Day 1 · Wednesday — Reykjavík old town and harbor introduction
Easy first day — central landmarks, harbor air, and a warm geothermal soak
5 stops€214 in stops, for two
Morning
- 09:00
Settle into central Reykjavík
Make your way into the center and get oriented around the old town grid before starting the day’s sightseeing.
€0
TIPKeep waterproof layers handy; coastal wind can change quickly.
- 10:00
Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík’s landmark church rises above the city with a striking concrete design inspired by basalt columns. Inside it feels calm and spare, and the tower view gives a clear first look across colorful roofs, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains.
Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland€10 per person
TIPGo up the tower early for clearer light and shorter lines.
- 11:30
Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur walk
This central walk links one of Reykjavík’s best-known shopping streets with side streets full of design shops, cafés, and street art. It is an easy way to get the feel of the city center while leaving plenty of freedom to browse at your own pace.
Free
TIPDetour one block off the main street for murals and quieter storefronts.
Afternoon
- 13:30
Lunch around Austurvöllur and Aðalstræti
The lanes around Parliament Square and Aðalstræti are a convenient lunch area with classic soups, seafood, and bakery stops. The atmosphere is compact and walkable, with historic buildings and easy access to the old harbor afterward.
€22 per person
TIPFish soup and open-faced rye bread plates are widely available here.
- 15:00
Old Harbour promenade
The harbor edge gives a good sense of Reykjavík’s maritime side, with fishing boats, whale-watching piers, and broad views over Faxaflói Bay. It works especially well as a gentle afternoon walk, with photo stops toward Harpa and Mount Esja across the water.
Free
TIPThe light along the water is especially good if skies clear after midday.
Evening
- 18:00
Sky Lagoon
This modern geothermal lagoon pairs warm water, ocean views, and a dramatic edge looking out over the North Atlantic. It is a relaxing introduction to Iceland’s bathing culture, especially after a walking-heavy first day in the city.
Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland€75 per person
TIPReserve a timed slot and bring dry clothes for the windy walk between facilities.