Cheap city break Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a colourful city break full of geothermal baths, design cafes and the northern lights within reach, and the gateway to all of Iceland. Flights from Schiphol from €150 return, 3 days from €380 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Reykjavik →When is the best time to go?
June to August is all about the midnight sun and hiking trails (12 to 18 degrees). September to March is northern lights season: dark, often clear nights with a high chance, as long as you avoid the full moon and city lights. December has Christmas atmosphere but only four hours of daylight. February is the best compromise, with enough daylight and a good chance of the northern lights. Flights are cheapest outside summer and the Christmas period.
The best areas in Reykjavik
- 101 Reykjavik (centre) Around the Laugavegur shopping street, with colourful facades, indie shops and coffee houses.
- Old Harbour Whale-watching tours, fish shacks and the Sun Voyager sculpture along the water.
- Grandi A former harbour district, now full of design, the Whales of Iceland museum and street food in the Grandi hall.
- Vesturbaer A local residential area with the beloved Vesturbaejarlaug pool and cheap hot dogs.
- Laugardalur A city park with the largest geothermal pool in town, about 8 euro entry.
Top 5 things to do in Reykjavik
- Golden Circle day trip Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss; rental car from 60 to 80 euro per day or a bus tour from 70 euro.
- Hallgrimskirkja tower The lift to the viewing tower of the iconic church costs 1,400 ISK (about 9 euro) and gives the best 360 degree view.
- Northern lights hunt September to March; avoid the full moon and check aurora-forecast.is for the odds.
- Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon A geothermal bath near the airport (book in advance, from about 70 euro) or the newer Sky Lagoon with sea views; go early for the fewest people.
- Harpa and Sun Voyager The glass concert hall on the harbour and the steel viking-ship sculpture, both free and iconic at sunset.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
Flights to Reykjavik run direct from Schiphol all year: Icelandair (about 13 times a week), Transavia (about 7 times a week, from 87 euro one way) and KLM fly to Keflavik (KEF) in 3 hours 20, 50 minutes from the city. The Flybus takes you to the centre for about 36 euro. Locally the Straeto city bus is 4 euro per ride; for the Golden Circle and the northern lights a rental car is strongly recommended.
What does a Reykjavik city break cost?
Reykjavik is pricey, but travelling smart saves a lot. Hostels from 40 euro, mid-range hotels 130 to 200 euro, apartments around 170 euro per night. Food: a hot dog 5 euro, lunch 18 to 22 euro, dinner 35 to 50 euro. Insider tip: cook your own meals with groceries from the Bonus supermarket and use the municipal geothermal pools (from about 8 euro) instead of the pricey Blue Lagoon. Budget from 380 euro per person for a 3 day city break including a flight.
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Frequently asked questions about Reykjavik
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
September to March for the northern lights and June to August for the midnight sun; February is a nice compromise with daylight and a good chance of the northern lights.
What do flights to Reykjavik cost?
From about €150 return from Schiphol with Transavia or Icelandair; the direct flight to Keflavik takes 3 hours 20.
Which area is best to stay in Reykjavik?
101 Reykjavik around the Laugavegur is the best first choice: central, colourful and within walking distance of everything.
What does a Reykjavik city break cost?
From €380 per person for 3 days including a flight; hostels from €40 and mid-range hotels €130 to 200 per night.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Reykjavik?
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