3 Days in Iceland: The Perfect Reykjavik Itinerary for Your Trip

Last August, my teenage daughter and I spent three days in Reykjavik before setting off on an Iceland cruise, and it was the perfect way to start our adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering how to make the most of a short stay, this itinerary covers everything we loved. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploring the city.

We arrived on a red-eye flight and went straight to the Blue Lagoon to soak away our travel fatigue. The next day, we explored Iceland’s stunning landscapes on a Golden Circle tour, and on our final day, we unwound at the Sky Lagoon, experienced FlyOver Iceland, and did some souvenir shopping along Laugavegur, the city’s best shopping street.

If you’re visiting Reykjavik for a few days, this guide will help you plan an amazing trip without feeling rushed. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a friend, or taking a mother-daughter trip like we did, you’ll love this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation at the Blue Lagoon

Morning: Arriving in Iceland & Heading to the Blue Lagoon

After an overnight flight, we landed in Reykjavik early in the morning, running on excitement (and maybe a little exhaustion). Instead of heading straight to the hotel, we made a beeline for the Blue Lagoon, which is conveniently located closer to the airport than Reykjavik. If you’re arriving on a red-eye, this is hands-down the best way to start your trip.

We chose to pay for a taxi from the airport as the Blue Lagoon shuttle timing wasn’t great for our flight and I didn’t want to feel rushed or worried if our flight was delayed. The taxi cost us $77 USD and it was easy to grab one when we exited the airport.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon, we were able to drop our luggage off at a special kiosk in the parking lot. They charge about $5 a bag. Keep in mind that you do get access to a locker in the Blue Lagoon so you can bring your backpacks or purse with you.

If you’re planning to pop into the Blue Lagoon after your flight, be sure to pack a quick grab packing cube or tote that has your swimsuit and any body & personal care products (like lotion) you might want after the lagoon. Don’t forget a waterproof phone lanyard for taking photos while in the lagoon! (p.s. I’ve been thinking of getting this popular iridescent one for my next cruise)

Floating in the warm, mineral-rich water felt incredible after hours on a plane. The steam, the silica mud masks, and the peaceful surroundings made it the perfect spot to shake off jet lag and get welcomed to Iceland.

We spent about two hours here, which gave us plenty of time to relax without overdoing it. Our premium package let us try three of the four of the masks at the mask bar (Silica Mud Mask, Algae Mask, Mineral Mask, and Lava Scrub Mask). If you want a longer visit and extra pampering, the Retreat Spa offers a more exclusive experience, but the standard admission is plenty for a short first visit.

Afternoon: Check-In & Exploring Reykjavik

Feeling refreshed, we took the Blue Lagoon shuttle bus into Reykjavik and checked into our hotel. The bus is extremely convenient and costs about $32 per person. These transfer buses are larger and will drop you at a transit center where you’ll transfer to a smaller shuttle bus that takes you to a stop near your hotel. A taxi from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik will cost you around $120-$140.

There are plenty of great hotel options in Reykjavik, but staying somewhere central makes it easier to walk to the main sights. This trip we stayed at the Exeter Hotel.

Once we dropped our bags, we grabbed lunch at Le Cock, the restaurant in our hotel lobby. Then we headed out for a casual stroll to get a feel for the city. Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s iconic church, was our first stop. You can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views, but we skipped it this time. We also checked out the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall along the waterfront.

Evening: Dinner & Early Night

For dinner, we wanted something delicious but not too heavy, so we opted for fish and chips—a must-try in Iceland. There are plenty of great spots to choose from, and we had thought to go to the Grandi district to eat at the Grandi Matholl (food hall) or Kaffivagninn which are both well rated. However, we were tired and so went Reykjavik Fish Restaurant next door to our hotel, and it was a great experience.

After dinner we were more than ready for an early night. Between the flight, the Blue Lagoon, and walking around the city, we were exhausted but also very happy.

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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

For our second day in Iceland, we booked a Golden Circle tour with Hidden Iceland, and it was absolutely worth it! At the time, they offered small-group tours, which made the experience feel personal and well-paced. Now, they focus exclusively on private tours, which is a great option if you want a more customized experience. They hire truly excellent tour guides and have the timing down to avoid the biggest crowds.

If you’re looking a more budget friendly small-group Golden Circle tour, check out this well-rated small-group tour that doesn’t include the tomato farm, or this small-group tour that includes all the stops but costs a bit more, or this well-rated small-group tour that goes to the tomato farm but doesn’t include the Secret Lagoon.

Morning: Secret Lagoon Hot Springs & Friðheimar Greenhouse Lunch

We kicked off the day with a relaxing soak at the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s oldest natural hot springs. It felt like the perfect way to ease into a busy day of sightseeing. The warm, mineral-rich water was so soothing, and since we arrived early, it wasn’t too crowded. There’s even a small bubbling geyser nearby that erupts every few minutes!

