Travel Guide: Reykjavík

IcelandReykjavikTravel
Written By Christina Michele Rios

ICELAND

Iceland is a land of contrasts — where fire meets ice, ancient landscapes meet modern design, and wild adventure meets a quietly confident culinary renaissance. As a private chef, I came for the views but stayed for the flavors: unexpected, understated, and unforgettable. Reykjavík, in particular, pulses with a creative energy that runs from its windswept trails to its minimalist wine bars and fiercely local kitchens. Here, a day might begin with glacier hikes and end with rye bread reimagined as dessert. It’s a place where nature roars, but the food speaks in thoughtful, delicious whispers.

 

Can’t Miss

 
 

72-Hour Reykjavík Itinerary

Like a perfect three-course meal — each day is a journey of flavor, culture and adventure.

DAY 1 – EXPLORE REYKJAVÍK

Morning

  • Hotel Midgardur check-in

  • Spa time: hot tub + sauna

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Sightseeing: Hallgrimskirkja • Rainbow Street • Sun Voyager • Harpa • Perlan

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (famous hot dog stand)

  • Laugavegur Street shopping stroll

  • Afternoon nap

Evening

  • Dinner at Kopar

  • Drinks at Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar

  • Northern Lights at Aurora Basecamp

DAY 2 – THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Morning

  • Breakfast at Braud & Co

  • Golden Circle Road Trip: Þingvellir • Geysir • Gullfoss Waterfall

Afternoon

  • Lunch inside the tomato greenhouse at Fridheimar

  • Relax + soak at Sky Lagoon

Evening

  • Dinner at Dill

  • Cocktails at Kiki Queer Bar

DAY 3 – SOUTHERN ICELAND ADVENTURE

Morning

  • Early hotel breakfast

  • Road trip to Sólheimajökull Glacier

  • Glacier hike with Arctic Adventures

Afternoon

  • Lunch at The Soup Company (try the famous Icelandic Lamp Soup)

  • Visit Black Sand Beach + Seljalandsfoss

  • Drive back to Reykjavík

Evening

  • Pizza & natural wine at Baka Baka

  • Dessert at Valdis (try the rye bread ice cream!)

  • Live music & cocktails at Library Bar

 

The Travel Edit

    • Kopar - Modern Icelandic cuisine with stunning views of the Old Harbour. Don’t miss the catch of the day and the complementary bread with lavender butter.

    • Dill - Multi-course, fine dining experience that celebrates native ingredients and sustainable preparations. This is a 3+ hour experience so plan your evening accordingly.

    • Braud & Co - Artisanal bakery that specializes in baked goods made from organic, high-quality ingredients. The warm cinnamon rolls are an absolute must!!!

    • Baka Baka - Bakery and cafe by day, stone-baked pizzas and natural wines by night. The vibes in here are rustic and cozy, perfect for a date night.

    • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur - Simple stand serving Icelandic hot dogs made with locally-sourced lamb, beef, and pork. Order like a local and ask for “one with everything”.

    • Hlemmur Matthol Food Hall - There’s lots of great food halls in Reykjavik, but I’m partial to the fish and chips at Fjárhúsið.

    • Friðheimar - Eco-friendly farm and restaurant offering a large selection of tomato-based dishes from onsite greenhouses.

    • Fiskmarkaðurinn - A modern Icelandic restaurant with an Asian twist and inventive cocktails. Can either choose from the tasting menu or order a la carte.

    • Valdís Ice Cream - Whimsical ice cream shop with classic Icelandic flavors such as Skyr yogurt and my personal favorite, Rye Bread.

    • Omnom Chocolate - Award winning chocolate factory located on the water of the Old Harbour. All of their products are crafted from organic cacao beans and Icelandic milk.

    • Mjuk - Amazing knit beanies, scarves, mittens, and blankets

    • Kokka - Very cool kitchen and culinary-focused store with a cafe on the second floor

    • Hyalin - French gourmet store selling a small selection of native Icelandic ingredients

    • Rammagerdin - High-end shop featuring a variety of Icelandic designers; I bought an amazing "Lopapeysa” sweater

    • Kolapartid Market - Oldest and largest flea market in Iceland; only open on the weekends

    • Iceland Memories - Unique and whimsical souvenir store with a large selection of fleece products

    • Hurra - Trendy boutique with both men’s and women’s streetwear-inspired fashion

    • Kobalt Concept - Curated boutique selling a variety of jewelry, art, home goods, and more

    • Varma - Specializing in knitted wool products, they are 100% produced in Iceland

    • Icewear - An incredible chain selling a variety of Icelandic outdoor clothing brands at affordable prices

    • Bjarni Sigurdsson - Iconic Icelandic ceramicist with a shop right at the top of Rainbow Street

    • Center Hotel Midgardur - Located within walking distance to all the sights, an incredible hotel that offers a delicious breakfast, early check-in, and incredible on-site spa amenities

    • The Reykjavik EDITION - Modern luxury hotel with scenic mountain views on the Old Harbour. Be sure to check out the 7th-floor Rooftop and social spa concept.

    • Airbnb - For the more adventurous looking for an authentic stay in Reykjavik, I highly recommend staying with a local through Airbnb.

    • Hotel Kria - If you venture to Vik (in Southern Iceland) this is a great hotel that is within walking distance to the famed Black Sand Beach. They also have a Northern Lights wake-up call for all their guests!

 
“Iceland is a land of contrasts — where fire meets ice, ancient landscapes meet modern design, and wild adventure meets a quietly confident culinary renaissance.”
 
Christina Michele Rios https://www.christinamrios.com
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