Day 1: the old town and Hallgrímskirkja
Start the trip in central Reykjavík, walking along Laugavegur street, visiting Hallgrímskirkja church and wandering the colorful streets around it. The church tower offers one of the best panoramic views over the city and is well worth the climb. Continue to Harpa, the concert hall by the sea, and wind down the afternoon at the old harbour, where you will find bars and restaurants with a strong selection of fresh seafood.
Staying at Old Town Reykjavik makes this first day considerably easier, since most of these landmarks are within a short walk of the property.
Day 2: the Golden Circle
The second day is traditionally dedicated to the Golden Circle, the classic route that includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. You can cover this route with a rental car or join an organized tour departing from the city. Returning to Reykjavík in the late afternoon, it is worth setting aside time to rest before dinner, since it is a day with a fair amount of driving and walking.
Day 3: coastline, museums and last-minute shopping
On the final day, spend the morning exploring the waterfront, including the Sun Voyager sculpture and the seaside walk toward Harpa. In the afternoon, it is a good opportunity to visit one of the city's museums dedicated to Icelandic history or Viking culture, or simply to squeeze in some last-minute shopping for Icelandic wool and local products along Laugavegur.
Travelers staying at Arctic Comfort Hotel or Vidines Guesthouse have the advantage of being a comfortable distance from downtown for this kind of relaxed walk, without needing to rush for transport.
Tips for planning the itinerary
Reykjavík is a small city, and most of the central sights can be covered on foot in a few hours, which frees up time for the day tours outside the city that are the real highlight of any trip to Iceland. Book tours in advance, especially during high season, and always check the weather forecast before heading out, since conditions in Iceland can change quickly.
What to do with extra time
Travelers with a few extra days can easily extend this itinerary with a day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as a miniature version of Iceland itself, with glaciers, black sand beaches and small fishing villages. Another popular choice is dedicating a day to the South Coast, stopping at waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which tend to feel far calmer than the main Golden Circle route. These tours usually depart early in the morning, so it is worth confirming the exact pickup time with your accommodation the day before. Both trips can be done as a full-day tour from Reykjavík, which means you do not need to change accommodation to fit them into the itinerary.
Hotel island is also a practical base for this three-day itinerary, with good proximity to both the historic center and the departure points for organized tours.
Discover more accommodation options in Reykjavík and start planning your three-day itinerary through Iceland's capital today.
