3 Days in Reykjavik: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Three days in Reykjavík are enough for Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa and the island of Viðey, with a base in the City Center. Viðey takes a ferry ride and Perlan sits on a hill, so the plan keeps the center on foot and gives up the lava fields and valleys outside town.

At a glance

• Recommended length: 3 days
• Best base: Reykjavík City Center, the “101” district
• Main transport: on foot downtown, Strætó buses beyond
• Bus ticketing: Klappið app
• Reykjavík City Card: free entry to many museums and all the city’s geothermal pools, plus unlimited bus rides

Is 3 days enough in Reykjavik?

Three days cover the downtown sights, the old harbor and one island. That means Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the Old Harbour and Grandi area, and Viðey. It leaves out Gálgahraun and Búrfellsgjá, two lava formations a short distance from the city center, and Mosfellsdalur, which has Gljúfrasteinn, Helgufoss and horse rental. The Botanic Garden is also left out.

With a fourth day, add Mosfellsdalur for its walking routes, or head to the lava formations. Anyone who likes birdwatching would also gain from the Botanic Garden.

With only two days, drop the Day 3 island trip and keep the downtown sights, the harbor and the view from Perlan.

When to plan 3 days in Reykjavik

Daylight shapes this plan more than the temperature does. In January the sun shows for 0.7 hours a day, while April brings 5.5 hours. Rain falls on 15 days in January and 12 in April, so keep the museums and the Old Harbour attractions ready as indoor swaps. Highs stay between 38°F (3°C) and 44°F (7°C) from January to April, and the evenings suit the Grótta night-sky stop.

Where to stay in Reykjavik for 3 days

The City Center is the base that fits this plan. It is within walking distance of the major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points. The “101” district around Laugavegur, the Old Harbour and Austurvöllur Square is the main area of Reykjavík.

Hotels in that part of town include Hotel Reykjavík Saga, near Lake Tjörnin, and Sand Hotel, in the heart of downtown. Radisson RED sits on the oceanfront. Fosshotel Rauðará is a short walk from Laugavegur and the Reykjavík Art Museum, in a peaceful neighborhood. No nightly prices are available here, so check rates for your dates.

Getting around Reykjavik in 3 days

Downtown needs no car, and walking is usually much faster. The whole downtown can be crossed on foot in about 20 minutes, and the walk from the Old Harbour to Rainbow Street takes about 15. Hopp electric scooters are parked on almost every corner and work through an app. For Perlan and the places farther out, the Strætó bus system is the main public transit. Its lines stop at hubs like Lækjartorg, and tickets can be bought in the Klappið app. Strætó also sells day and three-day tickets. The Reykjavík City Card covers unlimited bus rides along with museum and pool entry, which suits a three-day stay.

3 Days in Reykjavik, day by day

Day 1: Hallgrímskirkja, Skólavörðustígur and Perlan

Start at Hallgrímskirkja, at Hallgrímstorg. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden is at the southwest corner of the square. Then walk down Skólavörðustígur, one of the city’s liveliest streets, with cafés, shops and galleries.

Perlan stands at Öskjuhlíð on Reykjavik’s highest hill, close to the center. Its observation deck around the dome gives a 360° view over the city. Save it for a clear spell, since the view is the reason to go. The Strætó buses are the public transit option for reaching the hill.

Skólavörðustígur is the natural place for lunch, with its cafés lining the walk back down.

Day 2: Harpa and the Old Harbour

Harpa is on the waterfront at the old harbour, at Austurbakka 2. It offers views of Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range. From there the Old Harbour and Grandi area is next door, with the Sjóminjasafnið maritime museum and Whales of Iceland.

The same area has whale watching, FlyOver Iceland, Lava Show, Aurora Reykjavík and the Saga Museum. Walking between the harbor and Rainbow Street takes about 15 minutes. With the City Card, the museum entries are covered where it applies. Reykjavík City Museum, with five museums and exhibitions, is another option.

If it rains, spend the afternoon at the indoor attractions of Grandi. The harbor is the right place to end the day.

Day 3: Viðey Island and Seltjarnarnes

Viðey is an island within the city limits, reached by a short ferry ride. It has the Imagine Peace Tower by Yoko Ono, lit annually in memory of John Lennon. Richard Serra’s Áfangar is there too, large basalt stones with texts forming a circle around the island. Viðeyjarstofa, built in 1755, is one of the oldest stone houses in Iceland.

Check the ferry schedule before you go, since the return trip sets the end of your day on the island.

On Seltjarnarnes, Grótta has black beaches and birdlife, and low light pollution makes it a good spot for the night sky and northern lights. Bakkatjörn is a popular place for birdwatching, and Nesstofa is one of Iceland’s oldest stone houses. Go to Grótta in the evening.