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Welcome to your 48 hour guide to Reykjavik! Having just finished my tour of the Golden Circle, it was time for me to explore Reykjavik. With so much on offer I wanted to make the most of my time here. We had arrived back in the city the night before. And with some good company, we stayed up into the late hours with our Gull beers planning our time.

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Accommodation:
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
Airport Transfer

Activities:
FlyOver Iceland
Sky Lagoon
Perlan Museum

Unfortunately the weather had over plans, with a snowstorm gripping the city. And now a little hungover, we started our morning by moving our bags to our next hotel. We would be staying at the Center Hotels Arnarhvoll for the remainder of our stay. Which worked out perfectly as we were within walking distance to the majority of our plans. We even had a view of the Harpa Concert Hall whilst we had our breakfast. We wouldn’t let the weather stop us though I layered up, made my way outside and faced the storm.

I kicked off my 48 hours in Reykjavik at the Phallological Museum. From whale to human, the museum’s unique collection of penises provided a fascinating (and at times hilarious) glimpse into the diversity of nature. It’s an odd start to the day but it is one of Reykjavik’s most popular attractions.

If you don’t mind travelling a little bit further, and would rather learn about the nature of Iceland, then you can always head to the Perlan Museum instead. The Perlan Museum focuses on nature, wildlife and the Northern lights. You can read about it more in detail here.

In retrospect, it may have been a little early in the morning for that sort of content. But by the time we had finished, it was nearly lunch. The cafeteria was full. So once again we readied ourselves for the weather and made our way outside.

Deciding it would be a good opportunity to have lunch whilst we sheltered from the storm, we set off to find a restaurant. The smart thing to do would have been to do a quick Google whilst we were protected from the elements in the museum. Instead, we walked in a direction we thought we had seen restaurants earlier. 

After aimlessly heading in circles we were lucky enough to find the FoodCellar. And what a gem we had stumbled on. We had visited at a time when the restaurant was nearly empty. Whilst we warmed our bones underground, enjoying beautifully cooked steaks with our Icelandic Gull beers. Moments like this are what Reykjavik is about. Getting comfortable somewhere warm, with fantastic food, reminiscing and swapping stories with both new and old friends.

It was now time to say goodbye to one of my friends, as they had to catch the bus to the airport for their flight home. The storm was still raging, but luckily their meeting point was just outside the Harpa Concert Hall. I would like to say we stood with him in the storm out of solidarity, but instead we toasted to him from the bar inside with a glass of wine whilst we kept an eye on him through the window. 

To me concert halls are some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Each one has their own air around them. the Harpa Concert Hall’s futuristic architecture was just inspiring to be around, even when you aren’t seeing a show.

To see adverts of the upcoming performances and drinking in the hall’s bar gives a sense of occasion you don’t get in regular bars. It was nice to walk around and admire, then enjoy a glass of wine in the bar before braving the snow for our next destination. 

Now the Icelandic Punk Museum was harder to find than I thought. It’s hidden below ground in a renovated public toilet. Iceland has a vibrant history of Icelandic punk. Raw energy, DIY ethos, and a rebellious spirit echoed through the exhibits, encapsulating the evolution of a genre that’s deeply woven into the city’s identity. But I relished the opportunity to channel my inner rebel. Trying on the jackets and playing the drums is highly encouraged here. 

By the time we had emerged from the Punk Museum the weather had started to calm. As it was around the corner, we used the opportunity to get some photos on Rainbow Street. This street was painted for pride, but has become such a popular attraction it’s remained ever since and become a photo opportunity for tourists. Especially with Hallgrimskirkja in its background.

We caught it at a quiet time as well. However I did return again before my flight to get it completely empty. If you want to grab some dinner then you are spoilt for choice, as Rainbow Street sits parallel to the strip. Giving you ample choice to find some food, however Mama Reykjavik is a very popular choice. Quite literally its a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I love a good bar in the evenings, and Reykjavik is home to my favourite. We went to the Einstök Bar, which had a cosy warm cosy vibe perfect to shield yourself from the Icelandic weather in. The staff were incredibly welcoming, often encouraging us to order our cocktails off the menu.

Each round we were asked what spirits we enjoyed, and do we prefer sweet or sour flavours. And each time they surprised us with new and exciting cocktails. But if cocktails aren’t your thing and you just want a cocktail, Einstök are the #1 brewer of craft beers in Iceland. 

