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SherryStay
Reykjavik travel guide

SherryStay Destination Guide

Reykjavik

The world's northernmost capital — a base for waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and lagoons.

Iceland

About Reykjavik

Reykjavík is not just another European capital; it is the most dramatic stage on earth, the place where civilisation meets the raw forces of nature. Picture a city whose horizon ends not in buildings but in snow-capped mountains, glaciers and a churning ocean — a destination that looks lifted from a fantasy epic: the neon ribbons of the northern lights dancing across the night sky, the absolute silence of black lava deserts, and the surprising heat rising from geothermal springs in the heart of the Arctic cold. The city itself is only the starting point. Its clean, modern design, mirrored in the waters of the bay, stands in complete contrast to the wild nature that surrounds it on every side. Every drive out of the centre is a journey into another scene — from a thundering waterfall to fields of erupting geysers, reminders that the earth here is alive, breathing and changing by the minute. And the mesmerising finale: returning to Reykjavík after a day on the road, sinking into warm thermal water while the snow falls around you — the contrast that turns a stay here into a sensory journey you never forget. This is the perfect stage for anyone chasing the edge of the world, a place where nature is the main character and you are invited to discover its power again and again.

Sherry's Take

Reykjavik is a launchpad, not the destination. Stay there, but build your days around the trips out — the Golden Circle, the south coast, the Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport (not as a separate destination).

Best For

Powerful natureCouplesRoad tripAurora hunters (Sep–Mar)
Go in
JuneJulyAugustSeptember
Avoid if possible
DecemberJanuary

Where to Stay

101 centre

Colorful streets, bars and restaurants, all on foot

Laugardalur

Quiet, by the big pool, 20 min walk from the centre

By the Harpa / harbour

New hotels with bay views

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1Buy alcohol only at duty-free on arrival — in town the prices are double and triple.
  • 2The municipal pools (~1,300 ISK) are a genuine Icelandic experience for a fraction of the Blue Lagoon.
  • 3Renting a car for the Golden Circle is cheaper for a couple than an organized tour — and the freedom is worth everything.

Getting Around

  • 1Flybus from the airport (KEF) to the centre — 45 min, ~3,500–4,000 ISK.
  • 2In the city itself everything is on foot.
  • 3For nature — a rental car or tours; there are no trains in Iceland.

Most Common Mistake

Staying only in the city. Reykjavik is nice for an evening — but the real Iceland starts 30 minutes outside it.

Ideal Stay

35 nights

Combine with
  • Golden Circle
  • The south coast (Vík)
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Useful Local Hotel Phrases

Icelandic
  • HelloHallóHAL-loh
  • Good morningGóðan daginnGOH-than DA-yin
  • Thank youTakkTAHK
  • PleaseGjörðu svo velGYUR-thoo svo VEL
  • Check-inInnritunIN-ri-toon
  • Check-outÚtskráningOOT-skrow-ning
  • HotelHótelHOH-tel
  • ReceptionMóttakaMOHT-ta-ka
  • BreakfastMorgunmaturMOR-gun-ma-tur
  • Wi-FiÞráðlaust netTHROWTH-loyst net
  • TaxiLeigubíllLAY-gu-bee-tl
  • AirportFlugvöllurFLOOG-vuh-tlur
  • Hot springHverKVER
  • HelpHjálpHYOWLP
  • How much?Hvað kostar það?KVATH KOS-tar thath
  • Where is...?Hvar er...?KVAR air

Reykjavik at a glance

  • Reykjavik is in Iceland.
  • The nearest airport to Reykjavik is Keflavík International (KEF).
  • Getting in from the airport takes 45–50 min to the city.
  • The best way in is Flybus or Airport Direct coach, or a rental car (many stop at the Blue Lagoon en route).
  • A day in Reykjavik costs roughly $110–160 per person on a budget, $220–380 mid-range and $650+ at the luxury end.
  • Sherry suggests 3–5 nights in Reykjavik.
  • January is usually the cheapest month to visit Reykjavik, July is the busiest, and September offers the best value.

Common questions

Do I need a car in Reykjavik?
Not for the compact, walkable city, but a rental is the best way to explore Iceland's nature independently; otherwise use day tours.
When can I see the Northern Lights?
Roughly September to March on clear, dark nights — head away from city lights and check the aurora forecast.
Is Reykjavik expensive?
Yes, among the priciest cities in the world; tap water is excellent and free, and the city's pools are a cheap local pleasure.
How many days do I need?
3–4 nights for the city plus the Golden Circle and South Coast; longer to ring-road further afield.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
Blue Lagoon is the iconic milky-blue spa near the airport; Sky Lagoon is a sleeker ocean-edge option closer to the city — both need pre-booking.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

From the magazine