48 Hours In Reykjavik
The capital of the land made of ice (well maybe not quite, false advertising we’d call it), Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and thanks to mother nature, the home of some of the world’s most incredible sights. Although 48 hours is not enough in any city, here at Pelikin, we can sure try and give you a guide of the best places to see and things to do in the little time you will have in the incredible Reykjavik.
Must-Do’s in Reykjavik
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Icelands most popular attractions, and there is no surprise to why. This unique world famous tourist attraction has been listed one of the top 10 spas in the world, plus it’s also argued to be one of the wonder of the world.
Run through the cold crisp air in your swimwear and plunge into the hot milky blue water. The rich minerals in the water will do wonders for your skin, plus you’re able to cover your face and body in the free natural clay. A sauna and steam room outside the water are available to use.
Of course, if it isn’t on instagram then have you even been? That’s why they sell special phone protectors which consist of a lanyard and plastic covering so you can protect your phone from splash-backs of the water, or the hot steam that will cover your camera as you take that spectacular shot. But you must still be careful, these cases don’t magically make your phone waterproof. So make sure to keep it above water levels. For additional coverage we’d reccomend getting hold of one of our awesome travel insurance packages and adding on ‘phone device’ to make sure your phone is protected in case of any slips.
While swimming around you will be able to buy some alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks to enjoy while you relax and swim in the steamy water.
Take a break from the big blue to grab yourself some snacks at the blue lagoon cafe or restaurant. If you really want the most luxurious experience during your 48 hours in Iceland then you can even fork out and stay at the Blue Lagoon hotel.
They also have a shop where you can purchase all the luxury products supplied by the Blue Lagoon before you leave.
If visiting the big blue is 100% on your bucket list then make sure to purchase your ticket in advance on the website, as it sells out super quick. The tour trip will also include the transport to get there from the city centre of Reykjavik itself.
See the Northern Lights In Reykjavik
Iceland is one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights. If you’re lucky you may be able to spot them from downtown Reykjavik but it is more recommended you take a tour of which they will drive you further out to where there is less light pollution and the sky is clearer.
Be escorted in the dark night to the best stops to see the incredibel rare Aurora. This is something you can’t not do, even if you only have 48 hours in Reykjavik.
Golden Circle In Reykjavik
There are so many day tours to chose from in Reykjavik that you won’t be able to complete them all in the 48 hours of being in Iceland. But if you love seeing bubbling geysers, towering waterfalls and spectacular landscapes then the Golden Circle tour is definitely for you.
Booking a tour around the Golden Circle is recommend as you’ll be able to hear all about the history and the best viewpoints. There is many tours to pick from but they will all most likely take you to these famous spots; Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Strokkur Waterspout.
Wale Watching In Reykjavik
This one is a must for the animal lovers out there. Take a boat tour and see some of the biggest and beautiful animals in the world. See humpback, orca, blue whales, minke whales and dolphins up close and personal on one of the incredible Whale Watching tours. you’ll be able to find stalls for these tours all around the town, so you can make sure to pick the perfect day before you pay.
Explore Reykjavik By Foot
Whether your visiting Reykjavik in Summer, Winter, Spring or Autumn, is it important you take a coat, as it will be freezing, especially if you’re used to the hot Northern Australian heat. Spending a couple of hours during your 48 hours in Reykavik walking around the city centre will allow you too see the majority of the amazing sights it has to offer.
Keep an eye out for these main tourist attractions; Hallgrimskirkja Church (you’ll be able to see this from almost every angle of the city), the main shopping streets (Laugavegur, Bankastræti, Austurstræti, Lækjargata, Skólavörðustígur), Harpa Cincert Hall, Reykjavik City Pond, The Nordic House, Nautholvik beach and Grandi (Reykjavik’s fishing district).
Nightlife In Reykjavik
Home of some of the most famous vodka brands, you won’t be surprised when we say Reykjavik is full of awesome bars and clubs that play live music to early hours in the morning. Top ones include IDNO which is open almost every night of the week, Ölstofa, Pablo Discobar and Austur.
If you fancy something a little more subtle than vodka shots and staying up to the early hours within your 48 hours of Reykjavik then hit Gaukurinn for some live comedy, Múlinn jazz bar for some chilled jazz vibes.
Eating Out in Reykjavik
If you’re feeling adventurous, then why not try some of the traditional Icelandic cuisine. The most popular dishes include weird and wonderful varieties of fish, for example, the most notorious food in Iceland is the fermented shark (Hákarl). This delicacy is often washed down with a shot of Brennivin, Icelands own Black Death schnapps.
Other popular dishes are;
- Kjötsupa (Traditional Lamb meat soup)
- Svio (Sheep’s head)
- Plokkfiskur (Boiled Cod or Haddock filled with potatoes)
- Hardfiskur (Dried fish jerky)
- Icelandic Pylsur (Hot dogs)
Some Icelandic food can be very controversial, such as Puffin (yes the cute seabird) and Whale meat which is particular popular with tourists.
Travelling with Pelikin
Don’t get tricked out with those awful transaction fees while overseas. Make sure when travelling you get your hands on Pelikin’s awesome prepaid travel card. We make it super easy for you to move, manage and spend your travel money when spending 48 hours in Reykjavik.
Haven’t signed up to Pelikin yet? Find out more about our awesome Travel card here. Or get it now;
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