And that is Day One in Reykjavik! Everything in the city is relatively close so you can easily mix the order up. But Day 2 will be just as exciting!

After a busy first day exploring the vibrant streets and iconic landmarks, our second day promises to be just as magical. If you havent read about Day One yet, you can do that here! But with a day where I spend a morning soaring over Iceland, a rejuvenating afternoon soaking in the Sky Lagoon, and a delightful evening at the Einstök Bar, day two is looking just as promising.

Originally my plans were to hike a Volcano in the morning, before soaking in the waters of the Blue Lagoon. However, like a lot of my excursions here, Iceland had other plans for me. The night prior in Einstök I got a text to say my excursion had been cancelled due to adverse weather. I tried to book the Blue Lagoon separately but it was full all day. Luckily I always have a backup plan of activities. And thanks to a pamphlet I found on my bus to Reykjavik I knew exactly where to go. 

We decided our first stop should be the FlyOver Iceland experience. The morning’s weather had pretty much condemned us to indoor activities, but despite the snow, we walked there. It just may have taken longer than Google Maps predicted. As I didn’t have an official booking we thought it best to get to the Old Harbour early.

Unfortunately I should have checked the opening times, as we got to the door to find it was closed. I had also trodden in a puddle so my sock was soaked and freezing cold in the storm. But a quick google search took us to Kaffivagninn so we could warm up with a coffee (or hot chocolate for me) whilst we waited for FlyOver Iceland to open.

Eventually though it was opening time, and immediately I booked myself on. Even still I couldn’t get the first time slow due to bookings. But we got spaces on the next one and headed to the cafe inside and grabbed our second coffee (hot chocolate) of the morning.

Soon enough it was time for our immersive flight simulation experience, taking us on a virtual journey across Iceland’s most stunning landscapes. The technology is state-of-the-art, and storytelling captivating making this a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking an adrenaline rush and a deep connection with Iceland.

The FlyOver Iceland is a fantastic experience for any age and educates on Iceland’s nature, its past and its belief in trolls. If you want to book a FlyOver Iceland experience, you can do that with Get Your Guide.

I can’t lie, my heart sank when I got the text the night before saying my Blue Lagoon ticket had been cancelled. But as always I have a backup plan, and a few weeks earlier my airline had emailed me about the Sky Lagoon. When I visited it had only been open a few months, so the facilities were brand-spanking new. So it was a no-brainer where I was going to go. Getting a taxi is really easy in Reykjavik, with a lot of venues having a button to summon one for you. 

The great thing about the Sky Lagoon is that its a lot closer to Reykjavik city centre than the Blue Lagoon. Making it a lot easier to fit into a day amongst other activities. The facilities here are absolutely stunning, from the swim-up bar to the infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic. It’s easy to forget how close you are to the city. Nestled in amongst the lava rocks the majority of buildings are blocked from view. 

Despite the crisp cold air I remained toasty and warm, and enjoyed my share of Gull beer from the bar. I didn’t opt for the 7 step ritual. However when I inevitably return to Iceland I will not make that mistake again. But after a week of exploring the cold, the mineral-rich waters was the perfect final activity for me to complete.

I left feeling invigorated and refreshed, excited for my final evening ahead. If you want to book a treatment for the Sky Lagoon, you can do that with Get Your Guide using the link or the widget below.

Whenever I travel I love to save my favourite bar for the final night. It just means I have a guaranteed warm memory to see off my time in a new city. With fantastic cocktails, it’s hard to go wrong. But the area is full of fantastic places to enjoy food and drinks, so get out and explore! 

Of course, after drinking it’s never wise to go to bed on an empty stomach (especially with an early-morning flight). And where else would be open at nearly 3 am? Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur of course. Hot dogs are a much better night-out snack than the kebab as is tradition back in the UK. They are also probably one of Reykjavik’s cheapest meals (which with Reykjavik prices is probably saying something). Costing around £4 per hot dog. That didn’t stop me order 2 or 3 at a time though. 

And that brings an end to my 48 hours in Reykjavik. I hope it helped give you inspiration for your own trip. Read more details about what you can do in Reykjavik by clicking the link below. Or get out of the city and learn more about the Golden Circle.