5-Day Reykjavik Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Reykjavik packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — gateway to glaciers, geysers, and the northern lights. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Downtown 101 — colorful main street with cafes, shops, and street art. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Hallgrímskirkja Church for your first taste of what makes Reykjavik special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Downtown 101 — colorful main street with cafes, shops, and street art area. Try Lamb Soup — hearty Icelandic lamb and root vegetable stew — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Golden Circle route. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Sun Voyager sculpture. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Laugavegur — main shopping and nightlife street neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Plokkfiskur — mashed fish stew with potatoes and onions at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Blue Lagoon — one of Reykjavik's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $24 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Laugardalur — hot spring pool, botanic garden, and family attractions district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Fresh seafood — langoustine, Arctic char, and cod from local waters. Expect to spend around $50 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Reykjadalur Hot Spring River — hike to a geothermal river for a natural soak — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Gljúfrabúi — hidden waterfall behind a rock face near Seljalandsfoss. The Grandi — creative district in converted fish factories area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Reykjavik's nightlife scene — Laugavegur — runtur bar crawl tradition on Friday and Saturday nights.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Seltún geothermal area — bubbling mud pots on Reykjanes Peninsula with few tourists or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Laugavegur — lopapeysa Icelandic wool sweaters and design shops — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Reykjavik is walkable — most downtown sights are within 15 minutes
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $200 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack waterproof outer layers and thermal base layers You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Icelanders are informal — use first names even with officials
• Safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$80	$200	$500
5-Day Total	$400	$1000	$2500

Final Thoughts

Five days in Reykjavik is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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