Planning to spend 2 days in Reykjavik? Here a fab Reykjavik travel guide that covers the best things to do, places to stay, and top experiences to make your 2 days in Iceland itinerary remarkable!
If you’re looking for a unique break, 2 days in Reykjavik might just be the perfect getaway for you.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city. The country is famous for its northern lights and Viking history. When you’re in Reykjavik or Iceland, there is a lot to explore, and two days may not seem enough.
Planning these two days in Reykjavik perfectly can be a task, but with this 2 days in Iceland itinerary, you can make the most of your trip by covering all the unique attractions.
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Where to stay in Reykjavik?
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Where to stay in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a wide range of hotel alternatives, from luxurious to low-cost. It is always a good idea to plan your trip beforehand so you can get the best stays according to your budget.
Luxury hotels in Reykjavik:
Situated in the heart of the city, The Reykjavik EDITION is the perfect luxury stay. The Sun Voyager is a 7-minute walk from here, and other popular destinations are also easily reachable. It also comes with facilities such as a sauna and hammam which are great to unwind after a tiring day.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is a fantastic luxury stay with rooms that come with Icelandic designs. Harpa concert is just 500 meters away, and Hallgrímskirkja Church is a 7-minute walk from this location.
Mid-budget hotels in Reykjavik:
ODDSSON Hotel can be your stay for 2 days in Reykjavik with a central location and comfortable rooms. The Hallgrímskirkja Church and Solfar Sun Voyager are under a distance of 3 miles from the property.
The City Center Hotel is well located in Reykjavik, at a distance of 50 meters from the city centre. Attractions such as the Reykjavik Old Harbour, Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre, and Laugavegur Shopping Street are located close by the hotel.
Budget hotels in Reykjavik:
Located in the heart of the city, Day Dream Vesturgata 17 Reykjavik could be a perfect stay if you’re looking to save some bucks. You can comfortably spend 2 nights in Reykjavik here.

2 days in Iceland itinerary – What to do when in Reykjavik
Are you worried about not making the most out of your Iceland trip? Here’s a list of places to visit for 2 days in Reykjavik, Iceland, to make sure you don’t miss any of the great spots.
2 days in Reykjavik
Day 1 of your Reykjavik itinerary
The Blue Lagoon
If you’re wondering what to do in Iceland for 2 days, this could be a good starting point.
One of Iceland’s finest tourist attractions is The Blue Lagoon. It is one of the 25 wonders of the world.
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal pool containing water rich in minerals. A stunning volcanic landscape surrounds it. Milky blue water is believed to contain healing properties as it is rich in silica and sulfur.
The water temperature is ideal for a relaxing warm bath, and the soft white mud can be used as a mask for your face and body. It’s a great way to start your two days in Reykjavik.
You can get massages in the Lagoon spa and enjoy your choice of drinks and meals in the LAVA Restaurant or the Blue Café. Saunas, steam rooms, and small private pools are also available.
Staying in Reykjavik is the best option for visiting the Blue Lagoon, as it is merely a 30-minute drive away. You can either book a transfer from and to the city or rent a car, both of which are comfortable options.
DETAILS
Address: Path into the Blue Lagoon, 240, Iceland
Timings: Daily: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
Price: Adults: starting from 6100 kr
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Inspired by the elements of Iceland’s nature, the Hallgrímskirkja Church is the largest church in Iceland, offering a spectacular view of Reykjavik. It is a Lutheran church and has hundreds of visitors each day.
The building is shaped like Thor’s hammer if it were placed upside down, paying respect to Iceland’s religious history. Many cultural events and gatherings are celebrated here, which you can attend for 1 day in Reykjavik.
The architecture is unique and stands out from the colourful surroundings. One thing that will catch your eye immediately is the green statue in front of the church.
It is the famous Leif Erikson and the statue was a gift from the United States to mark the 1000th anniversary of the parliament of Iceland.
The Hallgrímskirkja Church is a must-have in your 2 days in Iceland itinerary. It is at a distance of 2 kilometres from Reykjavik and you can either take a bus/taxi or walk to the church.
DETAILS
Address: Hallgrimskirkja, Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Timings:
April to October
Hallgrímskirkja: daily: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hallgrímskirkja Tower: daily: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
May to September
Hallgrímskirkja: daily: 9:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hallgrímskirkja Tower: daily: 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 pm.
Price: Free entry.
Climbing the tower:
Adults: 1,000 kr.
Children from 7 to 16 years old: 100 kr.
Children under 7 years old: free.

