A Nordic island nation rich with dramatic landscapes, Iceland is known for spectacular views and adventurous encounters. Home to the majority of the country’s population, Reykjavík, Iceland’s flourishing capital, offers visitors a number of unique travel experiences as well as luxurious accommodations. With daring cuisine, a world-class concert hall, an abundance of national parks, and scenery featured on Game of Thrones (there’s even a tour of the Wall!), it’s no surprise that tourism continues to grow. When it comes to planning your own Icelandic itinerary, look no further than this tried-and-true list of Reykjavík’s most stunning architectural landmarks and must-see attractions.
10 A.M. Start your day with a bold cup of Icelandic coffee from Reykjavík Roasters (Kárastígur 1), downtown Reykjavík’s go-to spot for all things freshly brewed, or enjoy a hot beverage from Mokka-Kaffi (Skólavörðustígur 3), one of the city’s oldest cafés. Founded in 1958, Mokka-Kaffi once doubled as an art gallery and continues to sell local art, along with their famous waffles.
10:30 A.M. Take a trip to the city center to see the iconic HallGrímskirkja Church, designed by Guðjón Samuel, a state architect who was inspired by the shapes created when lava cools into basalt rock. Completed in 1986, the modernist church has a concrete façade that pays homage to the Icelandic landscape. An observation area at the top of the church, accessible by elevator, is the perfect place to snap a photo of the city. Hallgrímstorg 101; en.hallgrimskirkja.is
11:30 A.M. Iceland offers an impressive assortment of whale watching tours, but there’s no guarantee you’ll spot one of the gentle giants out at sea.. Reykjavík gives visitors the chance to gaze upon not one but all 23 whale species found within Icelandic waters at the Whales of Iceland Museum, the largest whale exhibition in Europe. Here, hand-painted life-size models highlight the unique characteristics of the species. Fiskislóð 23; whalesoficeland.is
12:30 P.M. For lunch, head over to Dill (open Wed. to Sat.; Hverfisgötu 12) to enjoy one of Reykjavík’s finest examples of Icelandic cuisine. A pioneer in Nordic food, chef Gunnar Karl Gislason devises a seasonal menu honoring simple, locally grown ingredients and age-old cooking traditions. For those looking for more adventurous cuisine, visitors at 3 Frakkar (Baldursgata 14) can try one of Iceland’s most notorious meals—fermented shark.
1:30 P.M. If you’re up for exploring the landscape, Reykjavík has a number of world-class tours that combine sightseeing with a daring twist. From walking on glaciers in Skaftafell National Park to taking a dip in Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, no territory is off-limits for an afternoon escapade.
6:30 P.M. Grab a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Tryggvatagata 1), the international food truck made famous after a 2004 visit from former president Bill Clinton, before heading over to Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre for an evening show (the venue is the future home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera). Designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, the magnificent structure was inspired by Iceland’s dramatic landscape, and features a steel framework embellished with a honeycomb pattern of colored glass panels. Austurbakka 2; en.harpa.is