The water here is fairly clear when you’re comparing it to the Blue Lagoon. You can work your way around the pool to find varying temperatures of water since the water directly comes from natural hot springs nearby. Keep in mind you’ll need to rent a towel if you don’t bring your own, and it costs about $6-7 USD.

After that, we headed to Friðheimar, a family-run geothermal tomato greenhouse, for lunch. This place is such a cool experience because you get to dine right inside the greenhouse, surrounded by rows of tomato plants. Their famous tomato soup buffet is extremely popular and it comes with freshly baked bread. I wasn’t in the mood for soup and chose the tomato ravioli which was delicious! They also serve tomato beer, Bloody Marys, and even tomato ice cream!

Midday: Gullfoss Waterfall & Geysir Hot Springs

Next, we visited Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Standing near the edge and feeling the mist on our faces while watching the water crash down was incredible. The walking paths take you to different viewpoints, so it’s worth spending a little time exploring.

From there, we made our way to the Geysir Hot Springs area, home to Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. It erupts every 4-10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Even though you know it’s coming, it still surprises you every time! Our guide even gave us a tip for watching the water to start to boil to give you a split second alert to start recording.

Afternoon: Thingvellir National Park

Our final stop was Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically significant places in Iceland. It’s where Iceland’s first parliament was established in 930 AD, and it’s also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Walking through the dramatic landscape, knowing you were walking along the end of a tectonic plate of the earth felt surreal.

Evening: Dinner at Pósthús Food Hall

After a full day of sightseeing, we wanted something casual but delicious for dinner. Pósthús Food Hall was perfect—it has a variety of food stalls, so everyone can find something they like. We tried the seafood from Fjöruborðið Fish House, while my daughter went for a burger from Hipstur. The atmosphere was relaxed, and it was a great spot to wind down after an adventure-filled day.

I’m so glad we took a Golden Circle tour as it put us in awe of Iceland’s natural beauty. It was the kind of day that left us with incredible memories and an appreciation for the landscapes that make this country so special.

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Day 3: FlyOver Iceland, Exploring Reykjavik & Relaxing at Sky Lagoon

For our last full day in Iceland, we wanted to mix in a little adventure, some time to explore the city, and a relaxing finish before heading off on our Windstar Iceland Cruise. We started with an immersive flying experience, spent the afternoon strolling through Reykjavik, and ended the day unwinding at one of the best geothermal lagoons in Iceland.

Morning: FlyOver Iceland

We kicked off the day with FlyOver Iceland, which I did previously and couldn’t wait to share it with my daughter! It’s a 4D virtual flight that takes you soaring over Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, from volcanoes and glaciers to waterfalls and fjords. If you’ve been on Disney’s Soarin’ ride, this is very similar. The seats float in front of a movie screen and you’ll feel mist in the air, and the sensation of wind rushing past you. It’s a great way to see parts of Iceland you might not get to visit in person.

Since FlyOver Iceland is located near the Grandi area, we grabbed a quick coffee and pastry at Kaffivagninn, which is considered the oldest restaurant in Iceland, before heading into the city center. There is a cafe at FlyOver Iceland that serves food and drinks as well – and their gift shop has a lot of great souvenirs!

Midday: Exploring Reykjavik & Shopping in Laugavegur

After our morning adventure, we spent the afternoon wandering through Reykjavik. There’s so much to see, and the city is incredibly walkable. We grabbed lunch at one of the many shops that are in the area and I don’t recall the name.

We strolled down Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, and we found some great shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa), lava jewelry, and locally made skincare products. If you’re looking for unique gifts, Handknitting Association of Iceland and Iceland Memories are fun places to browse.

Evening: Sky Lagoon & Dinner at Smakk Bar

To wrap up our trip, we spent the evening at Sky Lagoon, one hot spring that is closest to Reykjavik. This lagoon has a completely different feel from the Blue Lagoon. It feels a little more luxurious, especially if you get the Sky Pass that gives you private changing rooms. The water is crystal clear and warm and the infinity overlook is a great spot to relax.

The highlight here is the seven-step Skjól Ritual, where you move from the warm infinity pool to an ice bath, sauna, mist shower, body scrub, steam room, and shower. It’s part of Icelandic tradition and is incredibly refreshing and left us feeling healthy.

After soaking up the views (literally), we had dinner at Smakk Bar, the lagoon’s on-site restaurant. The menu focuses on Icelandic small plates, so we got to try a variety of local flavors. Everything was fresh and beautifully presented, making for a relaxed and delicious final meal.

Final Thoughts on Reykjavik & Our 3-Day Itinerary

Looking back, these three days were the perfect way to experience Reykjavik’s best sights, natural wonders, and local culture. We packed in a lot, but never felt rushed, and ending with a peaceful evening at Sky Lagoon was the perfect sendoff for our one-week Iceland cruise.

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik for a stopover and only have a few days, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of it!

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