Fire, ice, Viking legends, and the most extraordinary landscape on Earth — Iceland’s capital is unlike anywhere else.
Iceland was a stopover on my way to Ireland, and I gave myself five days in Reykjavík, traveled on a graduate student budget entirely solo, and left convinced that Iceland is one of the most extraordinary places I’ve ever set foot. If you have the opportunity to stopover here, even for a few days, take it without hesitation.
A Brief Note on Viking History
Reykjavík is one of the oldest settlements in Iceland, founded by Norse Viking explorer Ingólfr Arnarson around 874 AD — making it the oldest permanent settlement in the country. The name itself means “Smoky Bay,” a nod to the geothermal steam that Arnarson reportedly saw rising from the ground when he first arrived. Iceland’s Norse heritage runs deep and is visible throughout the city, from the national museum’s Viking-era artifacts to the streets, sagas, and stories that permeate Icelandic culture.
The Viking Age here wasn’t just about raiding — Iceland was a place of governance, storytelling, and remarkable seafaring civilization. The Althing, established in 930 AD, is considered one of the world’s oldest parliaments, and its legacy is woven into the Icelandic national identity. If you’re a history lover, you will find no shortage of ways to engage with that past here. And if you’re a literature lover, I read Njáls Saga during the trip and recommend it.
Important Note: I should mention that I visited Iceland in June. The weather was typically in the 50s and it was daylight 20-22 hours a day. I felt incredibly safe during my visit – I was traveling alone and never worried about my safety – I felt safer here than in most places I’ve lived in my life. Of course, like anywhere in the world, you want to have your wits about you, but if you’re looking for your first solo trip, this is a good option to consider
Things to Do
Icelandic Horseback Riding — Íshestar
This was, without question, the highlight of my time in Iceland. I booked a ride with Íshestar, one of Iceland’s most respected equestrian tour operators, and chose a five-hour ride designed for more experienced riders — which meant a smaller group and a pace that actually moved.
During the ride, we passed through vast lava fields and climbed into a lush green mountain landscape filled with roaming sheep and raw, elemental scenery. Scattered throughout were hot springs, and mid-ride, we stopped, changed into our swimsuits, and lounged in them while the Icelandic horses grazed nearby. It was one of those surreal, only-here moments. We had a lovely lunch during the break before heading back out for the second half of the ride.
Over the course of the five hours, I got to ride two different Icelandic Horses and — the thing I’d been most looking forward to — try the tölt. The tölt is a fifth gait unique to the Icelandic Horse breed, and it is extraordinarily smooth. The tölt truly glides. I had read about it before going, but nothing quite prepares you for how silky it actually feels. The ride ended with a glorious gallop, which was the perfect send-off.
I rode alongside a family from Sweden who owned their own Icelandic horses at home. They were exceptional riders and made the tölt look effortless. It’s a testament to how versatile this small, sturdy, ancient breed is that these horses have devoted owners all over the world.
If you’re an experienced rider and you visit Iceland, do not skip this. It is genuinely once-in-a-lifetime. If you’re not a rider, but want to give it a try, this facility also has rides tailored for beginners too.
The Blue Lagoon
I saved the Blue Lagoon for my last day in Iceland, and it was a phenomenal way to close out the trip. The water is truly turquoise — not the kind of turquoise that travel photos sometimes exaggerate, but actually, genuinely, almost impossibly turquoise. The geothermal pool is large and warm, set against a backdrop of dark volcanic rock, and there is a bar in the middle of the lagoon where you can order a drink without ever leaving the water.
While you’re there, you get to use fancy face and hair masks that rejuvenate you. They only allow a certain number of people into the lagoon at a given time so it never gets overcrowded – be sure to book in advance.
The Golden Circle — Full-Day Tour with Kerið Crater
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most iconic day trip, and I booked a full-day guided tour through Viator, which turned out to be a really great way to see the sites without the stress of driving or navigating on my own. For a solo traveler, having everything organized and a knowledgeable guide on hand made a meaningful difference — you get so much more context and depth than you would simply pulling up in a rental car, especially if you opt for a small group like I did.