Harpa concert hall
The next stop for 2 days in Reykjavik is the Harpa concert hall. If there is one destination that makes it to every Reykjavik 2 day itinerary, it has to be this.
Harpa is also a conference centre, located in the north of Reykjavik, near the old harbour.
Harpa has received various awards for its architecture. The aesthetic glass architecture will immediately catch your eye.
The building is surrounded by water, which gives the glass a unique sparkling effect, making it even more alluring. The structure blends perfectly into the skies making it a stunning masterpiece, especially during sunsets.
Many great concerts are held here every week, and attending one could be the highlight of your two-day itinerary in Iceland.
DETAILS
Address: Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Timings: Sunday – Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Price: Free entry.
Take a food tour
The best way to get to know the local culture in two days in Reykjavik is to take a local food tour.
A food tour will acquaint you with traditional and famous modern dishes, and you will visit some of the city’s most famous restaurants and popular food spots.
Here is a popular Icelandic food tour that will introduce you to authentic traditional food in Iceland.
One must taste the delicious Icelandic meat soup at least once in 48 hours in Reykjavik. You can also try the traditional Viking food, Kleina (Icelandic pastry), or delicious Icelandic rye bread ice cream.


2 days in Reykjavik
Day 2 of your Reykjavik itinerary
Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is located by Sæbraut, by the sea in the centre of Reykjavík. It is a dreamboat and is known to be an ode to the sun.
The sun voyager is a large sculpture of a ship by Jón Gunnar Árnason. It is the most beautiful sight to watch the rays of the setting sun beam on the shining steel sculpture.
Your 2 days in Iceland itinerary would be incomplete without witnessing this wonderful and one of the most famous sights in Reykjavik.
The sun voyager is considered to be the most famous artwork in Reykjavik but there are also other architectural masterpieces and street art which are worth admiring during 2 days in Reykjavik.
DETAILS
Address: Sun Voyager, Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours daily.
Price: Free entry.
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park
Located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most visited sites.
The Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park is the only UNESCO world heritage site in Iceland. It is a location where you can witness first-hand Iceland’s remarkable geological processes.
This is where the country’s history truly began and where nearly all of its historically significant events occurred and it is an idyllic setting for 2 days in Iceland itinerary with an abundance of things to do.
Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic rift, which is the only place on Earth where this rift is above sea level. This is also the only place where you can see both edges with such clarity.
This provides a great opportunity for snorkelling and diving.
The melted water from the Langjökull glacier flows into the creeks or ravines created by the motion of the tectonic plates.
The water is spotless and crystal clear because it has travelled underground for many years through porous lava rock and gone through a very thorough filtration process.
Silfra is the only ravine where snorkelling or diving is permitted. It is one of the world’s top five dive sites. With a visibility of over a hundred metres, here you can explore the mesmerising underwater ecosystem in the clearest waters.
Apart from this, the national park is also famous as it was used as a shooting location for the Game of Thrones series by HBO. The place is also famous for its extravagant wildlife and you might get to witness it in 2 days in Reykjavik.
DETAILS
Address: Thingvellir National Park, 806 Selfoss, Iceland
Timings: Open 24 hours daily.
Price: Free entry.
750 Kr per day parking fee for visitors arriving by car.

