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Discover the must-see stops and shops in Iceland’s quaint and cozy capital city.
What comes to mind when you think of Iceland? Volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and fjords? The same went for me–that is until I took the six-hour direct flight from Raleigh to Reykjavík and discovered all its other amazing qualities and attractions—and instantly fell in love.
Admittedly, my 24 hours in the country were a last-minute scramble following a canceled flight and next-day rebooking to my final destination of Estonia (tragic, right?). But after years of friends and family singing the praises of the stunning landscape and with time to spare, I decided to book a night in the capital city.
The quaint city dotted with pastel-colored homes is often overshadowed by the country’s raw natural beauty, but there’s no question that it’s worth a stop. Here’s what to do and see if you find yourself stranded in Reykjavík for 24 hours.
Hot To Go
In shocking news, I’ve never gotten through customs faster following an international flight. The transportation options from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík were also great (see: the Flybus shuttle service), and picking up a rental car was a breeze (bless).
I went the car rental direction because I had planned to stop at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa near the airport, but Mother Nature exploded my plans (quite literally) via a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula whose lava flow destroyed the famous attraction’s parking lot. Nevertheless, I still made use of the rental car on the easy 50-minute drive to Reykjavík with jaw-dropping views of the volcanic eruption along the way. Land of Fire and Ice, indeed!
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
My best advice for optimal exploration? Just wander. Reykjavík is a walkable city—but stay central to optimize your time. For stunning views of the harbor and the must-see glass Harpa Concert Hall, enjoy a night at the chic Reykjavík EDITION. Pro tip: the best place to see the Northern Lights is along the harbor, so download the Aurora app and keep an eye on the sky.
To wit, my stay at an eclectic Airbnb just a stone’s throw from the iconic Rainbow Street—with a direct view of Hallgrímskirkja church to boot!—allowed easy access to the plethora of unique shops and cafes. Shop til you drop at local Icelandic stores like NOMAD, 66°North and The Old Bookstore, then hit Reykjavík Roasters for a caffeine pick-me-up.
Dog Days
When it comes to chowing down, if fermented shark meat isn’t your thing (no judgement here) opt for another local staple. Serving up tasty food and a memorable experience, the five-square-meter stand Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand has been serving up delicious lamb meat dogs since 1937, making it a must-try. Get saucy with toppings like sweet mustard, ketchup and remoulade, plus fried or raw onions for a little extra crunch. Don’t let the long line scare you away—I promise it moves fast!
Plane and Simple
Fun fact: If you book a transatlantic flight with Icelandair, you can add a stopover in Iceland with no additional airfare. The airline also offers various vacation packages with excursions around the island—and I can indeed confirm the country is “so incredible, it’s hard to leave.” Happy wanderlusting!
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