The tour covered the classic Golden Circle highlights: Þingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates visibly pull apart and where the ancient Althing parliament was established in 930 AD; the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes in a dramatic burst of boiling water; and the sweeping Gullfoss waterfall, which tumbles in two dramatic tiers into a rugged glacial canyon.
The standout addition on this particular tour was the Kerið Crater — a stunning volcanic caldera with vivid red and ochre walls dropping down to a calm, eerily blue-green lake at the bottom. It’s one of those places that photographs beautifully but somehow still manages to exceed expectations in person.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
The towering Lutheran church that dominates Reykjavík’s skyline is an architectural marvel — its concrete facade is inspired by the basalt lava columns that are found throughout Iceland’s landscape. While I only explored the exterior of the Hallgrímskirkja Church, you can take an elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the water beyond.
The National Museum of Iceland
For anyone interested in the Viking history mentioned above, the National Museum of Iceland is the place to spend a few hours. The collection traces Icelandic history from the time of settlement through to the modern era, with Viking-era artifacts, medieval relics, and beautifully displayed exhibits that give real context to this remarkable country. This was one of my favorite activities during my trip – the museum has a large collection of ancient horse bits and tack, which I found to be particularly interesting given my interests.
The Saga Museum
My first full day in Reykjavík began at The Saga Museum, and it was a fantastic introduction to Iceland’s Viking heritage. If you want to understand the history and mythology that underpins so much of what you’ll see and feel throughout Iceland, this is the place to start. The museum brings the Icelandic sagas to life through remarkably detailed wax figures and immersive reconstructions of key scenes and characters from Norse history — from the first settlers to legendary Vikings and the brutal battles that shaped this nation. It’s vivid, atmospheric, and genuinely engaging – I’d strongly recommend making it your first stop, as it sets the perfect historical backdrop for everything else you’ll experience during your time here.
Sun Voyager (Sólfar)
Just a short walk along the Reykjavík waterfront, the Sun Voyager is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in all of Iceland — and it earns that status entirely. This striking steel sculpture, created by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason and installed in 1990, depicts a Viking longship gazing out toward the horizon and the mountains beyond. It’s often described as a dream boat and an ode to the sun, representing the promise of undiscovered territory and adventure ahead.
Given Iceland’s deep Viking roots, it feels like an entirely fitting symbol for a city founded by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago. The sculpture sits right on the harbor path and is free to visit at any hour — it’s particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset, when the light catches the polished steel and the mountains across the bay glow behind it.
Harpa Concert Hall
Right on the Reykjavík waterfront, just a short stroll from the Sun Voyager, sits Harpa Concert Hall — one of the most visually extraordinary buildings I have ever seen. Opened in 2011 and designed in collaboration with Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, Harpa’s iconic geometric glass facade is inspired by the basalt rock formations found throughout Iceland’s volcanic landscape. The honeycomb-like panels catch and reflect the light differently at every hour of the day, shifting in color and intensity with the sky and the sea around it. It is genuinely breathtaking from the outside, and the interior is equally impressive — soaring, light-filled, and beautifully designed.
Harpa is the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, and if there is a performance during your visit, it is absolutely worth attending. Even if there isn’t, the building itself merits a visit — you can walk through the public areas, take in the architecture, and enjoy the views of the harbor from inside (which are mindblowingly beautiful, by the way).
Laugavegur Street
No visit to Reykjavík is complete without time spent on Laugavegur Street, the city’s most celebrated and vibrant main shopping thoroughfare. I spent time wandering and shopping here during my stay, and it’s a genuinely enjoyable street to explore at your own pace. It also felt very safe, which was top of mind since I was traveling alone.
Lined with independent boutiques, Icelandic design shops, bookstores, cafés, bars, and restaurants, Laugavegur has a lively, creative energy that captures the spirit of Reykjavík beautifully. It’s a great place to pick up locally made souvenirs — Icelandic wool products, in particular, are worth seeking out here — and to simply soak up the city’s atmosphere. Whether you’re a dedicated shopper or just a casual browser, this street is worth a couple of hours of your time.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Reykjavík is a city with a sense of humor, and The Icelandic Phallological Museum is proof of that. Somehow I missed this museum during my visit, but this is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to phallic specimens and objects, and it is exactly as bizarre as it sounds. The collection contains hundreds of specimens from dozens of different mammal species found in and around Iceland — from tiny field mice to the enormous sperm whale — alongside an extensive array of art, folklore, and cultural artifacts on the same theme. It’s genuinely educational, frequently hilarious, and completely unique. Whether you go out of pure curiosity or for the story you’ll tell when you get home, it’s a memorable experience. I plan to add it to my list for next time!
