The Ultimate 3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Reykjavik in 3 Days & Where to Stay

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary: Key Takeaways

• Follow this 3-day Reykjavik itinerary for a balanced mix of city sights and nature wonders.
• *Reykjavik is compact*: most highlights sit within a 20-minute walk or quick bus hop.
• Day-tripping is easy—think Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon for geothermal bliss.
• Winter brings dazzling Reykjavik Northern Lights hotel packages; summer gifts midnight-sun strolls.
• Use Hotel Book Wise to compare prices on everything from budget beds to luxury spa stays.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary: Table of Contents

• Title
• Key Takeaways
• Day 1 – Reykjavik’s Heart
• Day 2 – Natural Wonders & Relaxation
• Day 3 – Culture & Family Fun
• Accommodation Guide
• Practical Tips & Budget
• FAQ

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Day 1 – Exploring Reykjavik’s Heart

Good morning, Hallgrímskirkja! Your 3-day Reykjavik itinerary starts with the city’s sky-piercing church, strolls down colourful Laugavegur, and finishes with a taste of Icelandic nightlife. Reykjavik feels like a friendly village that just happens to have world-class art, coffee, and music on every corner.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Stop 1 – Hallgrímskirkja Facts & Tips

Hallgrímskirkja rises 74.5 metres, its design echoing Iceland’s basalt columns. An elevator ride (≈1 500 ISK) whisks you to 360° views of rainbow roofs, Faxaflói Bay, and distant snowy peaks.

• Arrive when doors open (usually 9 a.m.) to beat tour groups.
• The nave hosts a 5 275-pipe organ—check notice boards for free lunchtime recitals.
• Snap a photo looking back down Skólavörðustígur—street art frames the steeple perfectly.

Source: Shoot from the Trip

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Stop 2 – Laugavegur Shopping & Café Crawl

Follow gravity downhill and you’ll meet Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping vein. Indie fashion, cosy bookstores, wool jumpers, and record shops live door-to-door.

• Lunch idea: Svarta Kaffið—soup served in a bread bowl warms the chilliest day.
• Look for lopapeysa (traditional sweaters) at Handknitting Association.
• Need wheels? Rent an e-scooter via the Hopp app and glide from shop to shop.

Dreaming of staying steps away? Check boutique hotels near Laugavegur for design digs with B&O speakers and rooftop hot tubs.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Stop 3 – Nightlife on Austurstræti & Bankastræti

Reykjavik’s party scene is famously late—locals dine at 9 p.m. and dance at midnight. Craft-beer fans start at MicroBar; live-music seekers slide into Dillon.

• Bars stay open till 4–5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• The city centre is safe—well-lit streets and friendly crowds.
• Compare how other capitals groove by peeking at our 3-day Seoul itinerary.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Day 2 – Natural Wonders & Relaxation

Day 2 blends fire and ice—tectonic rifts, erupting geysers, roaring waterfalls, and a steamy soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Morning – Golden Circle Mini-Guide

• Þingvellir National Park: walk a valley splitting the Eurasian and North American plates.
• Geysir Geothermal Area: Strokkur blasts water 20–30 m every eight minutes.
• Gullfoss Waterfall: twin drops thunder into a misty canyon—bring a lens cloth!

Tours depart 8–9 a.m. with hotel pick-ups. Wear windproof layers; weather swings fast in Iceland.

Source: Guide to Iceland

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Afternoon – Blue Lagoon Bliss

After a morning of adventure, head to Iceland’s milky-blue spa. Water stays a toasty 37–39 °C and is rich in silica that leaves skin baby-soft.

• Pre-book online; slots often sell out weeks ahead.
• Shower (with soap!) before entering—local spa etiquette is strict.
• Add-ons: algae masks, in-water massage, or sparkling wine service.

Need a bed after soaking? Browse Reykjavik hotel deals for last-minute bargains.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Evening – Sun Voyager at Sunset

Back in town, follow the harbourside path to Sólfar, the gleaming Sun Voyager sculpture. Arrive an hour before sunset for rosy light on Mount Esja.

