Seek and find
Last updated: February 9, 2019
Going on vacation to America? Make a stopover in Reykjavik.
I think Iceland and Reykjavik are destinations on many people's bucket lists. So how great is it to be able to check them off while actually en route to another city? Making stopovers… I LOVE IT! And that's how I ended up boarding a plane in Iceland for the third time last week. I know Reykjavik quite well by now, and it's always a treat to be there. Not only are the landscape and nature impressive, but so is the restaurant scene. There's now a comprehensive guide on YourLBB. Reykjavik City Guide full of hotspots that you definitely don't want to miss during a city trip to this special island.
I recently made another stopover with Icelandair on my way to Chicago (another great recommendation!). This time, it was just one night and a little over 24 hours. Curious about what you can do there? In this blog post, I'll give you my ultimate tips for a layover in Reykjavik! Also check out the video on our YouTube channel. YOURLBB.TV to get a good idea of the city:
Make the most of your stopover in Reykjavik
If you only have a short time somewhere, you naturally want to make the most of it! During our quick visit to Reykjavik, we stayed at the Marina hotel. That is together with the Kex Hostel One of the city's more modern hotels. The location is superbly central near the harbor and within walking distance of many restaurants and bars. The harbor area is one of Reykjavik's up-and-coming neighborhoods, and you'll find the hotspot Coocoo's Nest, for example.
DAY 1 >> Stopover in Reykjavik >>
Afternoon of arrival
Did you know the Blue Lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavik? Pack your swimsuit in your carry-on and check one of Iceland's most famous highlights off your bucket list. I've been to the Blue Lagoon twice myself. Blue Lagoon Been there? And yes, it's super touristy. But also really fun! The water is wonderfully warm, and it's the perfect place to relax. You can even get a drink at the swim-up bars! Smear yourself in the mineral-rich mud.
Extensive food and drinks
Dining out in Reykjavik is a blast! There are so many excellent restaurants. The great thing is that many restaurants offer tasting menus. You'll be served a variety of delicious dishes made with local ingredients. I've already tested quite a few restaurants in Reykjavik for you. Wonderful restaurants include: Fish Company, Grill Market, Fish Market, Sleeve of Pharmacy.
If you'd like a drink after dinner, you can find excellent cocktails at Apotek. Or go for craft beer at gastrobar Saeta Svinid.
DAY 2 >> Stopover in Reykjavik >>
Depending on your flight's departure time, you can do several things. I'll list a few tips for you!
Viewing street art
Reykjavik is home to a huge number of large murals by renowned street artists. For example, you'll find several pieces by the London Police (identifiable by the white figures).
Whale Tour
Do you have a morning left in Reykjavik? Then you can also Whale tour Book. I've done it a few times, but unfortunately... didn't see a whale! If this is one of those things you really want to do, check the season carefully to ensure you're there at the best time.
Golden Circle Tour
Want to see more of the island but have limited time? You can also book a tour where you just hop on and don't have to worry about much else. I'm not usually a fan of this, but in the case of a stopover, it's actually quite convenient because you don't waste time figuring things out, etc. I've seen the Golden Circle Tour Done, you'll see several of the island's highlights in just one day. Highly recommended if you have a full day in Iceland, as you'll visit geysers and waterfalls, among other things.
Kex Hostel, Reykjavik
travel tips for your city trip to Reykjavik:
HOW TO GET THERE:
► Several airlines fly daily from Amsterdam to Reykjavik. For example, budget airline WOW Air which already flies to Reykjavik from €99. Or fly with Iceland AirBoth airlines also offer a free stopover in Iceland on the way to New York. I've done it several times and highly recommend it for anyone's bucket list.
► Prefer an affordable package trip to Reykjavik? Via Tui you can book the super cool Apotek Hotel, among other things. View the best rates for a 4-day trip here >>Other providers are D-Travel en VacationDiscounter where you can find good deals if the hotel itself is less important to you.
THESE ARE OUR FAVORITE HOTELS IN REYKJAVIK:
⋙ KEX hostel: mega hip, nice interior and with a lot of hustle and bustle.
⋙ Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel: fantastic boutique hotel in a nice neighbourhood.
⋙ Apotek Hotel: classy boutique hotel with a good restaurant.
⋙101 Hotel: In this design hotel everything is black or white.
⋙Oddsson: super colorful trendy hostel.
PUT THIS ON YOUR REYKJAVIK BUCKET LIST:
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, Reykjavik
PSSSST... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!
- Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
- staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
- Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
- The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
Reykjavik Tips
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