Reykjavik is a great city for a short trip because you can see a lot in just a few days. This 3 day Reykjavik itinerary covers the best parts of the city, plus a lagoon visit and a northern lights night if you want it.
The city is the perfect intro to Iceland – you’ll get a mix of colorful streets, cozy cafes, great museums, and waterfront views, with the option to add in a few “big Iceland” experiences without going far.
Keep reading for a simple day-by-day plan that fits a full 3 day itinerary, including what to do in Reykjavik, and how to group things together so you’re not wasting time backtracking.
Published: March 19, 2026
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you. This compensation may impact how and where links are placed on this site.
The Complete 3 Day Reykjavik Itinerary
This section breaks the trip into a 3 day itinerary. Each day includes the top sights, food stops, and a few extra options depending on what you want to see. Use this as a guide, and swap in any activities that fit your interests.
Day 1: Reykjavik City Tour + Iconic Sights
Start your day with a city tour. If you want to see the main Reykjavik sites quickly, do a bus or hop-on-hop-off tour. If you prefer something more personal, take a walking tour and focus on one area.
After the tour, walk to Hallgrímskirkja and consider going up the tower for a view of the city. Then head to Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture by the waterfront. Finish the afternoon around the Old Harbor area to feel the city vibe and get some photos.
For lunch, grab a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It’s a classic in Reykjavik and worth trying at least once.
If you want to add a museum, pick one that fits your time and interests. The National Museum of Iceland, the Saga Museum, or the Reykjavik Art Museum are all good options.
For dinner, eat seafood near the harbor. Reykjavik has great seafood, and the harbor area has several strong options.
If you still have energy, take a nighttime walk along the waterfront or check out a few bars in the city center.
Book a tour in Reykjavik: Reykjavik: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Day 2: Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon + Museums + Northern Lights
Start your day with a relaxing lagoon visit. If you want the classic Iceland experience, do the Blue Lagoon. If you want something newer and closer to Reykjavik, do the Sky Lagoon. Both are great, so choose based on your schedule and what you want to see.
Book a tour of the Blue Lagoon: From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers or book Sky Lagoon: Reykjavik: Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer.
After the lagoon, head back to Reykjavik and hit a museum or two. If you haven’t already, the National Museum of Iceland is a solid choice for learning the basics of Icelandic history. The Saga Museum is also worth it if you want a quick and visual overview of Iceland’s past.
Bok your Saga Museum ticket: Reykjavik: Saga Museum Entry Ticket.
For lunch, eat somewhere near the museum area or the city center. Reykjavik has lots of good cafés and casual spots that are easy to stop into.
In the evening, book a Northern Lights tour. The tours usually take you outside the city to the darker areas where the lights show up more clearly. If you’re visiting in the right season, this is one of the best experiences you can do in Iceland.
Book your Northern Lights Tour: From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Cocoa.
After the tour, you’ll likely be back late, so keep dinner simple or grab something quick in the city before you head back to your hotel.
Day 3: Tour Outside the City + More Reykjavik Stops
Use day 3 of your itinerary to get outside Reykjavik for a big Iceland experience. If you haven’t done the Golden Circle yet, this is a good day for it. You can also do other day tours like the South Coast, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or a glacier hike if you want something more active.
Most tours leave from Reykjavik in the morning and come back in the evening. If you book a tour, make sure you know the pickup time and plan to be ready early. This is also a good day to book something that includes transportation so you don’t have to drive.
If you want a more chill option, you can do a shorter tour that focuses on one or two highlights outside the city, like a whale watching tour or a puffin tour (seasonal).
Book your Golden Circle day tour: Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Full-Day Tour.
There are more tour recommendations in the next section if you want more options.
When you return to Reykjavik, you’ll still have time for more city things. Walk around the harbor area, check out Harpa Concert Hall, and go back to any spots you didn’t finish on Day 1.
For dinner, choose a place near the city center so you don’t have to travel far after a long day. If you want a final Reykjavik night out, go for a bar or lounge near Laugavegur or the waterfront.
Best Tours to Book in Reykjavik
If you want to see more of Iceland without driving, booking a tour is the easiest way to do it. Reykjavik is the main starting point for most day trips, and there are tours for every type of interest—nature, wildlife, and glaciers. Below are the top tour options to consider for a 3 day Reykjavik trip.
Places to Stay in Reykjavik
Picking the right place to stay makes a short trip to Reykjavik easier, especially if you only have a few days. Below are solid options from budget to luxury, plus a top airport hotel if you’re arriving late or leaving early.
Budget: KEX Hostel (Reykjavik) – A lively hostel with dorm and private rooms in a central area. You’re within walking distance of bars, cafés, and shops, and there’s a relaxed common area where you can meet other travelers. KEX also makes it easy to catch buses or tours that start in Reykjavik.
Mid-range: Skuggi Hotel (Reykjavik) – Clean, modern rooms in a central location near Laugavegur and the waterfront. Skuggi is quiet at night but close to food, coffee, and sightseeing. The staff are helpful if you need quick recommendations or want to book tours.
Luxury: Hotel Borg by Keahotels (Reykjavik) – One of the nicest and most highly rated hotels in Reykjavik. It’s a classic, elegant property with spacious rooms, strong breakfast, and polished service. The location on Austurvöllur Square puts you steps from Hallgrímskirkja, cafés, and nightlife. If you want the best full-service hotel in the city, this is the top choice.
Top Airport Hotel: Hotel Aurora Star (Keflavik) – A highly rated option right by Keflavik Airport, perfect if you’re arriving late or leaving early. Rooms are comfortable, and the quick airport access means less stress on travel days. This is a great choice if your trip starts or ends with a same-day flight.
Essential Reykjavik Tips
Here are the most useful tips for a 3 day Reykjavik trip that will make your trip better:
- Book lagoon tickets in advance – Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon sell out fast, especially in peak season. Book your time slot early to avoid missing out.
- Dress in layers – Reykjavik weather changes fast. Bring a warm layer, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking.
- Use the Flybus or airport shuttle – The easiest way to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik is the Flybus or other airport shuttles. They run frequently and drop you near the city center. Book your airport transfer.
- Plan your northern lights night carefully – Northern lights tours depend on weather and solar activity. If you’re hoping to see them, book your tour for your first or second night so you can rebook if needed.
- Carry a small day bag for lagoon visits – Bring a towel, swimsuit, and a change of clothes. If you’re doing a lagoon tour from Reykjavik, you’ll want to be comfortable afterward.
- Keep cash and cards ready – Iceland is very card-friendly, but it’s still good to have a backup card and know your PIN, especially for automated kiosks and smaller shops.
- Eat early or late for restaurants – Reykjavik dining spots fill up fast. If you want a specific restaurant, reserve ahead or go early to avoid long waits.
- Download a map offline – Cell service can be spotty outside the city. Download maps ahead of time if you’re taking a day trip.
These tips will help you save time, avoid common mistakes, and make your 3 day Reykjavik trip smoother. If you follow these, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the city and the surrounding sights.
Conclusion: 3 Days in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a great city for a short trip because it’s easy to get around, has a lot to do, and still feels manageable in just a few days. With this 3 day Reykjavik itinerary, you can hit the must-see sites, try the best food, and still have time for a lagoon or a northern lights tour.
If you’re ready to plan your trip, check the tours and hotels above, and start booking your lagoon trips and northern lights nights early. The best experiences in Iceland often sell out fast, so the sooner you lock things in, the better.
For even more Reykjavik planning, check out my other Iceland guides:
Want to save this post?
Email this post to yourself, so you can come back to it later!