3 days in Reykjavík: My Iceland Itinerary

Three days in Reykjavík was the perfect way to end our Iceland adventure—filled with bucket-list moments like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle stops, glacier snowmobiling, and incredible local food. We explored, slowed down, and even embraced Iceland’s cozy tradition of Jólabókaflóð. It was the ideal mix of adventure and charm, and just enough time to experience the magic of Iceland.

Reykjavík completely surprised me—in the best way. After ending our Exploring Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes Viking cruise, we spent three unforgettable days diving into the magic of Iceland’s capital city and beyond. From soaking in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon to racing across a glacier on a snowmobile, every experience felt both exhilarating and surreal. We explored the iconic Golden Circle, wandered the colorful streets of downtown Reykjavík, tasted incredible local food on a guided tour, and even stumbled upon the Reykjavík Jazz Festival.

While exploring downtown Reykjavík, we discovered live jazz at Harpa Concert Hall, the city’s striking glass music hall on the waterfront. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the architecture alone makes Harpa worth visiting.

Why Spend 3 Days in Reykjavík

Spending three days in Reykjavík is the perfect way to extend your Iceland journey, especially after a cruise. The city offers a beautiful balance of adventure and charm—where you can soak in geothermal spas, explore the iconic Golden Circle, enjoy world-class food, and wander colorful, walkable streets filled with culture and history. It’s relaxed yet full of unforgettable experiences, making it an ideal place to slow down and truly take it all in.

A gentle note—Reykjavík is known for its elevated prices, from dining to excursions. Plan accordingly, but know that the experiences here are truly one-of-a-kind and well worth it. Below – I love this print from Wayfair of Reykjavik City.

Where to Stay in Reykjavík

We stayed at the Exeter Hotel, and it was a fantastic home base for our time in Reykjavík. The rooms are definitely on the smaller side (which is pretty typical here), but the location couldn’t be better—easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, the harbor, and all the downtown sights. One of our favorite perks was the cozy lobby café (Deig Bakery), where we grabbed a delicious breakfast sandwich every morning—it made starting the day so easy and enjoyable. It had a modern, comfortable feel, and for us, being right in the heart of everything made it absolutely worth it.

Our friends stayed at The Edition, which was in walking distance from our hotel and also right next to the Harpa Concert Hall.

3 days in Reykjavík: The Perfect Iceland Itinerary After a Cruise

If you’re wondering how to spend 3 days in Reykjavík, this itinerary captures the very best of Iceland in just a few days. We had just finished the cruise with Viking, with the last 5 days enjoying beautiful Iceland! It was incredible, the beauty and vastness. The last day on the ship we were able to visit the Blue Lagoon, and then of course we were docked in Reykavik, so we were able to get off the ship and walk to the city and we found a Jazz Festival. How lucky for us! We thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Blue Lagoon was every bit as dreamy as you imagine. We slipped into the warm, milky-blue water and immediately relaxed, letting the steam rise around us while surrounded by rugged lava fields. While soaking, we tried the famous in-water silica mud mask—smoothing it on our faces and rinsing it off right there in the lagoon (such a fun experience). It felt indulgent, calming, and like the perfect welcome to Iceland.

Day 1 in Reykjavík: Blue Lagoon & First Impressions of the City

Our first impression of Reykjavík was how charming and colorful it felt—small, walkable, and full of personality. The bright buildings, cozy cafés, and fresh ocean air made it feel both vibrant and peaceful at the same time. It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard, yet completely draws you in.

Day 2 in Reykjavík: Snowmobiling on a Glacier Adventure

One of the most unforgettable days of our trip was the Arctic Adventures snowmobile tour—an all-day experience that was so well done from start to finish. They picked us up right from our hotel in Reykjavík, which made everything easy and stress-free. Along the way, we made a fun stop for ice cream (a quirky and very Icelandic treat!) and took in more of the stunning countryside before heading inland. Once we arrived at Húsafell, we had time to grab a bite to eat and use the facilities before continuing on to base camp near Langjökull glacier. From there, the real adventure began—bundled up and ready, we set out on snowmobiles across the glacier, and it was absolutely thrilling. The views were incredible, the experience was exhilarating, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire Iceland trip.

Coming back we stopped at Skjol Pizza & Matsedill because we heard they served great burgers – it was indeed true! And a highlight for me was to stop off to visit the Viking Iclandic Horses – absolutely gorgeous!

Later that night when we got to the hotel, after a full day of activities, we were too tired to go out to dinner. We grabbed a delicious pistachio milkshake from the hotel lobby and called it a night.

Day 3 in Reykjavík: Food Tour, Jazz Festival & Downtown Exploring

If you love food, then the Reykjavík Food Walk is a must. It’s such a fun and delicious way to experience the city like a local. Our guide took us to a mix of iconic spots, from cozy BakaBaka where we sampled traditional Icelandic pastries, to Messinn for the most incredible Arctic char and creamy plokkfiskur. We also grabbed the famous Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (another must!), then stepped outside our comfort zone at Íslenski Barinn with fermented shark and hearty meat soup. We ended on a sweet note at Café Loki with their unforgettable rye bread ice cream.

The Food Tour was the perfect blend of culture, Ben’s storytelling, and amazing food—and one of our favorite experiences in Reykjavík.

Along with food, the tour is a guided walk through the heart of downtown where you get to taste Iceland while learning its story. It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing and sampling, giving you a deeper feel for the city in just a few hours. The food is well worth the money spent!

One of our favorite meals in Reykjavík was at ÓTO, and we absolutely loved it. The restaurant has a chic, modern atmosphere while still feeling warm and inviting. Known for its creative blend of Japanese and Italian influences, every dish felt thoughtful, beautifully plated, and full of incredible flavor. The food was fresh, elevated, and memorable—one of those dining experiences you keep talking about long after the trip is over. If you’re looking for a special night out in Reykjavík, ÓTO is absolutely worth the splurge.

Travel Tips for Reykjavík (What to Know Before You Go)

Reykjavík is incredibly easy to explore—walkable, safe, and full of charm—but a little planning goes a long way. Pack layers, even in summer, because the weather can shift quickly from sunshine to wind and rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan to explore downtown or take excursions.

And one important tip: budget more than you think you’ll need. Iceland—especially Reykjavík—is one of the most expensive destinations we’ve visited, from hotels and dining to tours and transportation. Expect restaurant meals, excursions, and even coffee stops to add up quickly. That said, the landscapes, experiences, and overall magic of Iceland made every splurge feel worth it.

Since there is a direct flight from Reykjavik to Seattle now – this is a great place to visit. Or on your way back from Europe, I say it’s a “must see city” to experience at least once in a lifetime!

I’d say three days is enough to experience the highlights of Reykjavík and make some unforgettable memories. But if you have extra time, there’s so much more to explore—we only scratched the surface (or perhaps, in Iceland terms, just touched the tip of the iceberg).

Our trip on the Viking Cruise was sponsored, but this last 3 days in Reykjavik was not. All opinions are my own!