Whale Watching & Puffin Tours
Iceland is known for being one of the best places to visit to see whales. The summer months offer great odds of seeing a variety of whales during a tour. You can book a whale-watching tour through Viator to see Minke, Humpback and Orca whales. Even if it’s summertime though, dress warmly, as temperatures are significantly cooler offshore than inland.
You can also book tours to see the puffins! While I’ve only taken a puffin tour in Maine, and ran out of time to join one during my stay in Iceland, I strongly recommend it if you want to see these adorable sea birds. They are not shy and they are incredibly cute.
Arctic Adventures is a site with a large variety of tours you can book in Iceland. From glacier and lava cave tours to whale watching, puffin tours and even snorkeling, it’s a great resource for finding unique activities that pique your interest. I recommend comparing it to what you find on Viator for pricing and tour options.
Reykjavík’s Street Art & Old Harbor
Reykjavík punches well above its weight as a cultural city. The streets are filled with remarkable murals, the old harbor area is worth a long wander, and the city’s independent coffee shops, bookstores, and galleries are genuinely worth exploring on foot. Take your time in this city!
Where to Stay
I was traveling as a graduate student on a tight budget and booked all three of my hostels through Hostelworld, which I found to be a reliable and easy-to-use platform for finding budget accommodation. I stayed in three different places during my five days, and they were not all created equal.
HI Reykjavík Loft
My first hostel was HI Reykjavík Loft, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to any solo budget traveler looking for a safe, clean, and genuinely welcoming place to stay.
It was spotlessly clean, offered organic breakfasts, and had a calm, respectful atmosphere throughout. I stayed in the all-girls room with about fifteen or so other women — there were lockers to secure your belongings and clean bathrooms. If safety and cleanliness are your priorities on a budget trip, this is where to book.
KEX Hostel and Hotel
My second stay was at KEX Hostel and Hotel, and I’ll be honest — it wasn’t for me, though I can absolutely see why it works for the right traveler. The interior is genuinely cool, it’s right in the heart of downtown, and it has a lively bar scene. If you’re a college student looking to meet people and be in the middle of the action, you will probably love this place.
But I wasn’t looking to party, and it was too loud and not clean enough for my taste. It’s a party hostel at heart, and there’s nothing wrong with that — it’s just worth knowing before you book so you can make the right choice for your travel style.
Start Hostel — Keflavík
For my final night, I made a practical decision: rather than staying in Reykjavík and scrambling to the airport early in the morning, I checked into Start Hostel in Keflavík, which sits much closer to Keflavík International Airport. It ended up being a great call. After finishing the Blue Lagoon — which is conveniently located between Reykjavík and the airport — I headed straight to Start Hostel without backtracking into the city. The following morning, I took a shuttle directly from the hostel to the airport for an early flight to Dublin. It’s nothing fancy, but it was seamless, stress-free, and if you’re flying out early or simply want to be near the airport on your final night, I’d strongly recommend this approach.
My overall tip: Use Hostelworld to read reviews carefully and filter by what matters most to you — cleanliness ratings and atmosphere descriptions will tell you a lot before you commit.
The Reykjavík EDITION
I plan to return to Iceland with my husband, and when I do, I don’t plan to visit on such a tight budget. As I’ve mentioned in other articles, I like to get points through Marriott Bonvoy, so if I can find nice hotels through them, I will often book. The Reykjavík EDITION is a newer hotel and is known for being sleek, conveniently located and high-end. It’s worth a look if you want a nice hotel experience and don’t mind the price tag.
The Exeter Hotel
Consistently voted among the best hotels in Reykjavík, The Exeter Hotel offers a luxury experience you won’t soon forget. Its boutique feel and elegant design is undoubtedly luxurious, and you’ll enjoy your stay here. It’s right downtown near the Old Harbor, so it’s in a convenient location for exploring the city.
