One of the most popular cities to visit in the world right now is Reykjavik, Iceland. The capital city is a gateway to the iconic Golden Circle, yet an interesting place in its own right.
48 Hours in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Reykjavik, Iceland can feel like stepping back in time. With its charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, it’s a culture-filled destination where ancient tales come to life and new explorations await around every corner.
Whether you have just 48 hours or an entire week for your getaway, there are countless ways to enjoy this beautiful Icelandic city and have an adventure of a lifetime! If you’re looking for some unique experiences during your time in Reykjavik, here are our top tips on things to do that will make the most of your trip.
With a population of 120,000, its compact enough to explore easily in 2 days. Here are the top attractions that you should see with a weekend in Reykjavik.
1. Hallgrímskirkja Church
This distinctive Lutheran church is a good place to start your exploration of the city. Designed by Guðjón Samuel in 1937, it has a striking Art Deco look.
However, construction only started in 1945 and finished in 1986. The statue in front of the church is of Leifur Eiriksson, who was the first European to discover America, in around 1,000 A.D., 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
This Reykjavik landmark looks impressive from all angles. Whilst the interior is quite simple, there’s a huge organ constructed by the German organ builder Johannes Klais.
It’s definitely worth getting a ticket for the church tower as the view from the top is fantastic. You can see much of the town and to the sea beyond.
2. Statue of the Unknown Official
From here, make your way towards the City Hall on Tjarnargata 11 and the statue of the Unknown Official designed by Magnús Tómasson in 1994 – an intriguing image of a faceless bureacrat.
3. Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa is one of the most photogenic buildings in the city. This conference centre and concert hall was inspired by the Northern Lights and it really makes use of light thanks to its multi coloured glass panels.
This striking building was designed by Henning Larsen Architects and artist Olafur Eliasson, and the first concert took place in 2011. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera are both based here.
When we visited, there was also a comedy show that is meant to be very good: How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes. It was still being performed there when we last checked, and promises to teach you how eating sour sheep balls could save your life, and how to behave like a true Icelander.
4. Stone Piles
These stone piles or cairns are known as steinvarða and were built as landmarks along paths, helping people to find their way from the 9th century onwards. Nowadays they are built for fun, and these are to be found along Sæbraut, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Solfar Sun Voyager
Our favourite statue though has to be Solfar Sun Voyager, a little further along Sæbraut. This magnificent steel boat may resemble a Viking Ship, however this wasn’t the original aim – it was supposed to be a dreamboat and ode to the sun.
Unfortunately the designer, Jón Gunnar Arnason had leukaemia and died in 1989, before Solfar was placed in its current location. Its message of light and hope takes on a whole new meaning, knowing how ill he was.
6. Shopping in Reykjavik
The main street, Lækjargata, is a short walk from here and has a number of quirky stores. The Icelandic people certainly seem to have a sense of ironic humour.
Puffins are pretty popular in Iceland but contrary to popular belief, they’re rarely eaten. You’ll come across plenty of puffin related gifts in shops on the main street.
There are also quite a few Scandinavian design stores, with cosy and functional items on display.
During your weekend in Reykjavik, don’t forget to post a letter to Icelandic Santa!
7. Street Art in Reykjavik
One of the cool things to do in Reykjavik is to check out the street art. There are quite a few colourful murals gracing the walls in the city center.
Where to Eat in Reykjavik
After all this sightseeing, you’re probably getting hungry, and one of the best restaurants in Reykjavík is The Grillmarket or Grillmarkaðurinn at Lækjargata 2a. Using the freshest local produce, they cook using coal, fire and smoke.
Some elements of the interior are by Tom Dixon, the famous British designer and they certainly give the place a contemporary feel. The day after we visited, the Kardashians came here but don’t let that put you off ;-).
Many people choose to do day trips from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle however we chose to head there for a few days. For that reason, we didn’t stay overnight in Reykjavik but there are a number of good options like Kvosin Downtown Hotel if you wish to do so.
In Conclusion: 48 Hours in Reykjavik, Iceland
With its unique landscape and culture, Reykjavik is a must-see for any traveler looking to explore somewhere new. In just 48 hours, you can indulge in all the best that this vibrant city has to offer.
From spotting street art to attending music concerts, there’s something for everyone in Reykjavik. Start planning your trip today – we recommend using a private guide for Iceland who will show you the best spots
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, be sure to check out our other articles.
Have you ever been to Reykjavik, Iceland?
Read next:
Pin for later if you’ve found this weekend in Reykjavik guide useful.
