Reykjavik budget travel tips
The view from the top of Hallgrímskirkja church. Photo: Craig Nelson
Reykjavik is small and easy to explore in just a few days. While the city is famously pricey, it doesn’t need to be! Keep reading for our best Reykjavik budget travel tips.
Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.
Reykjavik budget travel tips
There’s nothing quite like Iceland’s capital. You can spend your time popping into cool record stores, hanging out at local cafes, and window shopping along Laugavegur, the main pedestrian route through downtown.
Culture also abounds, and you can visit the cheeky (and unfortunately pricey!) Saga Museum to learn about Viking lore or soak up the full story of this hearty nation at the National Museum of Iceland.
But how can you save? Simple — follow these tips:
Getting around Reykjavik
You won’t find commuter trains or a subway system in the city (the population is only 130,000!), but you can ride public buses for about $2.50. Pay your fare in exact change on board or use the app to purchase tickets on your smartphone. Note that your fare comes with a free transfer. Read more about public transportation in Reykjavik and download the handy bus app.
If you want to see the city by bike, you can rent two-wheelers or book a bike tour at Reykjavik Bike Tours with prices starting at $40 for a 24-hour period.
Strolling through colorful Reykjavik is fun and free. Photo: Craig Nelson
Free Attractions in Reykjavik
Some of the city’s most fascinating attractions are free to enjoy, including:
Hallgrímskirkja
This striking church towers over the city and is one of its most visible landmarks. If you pay to go up to the tower (entry fee about $8), you will be rewarded with one of the best views in Reykjavik. Hallgrímskirkja is open every day with services at 11 am on Sundays.
Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden
The museum dedicated to Iceland’s most famous sculptor charges an entry fee, but the sculpture garden bearing his beautiful and sometimes bizarre artwork is always free.
Harpa
Dramatically perched right along the harbor, this cutting-edge concert hall is open to the public during the day. Harpa has shops and restaurants, but it also has seating and lots of interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Free Walking Tour Reykjavik
This 80-minute tour takes you through the highlights of the city and is a great introduction to Reykjavik. Led by locals, the Free Walking Tour Reykjavik is indeed free of charge, although you are encouraged to tip the guide if you enjoy the experience.
The Icelandic prime minister’s office in Reykjavik on a summer night. Photo: Craig Nelson
Other ways to save on attractions
Reykjavik City Card
If you plan on cramming as many attractions as possible during your time in the capital city, think about picking up a Reykjavik City Card. It includes admission to major museums, unlimited travel on the public bus system, discounts on select tours, and even admission to public pools (see below). A pass costs $30 for 24 hours, $41 for 48 hours, and $48 for 72 hours.
The Blue Lagoon and public pools
Many visitors stop at the Blue Lagoon on their way into Reykjavik. Floating in the geothermal pools right after getting off the plane is a soothing experience, but just make sure you get your tickets in advance because you must pre-book. However, if you want to enjoy an afternoon at the spa without all of the tourists, you might want to visit one of the several public pools in Reykjavik. You can reach all of the pools by public bus, and for about $7, you can spend an entire day relaxing in hot pools, swimming laps, or even riding down water slides!
Save on shopping
Flea markets and secondhand stores
Downtown Reykjavik is filled with shops selling stylish and costly Nordic fashions, homewares, and souvenirs. It’s fun to browse through the cozy sweaters and blankets, but even with tax-free perks for visitors, bringing them home might still cost a small fortune.
As an alternative, Cheapos should check out the flea market Kolaportid Flea Market on the weekends. We scored the perfect souvenir — an old-school bottle opener with an Icelandic flag on it. For vintage his and her clothes, locals know to check out the racks at Spúútnik.
Our guide to budget travel in Iceland
Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:
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