2 Days in Reykjavik Iceland (City Break Guide)

Looking for an unusual city break? Perhaps you should consider 2 days in Reykjavik. It's just a 3 hour flight from the UK,  and will give a great taste of the endless magic and beauty Iceland has to offer.

2 Days in Reykjavik - A guide on what to see and do in Reykjevik, Iceland

Photo courtesy of https://www.iceland.is/

Two days in Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant and enchanting capital city, offer an unforgettable experience of natural wonders, rich culture, and modern excitement. Wander through colorful streets lined with unique shops and galleries, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of this extraordinary place.

Spend a day exploring iconic sites such as Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. On the second day, take a dip in the warm, healing waters of the Blue Lagoon or embark on an exciting whale watching tour.

With its breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and endless adventures, two days in Reykjavik will leave you yearning for more.

2 Days In Reykjavik

I recently published an article called ‘20 Ways Travel Has Changed In 20 Years‘, and one of the things I mentioned in it, was the rise of budget airlines. In the article, I said that this made travel more affordable for people.

What I perhaps did not emphasise enough, was that it has also changed the mindset of people regarding travel. Now, people don't think twice about planning a weekend city break that involves flying a few hours.

So, Rekyjavik in Iceland has suddenly changed from a bucket list item to an easily accessible weekend break destination!

Getting to Iceland

Iceland is just a three hour flight from London, making 2 days in Reykjavik an interesting possibility for a weekend break.

Not only are you based in a fascinating city with lots to see and do, but it is also a good place from which to take tours, such as the Jökulsarlón day tour in order to see more of the country.

The possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, and enjoying terrific nightlife is too good to pass up!

Is 2 Days In Reykjavik Enough?

Well, let's face facts, the honest answer to this is probably no. You can't possibly see everything a city or country has to offer in two days!

However, if the question was, ‘Is 2 days in Reykjavik worthwhile', the answer is a firm YES! You will come away from the break feeling you have seen and done a lot, whilst giving you a taste to return for longer next time.

When To Visit Reykjavik

You can visit Iceland all the year around, with peak season being between June and August, and the lower season between September and April.

The peak season summer months between June and August have much longer daylight hours. Not quite the 24 hour sunlight I experienced when cycling in Alaska, but pretty close.

This means you can technically pack a lot more into your two days in Reykjavik. The winter months have much shorter daylight hours, but this is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights in Iceland

Photo courtesy of https://www.iceland.is/

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Let's be honest – Reykjavik is not the cheapest city on the planet. Budget accommodation can be hard to come by, as can hotel deals. It certainly pays to plan ahead, as earlier bookings may give you more affordable prices. Take a look below for the latest hotel deals in Reykjavik.



Booking.com

Things To Do In Reykjavik

There are an endless amount of things to see and do in Reykjavik in 2 days , both inside and outside the city. Here, I've listed the best. You might not have the chance to do them all in 48 hours, so choose the ones that look the most interesting to you.

Related: What is Iceland known for

1. Hallgrímskirkja

The Hallgrímskirkja is an imposing church that almost looks like it is standing guard over the city. It is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, and something you should definitely include on your 2 days in Reykjavik itinerary. Admission to the interior is free.

The Hallgrímskirkja is an imposing church that almost looks like it is standing guard over the city. A place you should visit during 2 days in Reykjevik

Photo courtesy of https://www.iceland.is/

2. The Perlan

For a memorable culinary experience in a unique setting, The Perlan is the place to head for. It is a landmark building, which offer panoramic views. Just the place to treat yourself after a hard day's sightseeing!

3. The National Museum of Iceland

What better place to find out about the history of Reykjavik and Iceland, than by visiting the National Museum of Iceland? All you ever wanted to know about Viking Settlements and more!

Related: Iceland Quotes

4. The Sun Voyager

This interesting and thought provoking sculpture is to be found next to the Sæbraut road in Reykjavík.

The Sun Voyager in Reykjavik

By Allison Stillwell at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

5. Take a Golden Circle Tour

There are many companies offering Golden Circle tours of Iceland, which take in the highlights of the southwest of the island. They all visit very similar places, such as Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall, and National Park Þingvellir. Check out Nomadic Notes blog post about what to see in the Golden Circle.

6. The Icelandic Phallological Museum

Who would have thought that Reykjevik would have a museum which contains the largest collections of penises and penile parts in the world? I think you should probably visit this place during your 2 days in Reykjevik for a laugh, if nothing else!

7. The Settlement Exhibition

If you ever wanted to find out more about Viking life in Reykjavik, the Settlement Exhibition will have all the answers. The exhibition combines artefacts discovered in excavations, along with multi-media displays and enhancements to give a good feel for what life was like in Viking times.

8. Reykjavik Art Museum

The Reykjavik Art Museum is the largest art museum in Iceland, and a must-see for art enthusiasts. Exhibiting works from the most famous Icelandic artists and also international artists, it is spread over three buildings. For more information, visit their website.

Some Final Thoughts On Reykjavik

If you want to take your planning a step further, you can look here for affordable accommodation in Reyjavik. Finally, remember to spend your time taking plenty of photos! It's a very photogenic place. You will need to make sure you have your camera charged and with plenty of storage available at all times! 

2 Days in Reykjavik - What to see and do in Reykjevik, Iceland during a weekend break.

If you enjoyed this post about 2 days in Iceland, you might also like to read about these other European city break destinations:

 

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