• Pair the view with Arctic-char tacos at Sæta Svínið gastropub.
• If clouds roll in, pop into the nearby Whales of Iceland exhibition.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Day 3 – Culture & Family-Friendly Fun

Museums, botanical gardens, and playful zoos round off your long weekend. Reykjavik proves learning can be fun and kid-approved.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Morning – National Museum of Iceland

Travel through 1 200 years of Icelandic history. Viking swords, settlement tools, and interactive screens keep all ages curious.

• Kids grab a treasure-hunt sheet at reception—prizes await.
• Adult ticket ≈2 500 ISK; under-18s free.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Afternoon – Botanic Garden & Family Park & Zoo

Laugardalur Valley hosts 5 000 plant species, picnic lawns, and a small zoo with reindeer, seals, and farm animals.

• Pack a sandwich or grab waffles at Flóran Café.
• Entry to the garden is free; the zoo costs ≈1 300 ISK for adults.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Evening – Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas

• Íslenski Barinn: try hearty lamb soup served with rye bread.
• Messinn: sizzling pans of buttery Arctic char delight kids and grown-ups.
• Most restaurants offer half-price children’s portions—ask your server.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Accommodation Guide

Where you sleep shapes how easily you can walk to sights, stumble home from concerts, or join early-morning tours. Hotel Book Wise scans scores of deals so you spend less time comparing tabs.

Best Hotels Reykjavik City Center under $200

• Fosshotel Rauðará – 150 m from Laugavegur, breakfast included. Check rates.
• Fosshotel Lind – free parking, Hallgrímskirkja views. See availability.
• Fosshotel Baron – ocean-view rooms, big buffet. Book now.

Boutique Hotels near Laugavegur

101 Hotel dazzles with monochrome rooms, B&O speakers, and artwork galore. Reserve your suite.

Luxury Spa Hotels Reykjavik

Hotel Ísland – Spa & Wellness pampers with volcanic-ash wraps, yoga classes, and mountain views. Check packages.

Family-Friendly Hotels Reykjavik

• Fosshotel Baron – family rooms plus playgrounds nearby.
• Stay Apartments Einholt – kitchenettes for easy breakfasts.

Reykjavik Northern Lights Hotel Packages

Winter specials bundle lodging with aurora alerts, hot-chocolate terraces, and guided night drives. Ask Hotel Book Wise about Hotel Ísland’s 2-night Aurora Spa Escape with Þingvellir transfer.

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary Practical Tips & Budget

Transport

• Download the Straeto bus app for tickets and live maps.
• Reykjavik City Card grants unlimited buses plus free museum entry.
• Keflavik Airport buses run 24/7; book online for discounts.

Money Matters

• Cards work everywhere—even hot-dog stands.
• Typical café lunch: USD 15–20; sit-down dinner: USD 40–60.
• Tip culture is minimal—service fees are included.

Packing Essentials

• Layer up: thermal base, fleece or wool mid-layer, wind/rain shell.
• Waterproof shoes with good grip.
• Swimsuit for geothermal pools.
• Reusable water bottle—tap water is glacier-fresh.

Best Seasons

• Aurora Season: September – April.
• Midnight Sun: June offers 20-plus hours of daylight.

Sample Daily Budget

Item	Cost (USD)
Accommodation (mid-range)	$180
Food	$60
Tours & Activities	$140
Transport	$20
Miscellaneous	$20
Total	≈ $420/day

3-Day Reykjavik Itinerary FAQ

Do I need to book tours in advance?
Yes—Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tours regularly sell out, especially June–August and December–February.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?
Sometimes. Walk to the darkened Grótta lighthouse or join a guided bus that chases clear skies for better odds.

Is Reykjavik safe at night?
Very. Crime is low, streets are well lit, and locals are helpful. Still, bundle up—temperatures dip even in summer.

Do I need cash?
No. Even public toilets and food trucks take cards or mobile pay.