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
I’d love to go to Reykjavik!! Kouzu, the sushi restaurant near where I live, has those same Tom Dixon lights 🙂
They’re so stylish aren’t they – and I remember seeing them at the Mondrian when we had lunch
great photos! and there was a cat:) always a bonus:) my best friend spent her honeymoon on Iceland:)
That cat was so cute, I couldn’t resist a photo. What a fun place to spend a honeymoon!
I really want to visit Iceland!! Loving that polar bear haha
Ash | Liakada
There was a giant polar bear in our hotel, love it!
Did you write a letter to Icelandic Santa? That church looks different, it is kinda looks like something from Lord of the Rings 🙂 I haven’t been to Iceland, however I want to go there or Norway to watch the northern lights!
Ela BellaWorld
I wish I had had the time to write to Santa, I’d ask to return! The church is so unusual and a great navigation tool as you can see it from almost anywhere. We didn’t see the lights but the person who stayed the day before we did was more lucky
I’ve got several Icelandic friends and I STILL haven’t gone to visit them – such a great post, I might have to book a trip in soon!
Erin xx
islandbell.co.uk
Ooh there’s no excuse for not visiting then!
You’ll have such a fantastic time, I can really see you there!
One of my besties in school was from Iceland, and her family would always send us cool gifts. I love the humour in the image above too, hehe. Wow, I didn’t think about the puffin craze! My sis used to live in Sweden and we’ve been a lot to Scandinavia, but I’d definitely want to visit Reykjavik. Thanks Suze, brilliant images, as always. 🙂
FASHION TALES ~ Superfoodie Fix!
They really do have a great sense of fun! I was sitting next to 2 people from Sweden tonight and they were as fun loving as the Icelanders
I visited Iceland in December and loved it! the only thing is it was too coooold lol
The Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog
Yes it was pretty chilly when we were there in April apart from one sunny day, but we dressed up in ski gear most of the time
It’s on my bucketlist and I will hopefully be able to tick it off in the next couple of years. The sights on your photos are so impressive!
I have every faith that you will visit, Anouk, you fit so much in!
Funnily enough, I have actually noticed many more trips to Reykjavik showing up on social media lately. I’m not surprised at all, there seems to be a tremendous amount to see and do! Harpa truly does seem very photogenic – as is the kitty-cat you found sitting on the steps!
ps. I hope you posted a letter to Icelandic Santa 😉
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
It’s true, lots of bloggers seem to have visited there recently. If only I’d known there was a Santa letterbox, I’d have prepared my letter well in advance 😉
Beautiful pictures, and how cute is that cat on the stairs.
Nina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
What a gorgeous cat it was, and the long fur must come in handy to keep it warm in Wintertime
Reykjavik (and Iceland) is such a unique travel destination – we loved it!
Isn’t it just! And the Icelandic people are so cool too, I really like their sense of humour
Such a wonderful place, the buildings are stunning. I would love to go there one day. Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it if you do, Gemma – it’s a fascinating place
What a cool and vibrant city! I visited a long time ago and need to go again. Fantastic photos!
Http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
I’m glad that you liked them and hope you get to revisit
It looks so pretty there, I love that cat
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I thought you’d like the cat, Laura – I could easily have adopted him/her!
I’ve wanted to go to Iceland for a long time. We were thinking of going this November for my bf 30th birthday. It’s such a pretty city. Seems quite modern aswell based on your pictures.
You’ll have a great time if you do go and you’re right, it is pretty modern in terms of the architecture and dining scene
I’ve heard such good things about Iceland- great shots as always, lady!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
That’s very kind, Ashley, it’s such a colourful city that I wanted to capture that
Reykjavik has been on my list for ages! After reading this I definitely want to go and if it is only to post my Christmas wish list to the Icelandic Santa 😉
That’s a blog post that I’ll definitely look forward to reading!
Iceland is one of my favourite destinations – love your photos Suze…
Ooh I remember that you went too, Suzanne, and we went to quite a few of the same places
My pleasure, Jalisa, and I’m glad that you enjoyed reading about it. Have a lovely week ahead
There are some really interesting buildings aren’t there – I think that the concert hall is my favourite
Such wonderful photos of Reykjavik! I’ve been there 3 years ago and it’s such a quirky and cool capital. We didn’t get to drive all over Iceland, but used Reykjavik as a base for daytrips which worked out fine.
I think that’s a great way to see Iceland, although it was very handy for us staying overnight near the Golden Circle
Reykjavik is stunning I had a wonderful time. I went at Christmas time so would love to go back in the summer. You look like you had a wonderful time the Icelandic have a wonderful warm and welcoming way and best of all they get the British awful sense of humour. I love the beautiful scenery that every where you look is stunning Lucy x
I spent in Reykjavik only few hours, and that’s definitely not enough! 🙂 Thanks for such a nice photo gallery 🙂