The first country I ever solo traveled to. It may seem intimidating for a first timer but its sooo easy. Here are some of my fave photo spots, eats and dos
Sections
5
Where to Stay
Iceland Travel Needs
Bars/Restaurants
Things to See and Do
Tour Option
Where to Stay
Bougie Reykjavik Option
The Reykjavik EDITION, Reykjavík, Iceland
A hostel in an old Biscuit Factory. They have shared rooms but private rooms as well. Very cool design. Music festivals, farmers markets and an amazing restaurant are even held on site
KEX Hostel
Do not sleep on regional Iceland. Snaefellsnus Peninsula is so stunning
Hótel Egilsen, Stykkishólmur, Iceland
Mid range option :)
ODDSSON hotel
If you want to see the northern lights you (almost definitely) need to leave Reykjavik
Hotel Rangá, Hella, Iceland
Obvi you'll probably swim in the Blue Lagoon but you can also actually stay there. Is about halfway between Reykjavik and the airport
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, Grindavík, Iceland
Iceland Travel Needs
Note a joke, you'll need a parka for travel here. Even in summer you need a light jacket at minimum. Its frickin Iceland okay??
THE NORTH FACE Women's Belleview Down Parka
Skyn is an Icelandic brand and it is so so good. Highly recommend- Ive been using it for about 15 years!
skyn ICELAND Face-Lift in-a-Bag: Essential Masks
Keflavik Airport is somewhat far from Reykjavik (main city). Heres a great way to get to the city via shuttle transfer
Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik
Im putting this on here 1- because you'll want a good camera for all the insane nature. But 2- you need a good camera with GOOD LONG EXPOSURE if you want to capture the northern lights. 30 second exposure at an absolute minimum. The more the better. ...
Nikon Z 5 Mirrorless Camera + 24-50mm Lens Kit
To pair with a camera. A phone WILL NOT cut it if you want to capture the northern lights. Heed my warning
Amazon Basics 50-inch Camera Tripod Stand
A cool Iceland Souvenier Option- Icelandic Designer
Kalda Shoes Homepage – kalda.com
If you need car rental for the Ring Road
Car hire at Keflavík International Airport from 2024-04-28 10:00 to 2024-05-01 10:00 - Klook
ESim for all of Europe
Brightline eSIM for Europe (42 countries) - Klook
Iceland's public transport system (buses)
Public transport in Iceland
Bars/Restaurants
Bar ✌️
PETERSEN SVITAN I GAMLA BIO, Reykjavik - Mioborg
Delicious. Everything is expensive in this city so beware
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
Iceland is hotdog mad (random right?). This hot dog stand is one of the most famous. And one of the only cheap eats
Islendingar borda SS Pylsur
Super fun bar
Lebowski Bar
Try some Icelandic food
Skál!
Why not try some indian food in Reykjavik
Austur-Indíafélagið
a restaurant in a clothing store
Nebraska — Clothing Shop & Restaurant
famous af. fine dining
ÓX + Amma Don
80s vibes
Pablo Discobar
Food tour of Reykjavik
Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
Exactly how it sounds. Eat like a local
101 Reykjavik Street Food
Things to See and Do
I recommend baths besides Blue Lagoon, but I know its like, the thing to do. So ya may as well do it!
Blue Lagoon Tickets
If you see nothing else outside of Reykjavik- let it be this
Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
For aurora hunting. You need to drive yourself or take a tour. Its harder to see the Northern Lights in the city
Magical Auroras Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
Go inside a volvano tube
Mýrdalsjökull Katla Ice Cave Tour
This was the music festival I mentioned in my comment about Kex. Its a massive festival but they also hold smaller shows in various locations. A definite must do if you can swing it!
Iceland Airwaves
If you've got the time- I always recommend doing the full Ring Road. It can be done in 7-11 days and the roads are great (obviously less great during winter)
Driving Iceland's Ring Road: All You Need to Know
Super touristy, but popular for a reason. Ill add less touristy alternatives elsewhere in the list as well!
The Blue Lagoon
Snorkel or Scuba between two tectonic plates. You can literally touch both at the same time
Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates with Pick Up ...
Pretty famous but an absolute must do
Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
Don't Sleep on this spot okay
Mount Esja Hiking And Outdoor Area
See a show or even just get a sick instagram pic
About Harpa
An alternative to Blue Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Great view of Reykjavik
Perlan
A cute respite from the “hustle and bustle” (a bit of a stretch there) from the city
A Complete Guide to Reykjavik's Pond Tjornin
Another alternative but more design focused
Krauma
Dont sleep on the West Coast. Its so so good
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Nontouristy Bath option
Myvatn Nature Baths Admission
Why not do something weird (and wonderful)
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
If youre short on time but wallet full- why not see much of Iceland's best sites in the quickest way possible?
From Reykjavik: Fire And Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 Landings | GetYourGuide
Tour Option
Group Trip option for seeing Iceland
Iceland Fire and Ice
If you don't have time for the full Ring Road you can do just the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle and its highlights
Drive the whole ring road with topdeck
Delve Deep: Iceland | Topdeck Travel
G Adventures
Iceland Tours & Travel
Trafalgar
Iceland Tour Packages & Iceland Travel Guide | Trafalgar
