Iceland’s rugged natural scenery and geothermal mysteries are what attract most visitors. Reykjavik is often overlooked as a destination, serving merely as an arrival and departure point for travel to far-flung glaciers, geysers, and other gems. But the capital city deserves a visit in its own right, and I intended to spend 2 days in Reykjavik on my trip to Iceland.
2 Days in Reykjavik
My flight to Keflavik Airport was delayed two hours, so a 10pm departure turned into a midnight one. I arrived in Iceland at 2am, but despite my jet lag, I was amazed to see it was still light outside.
The 24-hour daylight was something I’d looked forward to experiencing, and I marveled at the low light of dawn in the middle of the summer night.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik, Iceland
After taking an airport bus to the city, I arrived at 101 Hotel in Reykjavik at 4am. The boutique luxury hotel had invited me to stay on a complimentary basis for my 2 days in Reykjavik.
It was located right in the heart of the Icelandic capital, one block from the main shopping street and adjacent to a park that overlooked the sleek Reykjavik concert hall, Harpa.
The lobby area was straight out of a design magazine, complete with stacks of enticing art books, large black leather sofas, antiqued wooden chairs, and paintings and sculptures from local Icelandic artists.
Exhausted, I stumbled up to my room, which was on the fifth floor. It had wall-to-wall windows that overlooked the park, concert hall, and sea, offering great views of the city in the orange-and-purple light of early dawn.
Inside the small room was a large bed covered in starched white linens, a long desk and table, and an open bathroom with a large shower.
Aveda cosmetics sat atop the sink, and the creative mini bar was packed with everything from spa products to brain-teaser puzzles. The cherry on top was the free WiFi.
I only got three hours of sleep on the first night of my 2 days in Reykjavik. It wasn’t because of the light coming in through the heavy window shades or the noise of the late-night revelers outside, though.
No, it was because I had to wake up early to go on the best Golden Circle tour in Iceland.
Reykjavik Restaurants
But first I had to do what I do best: eat. I headed down to the ground floor restaurant to indulge in the breakfast buffet, which had an impressive spread.
There was fresh bread with delicious blackberry jam, bright orange smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumbers, scrambled eggs, a cheese platter, and a yogurt bar. It was buffet bliss.
The meal served me well for the long day on the Golden Circle tour. By the time I got back to the city, though, I was in need of more sustenance.
This came in the form of Dill restaurant, where I ate dinner on the first of my 2 days in Reykjavik. A friend had recommended it, saying he’d been served the best meal he’d eaten in a long time there. I was excited.
Dinner at Dill was a tasting menu that started with the most amazing butter I’ve ever had. Whipped and white, it was infused with pine nut oil and topped with pine needles and gray salt.
It was absolutely perfect for the Icelandic atmosphere. I could have eaten a whole bowl of it.
But I didn’t. I also had a salad of local shrimp, a main of Icelandic beef, and a dessert of strawberries and rhubarb with ice cream.
Most of the produce was grown in the restaurant’s garden, which was no small feat in such a cool climate. The meal was a winner.
After dinner I went back to 101 Hotel to sleep. I felt a little guilty for not taking part in the famous Reykjavik nightlife scene, but between jet lag and food coma, I was too tired.
Reykjavik Sightseeing
The next morning my 2 days in Reykjavik continued as I woke up to a beautiful sunny day.
After another go at the breakfast buffet, I stepped outside the 101 Hotel and soaked up the strong sun. Turning right, I headed to the shopping street for a bit of Reykjavik sightseeing.
The street was lined with boutiques, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and sporting goods stores.
Between the wide tree-lined road, the fresh, clean air, and the scarcity of people, it felt like a Scandinavian version of Jackson Hole or Lake Tahoe in summer. I loved it.
My Reykjavik sightseeing walk took me past the beautiful Hallgrimskirkja church, down another street with art galleries, souvenir shops, and quirky cafes, and through an indoor market.
My 2 days in Reykjavik continued as I walked past a tall ship with its stately masts standing proudly in the sunshine, through rows of cafes packed with brunching locals, and beside a large pond filled with ducks and seagulls.
All along the walk, I passed brightly colored houses with corrugated metal siding, concrete buildings painted blue and white, and beautiful new constructions made of glass.
The entire city looked as if it had been built in the last 50 years, and the place was so clean a stray Coke can sitting on a park bench looked like art.
Reykjavik Cafes
After my walk, I finished off my 2 days in Reykjavik by stopping at the quirky Laundromat Cafe to sit outside and enjoy a quick drink.
2 Days in Reykjavik
Then I walked back to 101 Hotel, picked up my bags, and caught the bus to Keflavik.
The 45-minute drive to the airport took me past beautiful scenery and colorful coastline, reminding me of the natural wonders of Iceland that attract so many visitors.
But I was happy to have had 2 days in Reykjavik, and glad that I’d given the Icelandic capital’s cool hotels, excellent restaurants, and great sightseeing opportunities their due.
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Both the hotel and restaurant look and sound amazing. I should know better than to read your posts before lunch!
Hi, saw your post on the thorn tree forum and headed over to check out your report. I’m going to Iceland 31st July (volcanoes permitting!) and am getting very excited now! Great pics. Reykjavik looks gorgeous.
Thanks agentbug! I hope you have a great trip, and that the volcanoes stay calm for you! 🙂
You were lucky with the weather!!! I’m originally from Reykjavík and I must say those beautiful pictures made me truly happy, catching the city from it’s very best sides 🙂
Thanks Sigrun! I was really happy to get so lucky with the weather on my trip!