Reykjavik holidays
Compact Nordic capital on the water, pairing a small, colourful centre with a long transfer from Iceland's main gateway airport.
13°C AugustBest Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug2–4 nightsDirect from London Gatwick
At a glance
- short city stays paired with day tours
- northern lights trips in winter
- a base for south coast or Golden Circle driving
Trip cost
- Return flight
- ≈€107
- Stay
- ≈€728
- Food & local
- ≈€191
Includes the return fare from London Gatwick. An estimate, not a quote — each booking happens separately with its supplier. How we work this out.
Stays
Stays in Reykjavik
From €120/night · Typical €412 · 87 stays · 4-night stay assumed
Booking.com (opens in a new tab)- Best 3-star
Blue Mountain Apartments by HeimaleigaReykjavík Iceland · 8.7 km from the centre€201 a night (opens in a new tab)See more 3-star options
- Best 4-star
Lara Studio in Laugardalur valley, Reykjavík Central Park and Botanical Garden, Private entrance, FREE Private Parking on sideReykjavík · 4.5 km from the centre€245 a night (opens in a new tab)See more 4-star options
- Cheapest
B14 HostelReykjavík Iceland · 4.3 km from the centre€120 a night (opens in a new tab)See more options, cheapest first
Map
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Getting to Reykjavik
- AirportKeflavík International Airport (KEF)
- Transfer optionsBus, taxi, car rental
Keflavík International Airport is about 50 km from central Reykjavík. The Flybus shuttle, public buses and taxis run between the airport and the city, and rental cars are also available.
Indicative, per traveller. You book with Aviasales.
Areas of Reykjavik
A few places people base themselves, and who each tends to suit.
- MiðborgThe compact downtown core around the harbour and main shopping street, best for visitors who want to walk everywhere and stay close to restaurants and bars.
- VesturbærA quieter residential area west of the centre near the university and the coastline, suited to travellers who prefer a calmer base within walking distance of downtown.
- GrandiA former harbour and fish-processing area now home to design shops and restaurants, good for visitors who want a less crowded alternative close to the water.
- HlíðarA mainly residential district southeast of the centre, more practical for longer stays or self-catering than for being near the main sights.
When to go
Monthly climate normals (ERA5 reanalysis, 2022–2024). Gold months are the best weather fit.
- Best overall
- January · February · July · August
- Hottest
- July · 13°C
- Wettest
- February · 180mm
- Jan2°171mm (good month)
- Feb2°180mm (good month)
- Mar3°154mm
- Apr6°136mm
- May9°149mm
- Jun11°118mm
- Jul13°98mm (good month)
- Aug13°127mm (good month)
- Sep10°114mm
- Oct6°153mm
- Nov5°122mm
- Dec0°126mm
What each season is like
- Spring
- Days lengthen fast and roads reopen after winter, though weather stays changeable and some routes can still face late-season closures.
- Summer
- Near-continuous daylight allows long sightseeing days and the fullest range of day tours, alongside the year's highest prices and busiest crowds.
- Autumn
- Shortening days bring a first chance at the northern lights alongside milder temperatures than winter, though weather turns more unpredictable.
- Winter
- Long dark hours make the northern lights the main draw, but daylight is short, some rural roads close in bad weather and several summer-only tours stop running.
Good to know about Reykjavik
Worth it for
The compact centre puts the harbour, the main shopping street and most restaurants within easy walking distance of each other.
Keep in mind
Keflavík Airport is around 50 km from the city centre, so the transfer takes real time in both directions and is worth building into arrival and departure plans rather than treating as a short hop.
Why go
- The compact centre puts the harbour, the main shopping street and most restaurants within easy walking distance of each other.
- Geothermal pools built into ordinary neighbourhoods make it easy to fit a swim into a day of sightseeing rather than treating it as a special trip.
- It works well as a base for day trips onto the Reykjanes peninsula and the wider south coast, given how much of Iceland's most-visited scenery sits within a few hours' drive.
Worth knowing
- Keflavík Airport is around 50 km from the city centre, so the transfer takes real time in both directions and is worth building into arrival and departure plans rather than treating as a short hop.
- The city centre itself is small and can be seen on foot in a day or two, so a longer stay depends on driving out to the surrounding countryside.
- Weather changes quickly year-round and can disrupt tours or driving plans with little warning, whatever the season.