Whale watching in Iceland
Whales have been an important part of Iceland and its history. The word “hvalreki” which literally means “beached whale” in Icelandic, is used to describe a fortunate turn of events. This makes it pretty clear that one cannot be in Iceland and not go whale watching.
To watch these giant mammals, course their way through the azure ocean water is the most phenomenal experience and it is essential to have it in your 2 days in Iceland itinerary.
Iceland is home to more than twenty various species of whales such as the humpback whale, killer whale, blue whale and harbour porpoise, among many others.
Various tours start from the old harbour of Reykjavik and are convenient for a two-day stay in Iceland. Here is a top-rated 3-hour whale-watching tour that will take care of logistics to make your experience seamless.
You can also spend some time exploring the old harbour, which makes for a lovely stroll and offers some of the best views in the city.
The tours last anything between 2 to 3 hours and you can go during any time of the day that best suits your 2 days in Reykjavik itinerary.
DETAILS
Address: Mýrargata 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Timings: Accessible all around the year.
Prices: Approximately 9500 to 11500 kr.
Northern lights from Reykjavik
Every traveller dreams of witnessing the northern lights at least once in their lifetime.
This had to be the last stop of the 2 days in Iceland itinerary. Winters are the best months as you have the highest possibility of witnessing the northern lights during these months.
2 days in Reykjavik is a great chance to experience the Aurora Borealis and auroral activity.
Cities are not ideal locations for watching the northern lights as they are lit up with lights. You will have to travel away from the city towards the countryside, where the skies are dark and clear.
So, here is the Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik to witness this natural phenomenon.
Check if the tour you are booking also provides a free entry pass to the Aurora Museum.
DETAILS
Address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Timings: Accessible all around the year. Most sightings happen between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Prices: Starts from 9000 kr.

Best time to visit Reykjavik
There isn’t a bad time to visit Iceland, thanks to the fickle climate conditions. The best time to visit depends on your travel goals for 2 days in Reykjavik.
Most tourists prefer visiting Reykjavik, Iceland during the summer due to the warm weather and ample daylight.
June to August is a good time for you if you’re seeking warm weather with most of the activities being accessible.
If you are not a fan of crowds, you may want to avoid visiting during the summer.
Although this can be a great time to explore off-beat locations and trails, as the main tourist attractions are highly crowded. Visit during the months of May and September if you want to enjoy a quiet holiday.
Winter is popular for the northern lights, and this could be the perfect time to visit if that is your main goal. The best time to visit is from October to March if you are keen on experiencing the northern lights because these months have extended nights.
Iceland is a great destination all year round and no matter during which time of the year you’re visiting, you will always have a unique experience.
Now that you have this detailed 2 days Reykjavik itinerary, when are you planning to visit Iceland?
With once-in-a-lifetime experiences like dancing Northern Lights and whale-watching tours, I am sure your Reykjavik trip will be a memorable affair.

FAQs – 2 days in Reykjavik
Is 2 days enough to explore Reykjavik?
2 days in Reykjavik are quite sufficient to explore the city and get a taste of the local culture.
It may seem a little hectic to explore the entire city in just 2 days but having a clear idea of things to do always helps. This 2 days in Iceland itinerary will help you with all the possible destinations and activities to include in your trip.
How many days is enough for Reykjavik?
If you are wondering how many days in Reykjavik are enough, you will need at least 2 to 3 days to explore the city of Reykjavik.
If you are keen on visiting the countryside and all the off-beat locations, 2 days may not be enough. You might want to add a day or two more for these adventures. 5-7 days would make an ideal trip if you want to explore Reykjavik as well as the rest of Iceland.
Can you see the Aurora Borealis in Reykjavik? / Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Yes, the Northern lights can be seen from Reykjavik, although the chances are slim as the city is crowded and light pollution is higher as compared to other locations.
If experiencing the Northern Lights is at the top of your 2 days in Iceland itinerary, it would be better to travel to less populated areas such as the countryside where the skies are dark and clear.
You may also want to visit during the hours of 10 pm to 2 am to increase the probability of witnessing this phenomenal sight.
Is it worth spending time in Reykjavik?
It is definitely worth visiting Reykjavik if you are in Iceland. The city has a beautiful culture and is an ideal place to stay to explore major tourist attractions.
Famous destinations such as the Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager, and Hallgrímskirkja Church are located not more than 2 kilometres away.
Reykjavik is a wonderful destination for a weekend trip or a short vacation. It is full of liveliness and nature and will definitely offer you a surprisingly unique experience.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.
She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.
She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
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