also distributed in the Vatnajökull glacier area. "A Song of Ice and Fire "It plays out here every day. Arriving at the glacier, the first thing that catches the eye is a piece of white that covers the sky and the earth, and the vast white background between the sky and the earth makes the tourists extremely small and timid. In front of this extremely primitive and cold nature, it seems that people return to the distant ice age. As one of the filming locations of "Game of Thrones", fans of the show can seem to hear the oath of the night watch echoing in their ears.
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TOP 5
National Museum of Iceland
National Museum of Iceland
4.4/5 · 56 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 8 review
Highlights:
The National Museum of Iceland was established on February 24, 1863. Now, as a new and modern museum, the National Museum of Iceland provides visitors with better services to display a country's precious collections. The museum is a three-storey building with a cozy little restaurant inside, and the exhibitions on the first floor are frequently updated. The museum's exhibits are very rich, including arts and crafts, tools and furniture, religious objects, archaeological remains, among which the more famous collection is a beautifully carved church door.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Reykjavik 1 Day Itinerary