Your Morning in Reykjavik: A Perfect Start to Your Reykjavik Itinerary

9 am: Visit a Bakery

Start your morning at one of Reykjavik’s many bakeries, each offering an incredible selection of Danish pastries. We headed to Bernhöftsbakarí which is known as Iceland’s oldest bakery. You’ll find plenty of options downtown – Guide to Iceland has a comprehensive list of Reykavik’s best bakeries that you can check out here.

Regardless of the bakery you choose, you’ll find a range of breads and sweet treats, with everything from donuts to croissants.

If you’re looking to try something traditional, I recommend a Kleinur, an Icelandic twisted donut. The one we tried had a savoury, slightly zesty lemon flavour. Another favourite is a Snúður, a cinnamon roll. We tried one topped with a caramel glaze, and it was absolutely delicious.

9:30 am: Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church

With your sweet tooth satisfied, take a short walk to Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark, Hallgrímskirkja. You’ve likely seen photos of this church before – it towers over the city and it’s design features pillars that cascade down from the tower, mimicking the famous basalt lava columns like those at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

It’s free to enter the church and see the enormous pipe organ and for a 1400 ISK fee you can take the elevator up to the tower. On a clear day, the views of the city are incredible. Unfortunately, the weather was wet and misty during our visit, so we skipped this. However, the picturesque view below is worth seeing if the weather cooperates.

10:30 am: Join a City Tour

After marveling at Hallgrímskirkja, dive into the city’s rich history with a walking tour. Walking tours are one of my favourite ways to explore a city so my partner and I booked a tip-based tour with CityWalk Reykjavik. We spent around two hours exploring the highlights and hearing stories about city’s history and local insights.

Like most tours, your enjoyment will depend on your tour guide – we had Andy (his Icelandic name was a bit tricky to pronounce) and he was fantastic. We learnt about the Icelandic language, customs and the settlement and how Reykjavik came to be.

If you’re wanting to do a tour you will need to sign up online beforehand here.

Your afternoon in Reykjavik

12:30 am: Try the Famous Hot Dog

After your walking tour, you’ll likely be feeling peckish. Head to one of Reykjavik’s iconic food spots: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the famous hot dog stand you’ve no doubt heard about.

I highly recommend ordering ‘the lot’ – a lamb hot dog topped with raw white onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, remoulade (a creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy sauce), and sweet mustard. This combination gives the perfect balance of crunch, tang, and sweetness.

Grab the google pin for Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur here.

1:00 pm: Wander down Skólavörðustígur

After indulging in a delicious hot dog, take a leisurely stroll down Reykjavik’s charming rainbow street, Skólavörðustígur. This street has a cozy and creative vibe, with its mix of boutiques, cafés, and galleries that will make you want to linger. Skólavörðustígur might be touristy, sure, but it’s one of those places where the charm outweighs the crowds.

Take some time to wander and peek into the local stores (they were a bit out of our budget, but we couldn’t resist picking up a little magnet as a souvenir).

And don’t forget to snap that classic photo of the rainbow road leading up to the church.

2:30 pm: Stop by one of the city’s many museums

After taking in the colourful charm of Rainbow Street, it’s time to head inside to one of Reykjavik’s museums. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to museums in downtown Reykjavik, with something to suit every interest – whether you’re into history, art, or something more unusual:

For history lovers:

• The Settlement Exhibition – Journey back to Iceland’s Viking roots and the island’s early days.
• The National Museum of Iceland – Uncover the country’s rich traditions and culture through the centuries.

For maritime enthusiasts:

• Reykjavík Maritime Museum – An in-depth look at Iceland’s seafaring history.

For art lovers:

• National Gallery of Iceland – Admire a stunning collection of both Icelandic and international art.
• Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús – Immerse yourself in contemporary art with thought-provoking exhibitions from both Icelandic and international artists.

For something a little offbeat:

• Icelandic Punk Museum – A quirky tribute to Iceland’s rebellious music culture.
• Icelandic Phallological Museum – Yep, you read that right. This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to a fascinating (and rather humorous) collection of animal penises.

Your evening in Reykjavik

6:00 pm: Savour some fish and chips

It’s time for dinner and you won’t go wrong with a plate of fish and chips, an Icelandic take on a beloved classic. Sure, the UK might get all the credit for this dish, but Iceland’s version takes things up a notch with their incredible fresh fish (that’s the magic of being surrounded by pristine, icy waters—it’s seafood paradise).

Downtown Reykjavík has plenty of spots to satisfy your craving, here are a few options worth considering:

• Fish and Chips Vagninn
  
• Reykjavik Chips
  
• 101 Reykjavik Street Food

Note: 101 Reykjavik Street Food was our pick, and while it came highly recommended, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for us. That said, loads of people rave about it, so it could have just been an off day. Still worth a try if you’re interested!

7:30 pm: Take a walk along the old harbour

As the day winds down, take a peaceful stroll along Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. This area, known as Miðbakki, used to be the heart of Reykjavík’s fisheries and trade back in the day – how the city become Iceland’s capital. Today it’s a mix of past and present, with boats bobbing alongside modern landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass facade beautifully reflects the sea.

From here, wander east along the Sculpture and Shore Walk, a seaside path that treats you to views of the mountain Esja in the distance.

This route offers plenty of flexibility – you can make it a quick stroll or stretch it out for 2 hours. Either way, you’ll hit some popular sculptures, starting with the Sun Voyager. In recent years this sculpture has become one of the best-known landmarks in Reykjavík. Keep going, and you’ll pass more sculptures before arriving at the Höfði Lighthouse, a cheerful pop of yellow against the rugged coastline.

In winter, there’s always a chance to catch the northern lights dancing across the water – an experience we lucked out on and one I’ll never forget.

8:30 pm: Grab a scoop of Ice cream

Before heading back to your accommodation, finish your day the Icelandic way – with ice cream. No matter the weather or season, Reykjavik’s ice cream shops stay open late, so there’s always time to indulge. We chose Valdís, a local favourite famous for its creative flavours like Rye Bread, Pineapple, Licorice, and Carrot Cake. It’s the perfect sweet finish to a day of exploring.

Our ice cream pick: rye bread paired with salted caramel and peanuts