It is no secret that Iceland’s little laid-back capital, Reykjavik, is a bucket-list topper for many and punches way above its weight in pretty much everything it does. Its rainbow-hued corrugated-roofed houses are intertwined with bustling cafes and contemporary art galleries, that are all within walking distance of each other thanks to the city’s diminutive size. There is so much to do in and around Iceland’s capital that it is near impossible to cover everything in just one day. Even if you don’t get to do everything on our list, take a nice big swig of Icelandic beer and cheers with Iceland’s motto 'Þetta Reddast', meaning 'it will all work out in the end'. Here is our step-by-step guide of what to do in 24 hours in Reykjavik…
Early Morning
Begin your 24 hours in Reykjavik breathing in the crisp breeze that rolls in off the North Atlantic while sitting beside the Sun Voyager statue on the waterfront. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee from one of the city’s finest coffee roasters, which may also act as a toasty handwarmer as you gaze out over the mountainous island of Engey and beyond. Spend the rest of the morning’s earlier hours discovering the colourful murals that cover many buildings across the city and wandering the cobbled streets in search of a cosy café for a taste of traditional Icelandic Skyr (a creamy sour milk cheese which has a yoghurt-like consistency) or finding a place to buy your first piece of Icelandic knitwear.
Mid-Morning
Despite its size, Reykjavik is overflowing with art and culture, and a mid-morning explore of the plethora of galleries and museums it has to offer is a must when spending a day here. Nothing has been more key to Iceland’s survival than fishing, and the Reykjavik Maritime Museum is dedicated to demonstrating an insight into the life, hardships and stories of Icelandic fishers. Art afficionados will love the selection of Reykjavik’s art museums – Hafnarhús, Ásmundarsafn and Kjarvalsstaðir, which house everything from the works of emerging artists to masterpieces made by some of Iceland’s most influential artists. No list of Reykjavik museum recommendations would be complete without a mention of the Icelandic Phallological Museum which may be tiny, but nonetheless remains the undisputed king of the city’s museums. Brace yourself for the largest collection of penises in the world, with specimens from a sperm whale all the way down to a tiny hamster, and there is even a section on trolls, mermen and ghosts to tie in Iceland’s strong folklore beliefs. This might be a museum to avoid with youngsters.
Lunchtime
Spend the early afternoon seeing the sights in downtown Reykjavic, all under the looming shadow of Hallgrímskirkja Church (we’ll come back to that later). Nosey around the quaint knitwear shops and wander down the iconic Skólavörðustígur Street (aka Rainbow Street) which was painted for Pride and is a wonderful reminder of the country’s friendliness and acceptance towards its LGBTQ community. When spending 24 hours in Reykjavik, trying a traditional Icelandic lamb hot dog is a must and the most famous hot dog stand in Iceland, Bæjarins Beztu, is a great place to start. Pair it with crispy onions and sweet mustard or apple ketchup and remoulade, just like the locals do it. For those with a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. You’re never too far from an ice cream parlour in Reykjavik as Icelandic residents love ice cream, even in a blizzard.
Mid-Afternoon
After a busy morning spent delving into Iceland’s history, art (and something altogether ruder!), it’s time to kick back and relax in the milky waters of The Blue Lagoon, a must when spending 24 hours in Reykjavik. Just a 45-minute drive from the capital, this otherworldly wonder is nestled within the heart of a volcanic landscape and provides unrivalled levels of relaxation and rejuvenation. Float over to the Mask Bar where you can slather your face and body in a silica and algae mask, turning yourselves into soft-skinned sea monsters, or float the other way to the In-Water Bar where you can quench your thirst without even leaving the water, which is lucky as the air temperature is usually chilly.
Early Evening
As the most infamous landmark in Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja Church Tower is one of the ultimate spots to savour the sun setting over the city, whether at 3pm or 11pm depending on the time of year. The church’s basalt-like columns and mountainous shape beautifully match the natural formations that surround Iceland’s capital. Hop in the lift and soar up to the top of the 244ft-tall tower to its observation deck that offers unbeatable panoramic views over the city’s colourful Lego-like buildings. If heights aren’t your thing, head to the Harpa Concert Hall for a guided tour. If you’re anywhere near the waterfront, you won’t be able to miss its wacky shape and glass-paneled edges. You’ll get an insight into how Iceland’s geography inspired the architecture as well as some of Harpa’s secrets and funny incidents. When the tour is over, take a minute to watch as the glass twinkles in shades of cobalt and gold under the star-studded sky.
Dinner
With weary legs and rumbling stomachs after exploring the city, it’s time to find somewhere to hunker down for the evening with some good food. Of course, if you’re feeling brave, you can tuck into traditional sheep’s head or fermented shark, but if you’d rather stick to something a little more civilised, we recommend giving traditional fish stew or smoked lamb a go. Wash it down with a frosty Icelandic beer or, if you’re in need of warming up, try a sip of Brennivin (black death to cautious locals), Iceland’s most distinctive spirit. 24 hours in Reykjavik wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Magic Ice bar, a sub-zero hub that is perfect for all ages. Wrap up in special snug ponchos and thermal gloves before venturing into the ice-sculpture filled bar for a signature drink served in an ice glass. When you wander home, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights daintily dancing across the sky in shades of vivid green and aquamarine (between September and March). This may just be the perfect way to end your 24 hours in Reykjavik.
Written by Immy Kelly