Where to Eat
Iceland is not a budget destination when it comes to food — meals here are noticeably more expensive than most of Western Europe, and this is worth factoring into your planning. That said, the food quality is excellent, and there are ways to eat well without breaking the bank if you’re strategic.
Reykjavík’s Fish & Lamb
A note about Icelandic cuisine: lamb and fresh-caught fish are the heart of the local cuisine, and you’ll find both done exceptionally well throughout the city. Look for restaurants featuring skyr-based dishes, langoustine, and slow-cooked lamb — the quality of the ingredients here is outstanding because the environment that produces them is so pristine.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Okay, I am not ashamed to admit I ate here at least 3 times during my stay. It was delicious, iconic and I was on a budget. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the most famous hot dog stand in the country — and possibly in all of Scandinavia — this humble little kiosk near the harbor has been serving Icelanders since 1937.
Order “eina með öllu” (one with everything) and you’ll get a lamb hot dog with crispy onions, raw onions, remoulade, ketchup, and mustard. It costs almost nothing and it is genuinely delicious. Famous people have eaten here, so it has a storied legacy. Be prepared for a line depending on the time of day you visit. I found that the line moved quickly every time I went.
Hlemmur Mathöll
Hlemmur Mathöll food hall is a great option for a more affordable, flexible meal — a variety of vendors in one central space, ranging from fresh seafood to Korean food to vegan options. It’s a popular spot with locals and a good way to eat well without committing to a full sit-down restaurant.
Matur og Drykkur
If you’re not dining on a budget and you want elegant, authentic Icelandic food, Matur og Drykkur is a good choice. Plan a meal here after you visit the Saga Museum since it’s in such close proximity. It offers traditional fare with a modern twist, so you can get a taste for the local flavors, but in a fine dining experience.
Iceland Street Food
If you’re searching for a great lunch or dinner spot and want authentic Icelandic food and a laid-back atmosphere, check out Icelandic Street Food. They do not take reservations, so it’s a good place to visit if you didn’t have a meal planned out. This family-owned restaurant has meals on the menu that came from the grandmother of the founder, so it’s about as authentically Icelandic as it can get!
TIDES
If you’re staying at the The Reykjavík EDITION, you have the benefit of a highly-regarded restaurant right in your hotel. While oftentimes hotel restaurants can be meh, this caliber of hotel boasts a fine-dining option. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, I recommend making a reservation at TIDES due to its popularity. From fresh seafood to delicate lamb and unique cheeses, there are plenty of great options at this restaurant for a true foodie.
ÓX
If you have the budget for a truly decadent MIchelin star meal, make a reservation at ÓX. This restaurant only seats 17 people, and it’s highly regarded, so make a reservation far in advance or you’ll miss your chance to get a meal here. They take reservations up to 90 days in advance. You can find this exclusive little restaurant in the back of Sumac, another popular restaurant (more on that below), that’s run by the same head chef.
Sumac
Want a change of pace from traditional Icelandic food? Sumac has been a popular restaurant in Reykjavík for many years. It’s Middle Eastern cuisine that’s creative, fresh and delicious. The head chef of ÓX, Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, is also the head chef and owner of Sumac. You can expect the same level of care and quality that goes into your meal, just a very different atmosphere and style. If you’re able, add both of these restaurants to your list!
Coffee Culture
Reykjavík has a wonderful independent coffee shop scene, and Icelanders take their coffee seriously. If you’re spending a morning wandering the city, pop into one of the many small cafés dotted through the downtown streets — they’re warm, welcoming, and a perfect refuge on a grey or rainy day. You can find great coffee drinks and pastries at shops like these:
A Final Word
Iceland stopped me in my tracks as a graduate student traveling alone on almost no money, and it has never left me. The landscape is like nothing else on this planet — volcanic, ancient, achingly beautiful, and deeply alive. The Viking history gives it a mythological weight that you feel walking through the streets of Reykjavík. The people are warm and the culture is quietly extraordinary.
If you’re travelling to Europe and looking for cheap flights, Icelandair is a good choice – I’ve had good experiences flying with this budget airline. You can sometimes get a better deal if you plan a Stopover in Iceland, which was how I did it. The next time I visit though, I plan to take more time and visit more of the country outside the capital. This ancient island is breathtaking.
