Your Guide to Spending 48 Hours in Reykjavík 

Welcome to Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant and charming capital. This compact and fascinating city is an ideal destination for a short getaway or an extended stopover. Thanks to its strategic location between mainland Europe and North America, the city has become a popular layover destination for adventurers looking to break up their journey. And what an opportunity - there’s so much to uncover in the city, even in just two days! If you’re planning to break up a bigger trip with 48 hours of sightseeing in Reykjavík, you’ve come to the right place. 

From the best things to discover in the heart of the city to a few bonus trips just outside city limits, you can plan an unforgettable short trip to Iceland. To make the most of your time and enable you to explore a few top attractions just outside of Reykjavík, we’d recommend hiring a car to give you the freedom and flexibility to experience some true Icelandic adventure. 

Can you see Reykjavík in 2 days? 

Yes! It’s perfectly possible to spend a fun-filled two days in Reykjavík. 48 hours gives you a good amount of time to see the best sights of the city and also explore just a bit further afield so that you can check some bucket list-worthy sites off your list. Thanks to Reykjavík’s convenient location near Iceland’s main international airport, Keflavík, and the variety of things to explore in the area, it’s a must-stop for visitors heading to or from Europe. 

All you need to soak up the best of the area in two days is a well-planned itinerary, and we’re here to help with that. It’s important to bear in mind that 48 hours won’t be enough to explore every hidden gem or tackle epic road trips like the Ring Road, but you can still get a feel for the best of Iceland and its culture. 

Your Itinerary for 48 Hours in Reykjavík

Exploring Reykjavík and its nearby attractions over the course of 48 hours is both possible and worthwhile. The city offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, shopping opportunities, and unique experiences that can easily be enjoyed in just two days. Here’s your detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the city. 

Day 1: Discovering Central Reykjavík

Morning:

Hallgrímskirkja Church: After grabbing breakfast and a caffeine boost at one ofReykjavík’s many wonderful coffee shops, make your way to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja. This Lutheran church is the tallest building in the city and was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, who was inspired by Iceland’s landscape. He called on Iceland’s unique geological formation in his design, capturing the essence of basalt columns, mountains, glaciers, and rocks. For a small fee, you can take the elevator to the top of the church for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbor. 

Sun Voyager Sculpture: Enjoy a leisurely walk from Hallgrímskirkja down to the waterfront. Here you will find the world-famous Sun Voyager sculpture. It was created by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Arnason and resembles a Viking longship, a nod to Iceland’s fascinating history. However, the original intention of the artist was to design a dream boat that honors the sun. It’s meant to represent the promise of new territory, freedom, and progress. Back in 1986, there was a competition for an outdoor sculpture to celebrate the city’s 200th anniversary, and The Sun Voyager was the winner. 

Afternoon: 

Harpa Concert Hall: Take the opportunity to wander further along the harbor and explore this architectural marvel. Known for its distinctive glass facade and modern design, Harpa Concert Hall hosts various cultural events, concerts, and plays, offering stunning views of the harbor. It’s worth checking the schedule to see if you can catch a performance one evening while you’re in town!

Laugavegur Street: Head back into the heart of the city to explore Reykjavík’s main shopping avenue. Explore cafes, boutiques, and galleries. This is a great place to find souvenirs and somewhere nice to dine out. 

Evening: 

Sky Lagoon: After a busy day of seeing the sights, spend your evening unwinding at this oceanside geothermal spa, located just a few minutes from downtown Reykjavík. The spa is open until 10 pm, allowing you plenty of time to experience the luxurious and traditional seven-step spa ritual while relaxing in soothing, warm waters and taking in views of the majestic North Atlantic. 

Day 2: Exploring Beyond the City

Morning: 

Golden Circle Tour:  Either join an organized tour or choose from our range of hire cars and embark upon your own mini road trip. The Golden Circle is 186 miles and, with an early start, can be completed in a long morning. It takes in some of the best sites in the south of Iceland, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. 

Afternoon: 

Kerið Crater: Located just a forty-five-minute drive from Gullfoss, this volcanic lake is known for its striking red slopes and stunning aquamarine water. Spend the afternoon exploring the rim of the crater for amazing views and photo opportunities. You can also follow the path down to the bottom of the crater for a closer look. 

Evening:

Northern Lights Tour: If you’re visiting between September and April, you will definitely want to consider joining a guided tour to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky. 

Experience Reykjavík’s Nightlife: If you’ll be visiting during the spring and summer when the Northern Lights aren’t an option, consider spending your last night in the city soaking up some local color. Bars like Gaukurinn offer live music, movie nights, and even stand-up comedy.

Other Attractions & Activities to Try

If you’re looking for some alternative suggestions to try and customize your 48-hour Reykjavík itinerary, find our list of honorable mentions below!

In Reykjavík:

-The Settlement Exhibition
-Perlan – Wonders of Iceland

-Reykjavík Street Art Tour

Just Outside of the City:
-Seltjarnarnes Peninsula
-Mount Esja
-Reykjanes Peninsula

And there you have it! Everything you need to make the best of two days in Iceland. Make sure to read up on other helpful blogs for a flying visit to Iceland, like everything you need to know about speeding tickets and information on parking in Reykjavík.