So you’ve just landed in Iceland: where do you go first?
Arrive at KEF Airport | Overnight in Reykjavík
Welcome to Mars. Or Iceland. It’s kind of the same.
So, you’ve booked the flight. You’ve stalked 147 reels of Skógafoss. You’ve daydreamed about petting horses and bathing in milky blue water. And now you’re staring at the map wondering: Where the heck do I even begin?
Take a deep breath, vinur (vinur means “friend” in Icelandic.) I’ve lived in Iceland for years, and I’m handing you a no-fuss, easy to follow 7-day Iceland itinerary made just for first-timers — balancing big sights and options for secret corners, so you can experience the quiet and wild all at once.
Blue Lagoon Soak or Downtown Reykjavik
If you land early, hit the Blue Lagoon straight from the airport — it’s 20 minutes away and totally dreamy after a red-eye.
???? Btw: Renting a car?? Take 5% off your next car rental using BLUE CAR RENTAL – my go to choice for renting cars in Iceland – super easy & efficient check in process.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overstuff Day 1. Unless you are a master of sleeping on airplanes, I guarantee you’ll want to crash at your hotel as soon as check in opens.
When you get to Reykjavik, start at Hallgrimskirkja (that famous white church upon a hill), and take an elevator ride to the top for a 360 degree view of Reykjavik. Once you finish there, you’ll head directly down the central road to find the famous, iconic Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur). Grab your next dose of caffeine at Mokka Kaffi, Reykjavik’s oldest coffee shop that dates back to the 1950s! The interior is rustic, and gives you that feel of “old Iceland.” Grab your coffee of choice and their famous house made waffles, and take them outside to the patio to relax and people watch.
Once you reach the end of the Rainbow Street, you’ll find Iceland’s famous shopping street, Laugavegur, where you can find clothing shops, art stores, artisan jewelers and home design shopping – a fabulous spot to pick up some gifts for loved ones.
By the time 2pm hits, you’ll probably want to crash at your hotel for quick power nap: totally okay if you do!
If you’re looking for some of the best hotels in Reykjavik, here are my top 5:
Best Hotels in Reykjavik
- The Reykjavik Edition – the top 5-star hotel in Reykjavik. I stayed here on the night before my wedding and it was FABULOUS! If you like luxury, extra, harbor views, and a rooftop bar overlooking the city, this is my favorite hotel.
- Canopy by Hilton – This also sits on the more luxury side of stays with beautiful amenities, a spa and central downtown location
- Konsulat Hotel – This hotel will always have a special place in my heart, as it was where I stayed on my very first trip to Iceland. If you want to stay somewhere with an old-school charm and a little glam, Reykjavík Konsulat is such a vibe. It’s in this beautiful historic building right by the harbor, but everything inside feels cozy and stylish.
- Sand Hotel Reykjavik – I love this hotel because it sits on Laugavegur, and is in a perfect central location downtown with lots of buzz and fun (if you like city vibes)
- Fosshotel Baron – Fosshotel is a trusted hotel group in Iceland and all of their hotels are family-friendly and provide upscale amenities. If you are looking to stay down by the harbor, this hotel is a great option!
Explore Reykjavik’s Culinary Scene:
The Reykjavik Food Walk Tour
If you are an avid foodie and like to make that part of your travels, then you can NOT miss out on the Reykjavik Food Walk. I get what you might be thinking – “Iceland isn’t really known for food….or is it?” This is probably one of the most popular adventures in Iceland! It’s just a really great way to experience Iceland culture and the city of Reykjavik through food.
The Reykjavik Food Walk takes you through 6 different food establishments (from fine restaurants to hot dogs stands) where you will get to experience authentic Icelandic cuisines, and places that the locals go! Now be prepared, you might get dishes like “horse, puffin, whale, etc.” But just embrace it and give it a try – you are in Iceland and need to explore your inner Viking!
Whale Watching in Reykjavik
I’ll be honest: whale watching was never on my top list of things to do when coming to Iceland. I only recently went whale watching last fall with Elding Whale Watching and I was BLOWN away! There is something so surreal and exciting about seeing whales up close, flipping their tails and diving in the water. Plus, there are so many different species that reside in our waters, such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic killer whales, fin whales, or long-finned pilot whales!
However you spend your first day — whether you’re wandering Reykjavík with a coffee in hand or heading straight to your hotel to crash — don’t stress about squeezing everything in. Give yourself a minute to adjust, take it all in, and settle into the pace here. Iceland isn’t a place you check off — it’s one you ease into. The adventure is just beginning.
