From black sand and ethereal blue lagoons to snow-capped mountains and an all-night party scene, Reykjavík is a must-visit city for foodies and adventurers alike. There are plenty of affordable adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice that are guaranteed to bring your Instagram feed to life.
FRIDAY
2pm: Hot dog time
First, grab a quick lunch from Rekyjavík’s numerous hot dog stands. Baejarins Beztu Pylsur has served traditional pork, beef and lamb sausages since 1937. Ask for eina med ollu (the works) which includes ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onions and remoulade.
3pm: Peek inside Reykjavík’s formidable church
The Icelandic skyline wouldn’t be complete without the famous Hallgrímskirkja church. Designed to mimic the forms created when lava cools into basalt rock, this imposing structure can be seen from almost everywhere in the country’s capital. You can climb the tower for a spectacular view over the city’s colourful roofs and icy waters.
5pm: Time for a sundowner
Sip a whisky sour overlooking Reykjavík’s bustling harbour in the cosy wooden bar at Slippbarinn. Happy hour here will delight you and is easy on the wallet.
7.30pm: Sample Icelandic cuisine
Fish is a staple part of the Icelandic diet. The Old Iceland Restaurant dishes up the best traditional fare Reykjavík has to offer. Try their pan-fried ling fillet with basil pesto, celeriac, potatoes, cherry tomatoes and capers. Nearby, you might spot restaurants selling hákarl (Icelandic fermented shark) – a dish for the daredevils!
SATURDAY
9.30am: Golden Circle day trip
The most affordable way to see Iceland is on a bus tour of the unmissable Golden Circle. Climb aboard for a whistle-stop jaunt around the city’s stunning surrounding countryside.
10.30am: Snorkel between tectonic plates
Magma erupting through the earth’s crust created the beautiful Thingvellir National Park, situated directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Iceland is the only country where this rift can be seen above sea level. Experience it in the most dramatic way by snorkelling at Silfra, an area filled with fresh spring water within the park. With underwater visibility of more than 100 metres, it’s some of the clearest water on the planet.
1pm: Admire mighty waterfalls
Iceland is known for its iconic waterfalls and Gullfoss, or ‘Golden Falls’, is one of the most spectacular to visit. Watch the river Hvítá cascade 105ft down the canyon face, pushing bursts of fresh spray up into the air. It’s a truly breathtaking sight.
3pm: Feel geysers shake the earth
Gaze in awe at the astonishing active geysers at Geysir and Strokkur as they blast boiling-hot glacial water up through the lava rock into the icy air, every five to ten minutes. Yellow, green and red land surrounds the geysers, which are dyed with sulphur, copper and iron beneath the ground.
8pm: Tuck into Icelandic street food
On a budget? Reykjavík offers a huge range of street food pit-stops. Head to 101 Reykjavík Street Food for the country’s best fish and chips or a delicious lobster soup.
10pm: Party nights
A trip to Reykjavík isn’t complete without embracing the capital’s nightlife. Kaffibarinn, a hipster joint co-owned by Blur’s Damon Albarn, pumps out alternative and electro tunes into the early hours. Heavy metal fans should head to Bar 11 or try Gaukurin, home to Iceland’s glitzy drag scene, which handily serves vegan food for late-night nibbles.
SUNDAY
10am: See the world in monochrome
Head out to the famous black beach, Reynisfjara. Marvel at the Atlantic waves crashing against towering basalt sea stacks, which legend says were once trolls trying to lure ships into the coastline! Wear a colourful coat for the perfect photo against a monochrome palette of white sky, grey sea and dark sand.
3pm: Enjoy some me-time
Time to rest those weary legs by relaxing in Iceland’s famous hot springs. The Blue Lagoon, filled with geothermal seawater, is a top spot thanks to its dreamy blue glow. For a more local experience, head to the Secret Lagoon. Just between Reynisfjara and Rekyjavík, it’s Iceland’s oldest swimming baths filled with 38°C water. You’ll still get that steamy Instagram-worthy shot, just without the crowds.
7pm: Experience the Northern Lights
Once the sun has set, the Northern Lights illuminate Iceland’s skies on clear evenings. Head to RIO Reykjavík by the harbour for dinner before boarding a boat tour to watch the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky. Visit between November and March near a new moon for the best chance of seeing these kaleidoscopic illuminations in their full glory.
Excited to check out the cosmopolitan city of Reykjavík? Why not book a Jet2CityBreak to see Iceland and the Northern Lights? You can make the most of a long weekend in this dazzling destination. Flights, accommodation and 22kg baggage are all included in your booking. Jet2CityBreaks to Iceland depart from six UK airports: Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle. What are you waiting for?