How to spend a day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital, and it feels exactly like that. It is a city of corrugated iron contrasted by colorful rooftops. For cruise passengers, the city is a bit of a strategic puzzle. Depending on where your ship docks, either Midbakki quay in the Old Harbour or the larger Skarfabakki terminal, you have to decide how far you want to push into the Icelandic before making it back to the ship for your departure. 

The Golden Circle

If this is your first time in Iceland and you want to see as much as possible, the Golden Circle is the mandatory choice. It is a roughly 300km loop that starts and ends in the city. You begin at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates literally pulling apart. It is also the site of the world’s oldest parliament, established in 930 AD.

Continuing the loop, you’ll reach the Geysir Geothermal Area. While the original Geysir is mostly dormant, its neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes with clockwork reliability, sending boiling water 20 meters into the air. The final anchor of the circle is Gullfoss, a massive, two-tiered waterfall that thunders into a deep canyon. In the wind, the mist will soak you in seconds, so a waterproof shell is your best friend here. Most ship excursions for this route take six to eight hours, so keep an eye on your watch.

There are plenty of other stops along the Golden Circle as well, some tours will make a stop at the Secret Lagoon, the oldest man-made pool in Iceland fed by natural hot springs. There is also the Kerio Crater, a volcanic crater with steep iron-red rock walls leading down into a circular pool. Or you might stop at the famous Frioheimar Tomato Farm, a restaurant built inside of a greenhouse powered by geothermal energy, where you eat dishes celebrating the tomatoes you are surrounded by. 

The Two Lagoons

If you want to spend your day soaking rather than sightseeing, you have two major options within striking distance of the port. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous choice, located in a sprawling lava field about 45 minutes from the city. It’s waters are world-renowned for skin healing. However, given that the Reykjanes peninsula has been geologically active recently, it is vital to check the current status before you leave the ship, as seismic activity can occasionally lead to temporary closures.

For those who want to stay closer to the harbor, the Sky Lagoon has quickly become an excellent alternative. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, it features an infinity edge that looks out over the North Atlantic Ocean. Their seven step ritual, which includes a cold plunge, sauna, and a traditional scrub, is the perfect way to reset after days at sea. One downside of the Sky Lagoon is in busier periods you are unable to return to the previous steps of the ritual, once you’re done that’s it for your entry fee. 

Walking the Downtown Streets

The downtown core, known locally by its postal code 101, is incredibly walkable and packed with architectural oddities. The skyline is dominated by Hallgrimskirkja, a massive concrete church designed to mimic the basalt lava columns found along the Icelandic coast. Taking the elevator to the top offers the best 360-degree view of the city’s primary-colored roofs and the surrounding mountains.

From the church, you can wander down toward the water to find the Harpa Concert Hall. This glass masterpiece is a geometric wonder, with its honeycomb glass structure creating shifting light patterns that change with the weather. A short walk along the coastal path leads you to the Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture that looks like a skeletal Viking ship. It was intended by the artist to be a dream boat and an ode to the sun, and it remains the city’s most photographed landmark.

Icelandic Food and Shopping

Icelandic food has evolved far beyond the rather sour fermented shark. If you want a quick, iconic lunch, head to Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, a humble hot dog stand near the harbor that has been serving since 1937. Order one with everything to experience the unique sweet mustard and crispy onions that have made this a national obsession. For something sweeter, follow the scent of cardamom to Braud and Co, a graffiti-covered bakery opened in 2016 that has become one of the most popular food spots in all of Iceland. 

When it comes to taking a piece of Iceland home, focus on the craftsmanship that has defined life here for centuries. The Lopapeysa, or traditional wool sweater, is the ultimate souvenir. These are hand-knit from the wool of Icelandic sheep, which features two different types of fibers, one water-repellent and one insulating, making them uniquely suited for the North Atlantic climate. These can be expensive, but they’re all one of a kind. Be sure to look out for the Handknitting Association of Iceland in the aforementioned 101 area for authentic sweaters.

 Other distinct options include jewelry made from black basaltic lava rock or a jar of geothermal sea salt harvested from the Westfjords.

Practical Logistics for the Port Stop

Getting around Reykjavik is straightforward. If you dock at Skarfabakki, your ship will likely provide a shuttle that drops you off at the Harpa Concert Hall, putting you right in the center of the action. Taxis are plentiful but expensive, so the shuttle or the local Klappid bus app are your best bets for short hops. Remember that Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle; if you don’t like it, wait five minutes, but always keep your layers close.