The Icelandic capital Reykjavik is a small city compared to international standards but that doesn’t mean it has little to offer visitors to this Nordic island nation. While many people head straight for the Golden Circle, the waterfalls, the volcanoes, the hot springs and the Game of Thrones set pieces, Reykjavik has plenty to offer those who take the time to pause for at least 48 hours in Reykjavik.

Despite its increasing popularity as an alternative travel destination, Reykjavík managed to keep its unique Icelandic character. There is nothing hectic and stressful about this capital city.

Reykjavik may be small, but you can easily spend a couple of days to explore in and around the city. This 2 day itinerary will help you make the best of your 48 hours in Reykjavik.

From Perlan, find your way to the Ægissíða bike and footpath that lines Reykjavik’s coast. The Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is not even a kilometer away from Perlan. Nauthólsvík is a man-made beach where part of the cold North Atlantic Ocean has been closed off in a lagoon and the water heated to a refreshing swimming temperature. Of course, there are also steam baths and hot tubs to relax in!

Tip: Nauthólsvík even has grills where you can BBQ your own meat or hot dogs instead of going to an expensive restaurant for dinner.

Admission: Use of the beach, hot tubs, changing rooms, and restrooms is free in summer. In winter, the admission is ISK 500.

Start your day at the Arbaer open-air museum with its more than 20 quaint old buildings forming a town square, a village, and a farm. The buildings were transported from their original sites to Arbaer, about 2.5 miles southeast of the city center, and include 19th-century homes, a turf-roofed church, and stables, barns and boathouses.

A walk through Arbaer will take you back in time in Reykjavik, showing off the architecture and way of life of citizens past. Exhibitions and special events highlight different periods in Reykjavík’s history.

Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm from June to August and 1pm to 5pm from September to May

Admission: Adults pay 1,600 ISK and children under 18 enter free of charge

Reykjavik’s harborside has so much to explore you can easily spend the rest of the afternoon and evening here, starting with the Víkin Sjóminjasafn or the Reykjavik Maritime Museum. The museum is in an old fish freezing plant in the old harbor area. Fishing plays an important role in the history of Iceland and is the foundation of the country’s prosperity.

A highlight is to take a guided tour of the former coast guard vessel Óðinn, which is anchored to the pier next to the museum. The ship took part in all three Cod Wars and has a 57mm cannon on its bow.

Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm  with guided tours of at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
Admission: Adults pay ISK 1,600 to enter the museum and ISK 1,300 to tour Óðinn. A combo ticket costs ISK 2,400. Kids under 17 are free.

Tip: Take a boat tour from the harbor if you have time. The 1 ½ hour cruise in a traditional fishing vessel in the bay of Faxaflói can be recommended. You will see many species of birds and fantastic views of the city, the islands Engey and Videy, and the mountains surrounding Reykjavík.

If you want to see whales, rather head to the Whales of Iceland Museum than going on a whale watching boat ride. Sightings are rare in this part of the Atlantic and you may just get seasick on the choppy water. Whales of Iceland boasts 23 man-made life-size models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters throughout its natural history.

End your 48 hours in Reykjavik on a high note with an unforgettable sunset hour on the waterfront next to Reykjavik’s glittering concert hall and conference center. The Harpa is a striking glass and steel building designed by architect Olafur Eliasson. It was clouded in controversy when construction had to be halted during Iceland’s financial crash in 2008. The building was only completed when the government pledged way more money than was originally budgeted for – something they are thanked for by every Icelander and visitor who witness the glass panels sparkle like diamonds in the sun.

If you truly want to make the most of your last night in Reykjavik, why not attend an evening concert? Just take note that you may have to book in advance. Otherwise, consider taking a guided tour inside the Harpa for all the inside secrets and unique photographic angles.

Opening hours: Daily from 8am to midnight
Guided tours: Daily at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm from June 19th – August 25th
Weekdays at 1pm, 3:30pm* and 4:30p, / Weekends at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm from August 26th – June 18th (2018) *Except on Tuesdays
Admission: 1.500 ISK for adults and free for children under 16 years

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. That means it gets the midnight sun in summer but winters are characterized by long, dark nights. August is the last official month of Iceland’s (short) summer. Temperatures at the end of August can range between 50 and 60°F (10 to 15 °C). The upside of visiting in summer is that you have more daylight hours to explore and do things. The downside is that you probably won’t see the Northern lights. The best time to see these is between September and May.

Renting a car is one of the cheapest options to get around Iceland and Reykjavik. However, keep in mind that Iceland is an expensive country and car rental cost could be very high in peak seasons compared to other destinations. You can also use the city buses, but you either need the exact fare of 440 ISK in cash, the Strætó app with a valid and activated ticket on your phone or a valid Reykjavík City Card to use the bus. You can also buy single bus tickets at the 10/11 stores.

Have you been to Reykjavik? What did you like the most in the city? How did you spend your 48 hours in Reykjavik? Any tips and recommendations? Comment below!

Find out more things to do and travel recommendations for Europe: Sicily, Barcelona, Ibiza, Monte Carlo, Malta.