For sure Iceland has the WOW factor! It is one of the most beautiful and untainted European countries I have ever seen!
As soon as I got off the plane I fell in love with it!
And Reykjavik, its capital has something special and is completely different from any other capital city I have ever seen.
Spending one day in Reykjavik is the best way to end your Icelandic adventure!
Hallgrimskirkja Reykjavik Iceland
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world and the biggest city in Iceland.
In our opinion, you do not need more than one day in Iceland capital, Reykjavik for visiting the city and its top attractions.
A good thing about this city is that you can walk from one attraction to another!
Actually, it is quite relaxing and interesting to explore Reykjavik on foot.
Even if we had a car, we don’t use it. We left it in the hotel parking place and we explore the city on foot!
What to do one day in Reykjavik itinerary: top things to see
If I would have to make a top with the most interesting things to see in Reykjavik I would mention the following:
1. Hallgrimskirkja – the most iconic church of the city
Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Iceland. It is so tall that you cannot take photos with it from a low distance.
It has 74.5 meters high and was opened in 1986.
You can climb up to the tower and have a wonderful view of the city from up there.
There is a fee for climbing up to the tower but worth every penny!
2. National Museum of Iceland
Another important thing to do when you spend one day in Reykjavik is to visit the National Museum of Iceland.
It gives you the unique opportunity to see how locals lived, what their houses looked like, what things they used in their daily activities, and so on.
When you enter this museum is like traveling back in time.
3. Harpa
Harpa is a very modern and futuristic concert hall and conference center located right in the Old Harbor.
Reykjavik Harpa Iceland
The architect used the local landscape as an inspiration source when building this music hall.
It is one of the most important of this kind in Iceland. Each year, Harpa hosts many festivals and events.
The acoustic of the building is absolutely impressive so it would be just great to listen to a concert here.
4. The Sun Voyager
Wondering what to do with one day in Reykjavik Itinerary ?
One of the most iconic constructions from Reykjavik, the Sun Voyager is a stainless steel ship located across a bay that has become one of the most photographed places in Reykjavik.
Iceland Sun Voyager Iceland
It was designed by Jon Gunnar Arnason but unfortunately, the creator died before seeing this work done.
The ship points north over the bay to the Esjan mountain.
5. Lose yourself on their main commercial street to buy souvenirs
Your one day in Reykjavik could not be complete without a tour of the souvenir shops.
You have to buy something for your friends and for yourself, just to remind you what incredible moments you spend in Iceland.
Most of the souvenir shops are located close to each other, on the same street.
So, it is not that complicated to find them!
Souvenirs Gift Store Street
In the capital, you can find along with souvenirs shops a lot of fancy restaurants with fine dining where you can try local specialties.
Still, wondering what to do with one day in Reykjavik ?
Keep in mind that this city is also a good place for whale watching and puffin tours.
So, if you are interested in seeing these gentle giants in their natural environment do not hesitate and book a tour.
We strongly recommend you to try Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik.
The tours start in Reykjavik Old Harbour, just 5 minutes away from the city centre.
The tour lasts for about 3 hours and you will have the unique opportunity to see whales in their natural environment.
If you want to spend your one day in Reykjavik itinerary exploring the Golden Circle, there are a lot of tours to book from Reykjavik.
We recommend you to try two of them: Reykjavik: Golden-Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater or Reykjavik: Golden-Circle & Secret Lagoon Full-Day Tour.
If you want to have your own personalized experience of the Golden Circle without depending on others, you can rent a car and go by yourself in exploring the area.
Get the best price for your car rental today
It is a modern city that offers many possibilities and reflects very well the aspirations and the mentality of the Icelandic people.
The next day on our Journey we have spent it at Blue Lagoon and prepared for our flight back home. Continue reading our Iceland adventure here:
We wrote some more detailed articles on this subject here:
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