When you travel somewhere new you want to get the most out of your trip and experience as many things as possible. This is totally understandable and so it comes as no surprise to me that the main question I get from readers is, “what things should I not miss when in Iceland?”
My answer to this question could go on and on, there is always something to see and do here! But to keep things simple here is an Iceland to-do list with 20 things you will want to be sure to cross off before you leave Iceland!
One | Take a shot of Opal
Do this as soon as you arrive, after a day of exploring or during a night on the town. Opal is one of the most popular liquors with an interesting taste, but I will leave it as a surprise. Bonus, Opal is often one of the cheaper liquors at the bars so if you want to buy a round for your friends make it a round of Opal shots!
Two | Visit one of the local pools
Embrace the nakedness of the Icelandic locker rooms and visit one of the local pools for a relaxing soak in the hot pools.
Three | Buy an Icelandic wool product
Hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, socks, plain ole balls of wool, you can find it all in Iceland and is a great souvenir to take home, or a Viking, they make for good souvenirs as well:)
Four | Take a picture of one of the many cats of 101
Seriously there are cats everywhere in downtown Reykjavik! And don’t worry, the majority of them are not homeless cats but instead plump house cats that are just out for a little stroll before climbing back into their home via the open windows. These cats are super friendly and just love to be pet, sometimes I think they are more popular than the people that live here!
Five | Buy Icelandic beer at the duty free
Trust me on this one, when you arrive at the airport your going to want to stock up on all the beer and opal you can because once you arrive in Reykjavik the prices will not be so wallet friendly!
Six | Take a road trip
You can’t come to Iceland and just stay in Reykjavik, it should be a rule. To get the full experience of Iceland you need to get out in the countryside and experience the raw nature and all its beauty. Short on time? Take a trip along the South coast and get to see waterfalls, black sand beaches and all around stunning landscapes.
Seven | Experience the Icelandic wind
This one shouldn’t be too hard to cross off your list! But really, you haven’t experienced a windy day until you have been in Iceland. So hold onto your hats and get ready for (my least favorite thing about Iceland) the wind.
Eight | Eat an Icelandic hot dog with all the toppings
I am still not so sure what the hype is about but people love the hot dogs in Iceland. There is always a line at the hot dog stand near the harbor, even Bill Clinton has enjoyed an Icelandic hot dog from there! When you find a cheap meal in Iceland though you can’t really complain. Be sure to order one with all the toppings, I have heard this is important to the Icelandic hot dog experience.
Nine | Go shopping at Bonus
What is Bonus you may ask? Why it is a grocery store here in Iceland with a giant pig as its logo. But really it is one of the main grocery shopping chains here in Iceland and is the most budget friendly. I always enjoy going into grocery stores when I travel to get an idea of the typical foods in the area so if your into that add this to your to do list. If not, well now you know where to go to get cheap snacks when in Iceland.
Ten | Climb a mountain
Even if your not a hiking enthusiast you must go on at least one hike while in Iceland. The views and landscape are always worth it I promise! Check out this post for five of my favorite hikes that are easy day trips from Reykjavik.
Eleven | Try a piece of salty liquorice
Salty liquorice, what?? I know it sounds strange, I remember when I met H in Australia and asked what he missed from Iceland and he said salty liquorice, I thought he was crazy. But the stuff is actually tasty! Pick up a box of Topas or go for a chocolate bar filled with liquorice and see how you feel about the Icelandic candy!
Twelve | Pet an Icelandic horse
I am pretty well in love with the Icelandic horses and as soon as you see them you will be too! These adorable horses are extremely friendly so pull over and give them a pat on the head while you take a selfie with them.
Thirteen | Say one thing in Iceland
Even something simple as takk (thank you) will do. Your in another country why not try and learn some of their words? And Icelandic is sure a unique language to learn and hear! Use this guide to help you out and you will be ordering a beer in no time.
Fourteen | Pose in front of a waterfall
Because who doesn’t love a good waterfall? There seems to be a beautiful waterfall around every corner in Iceland so take advantage of it and see how many waterfalls you can find!
Fifteen | Ride on the bright yellow bus
Maybe it is just because I am a foreigner but I think the buses in Reykjavik are an experience in themselves. You never know when the bus driver is going to take a sharp turn, when a group of 15 little kids will come waddling on hand in hand, and it is always fun playing the game will the bus driver stop at my bus stop??? But really, the buses are the easiest and cheapest way to get around this city, be sure to download the app where you can buy tickets and view timetables.
Sixteen | Spend an afternoon by the sea
It may not be the beach day you are used to but there is something about the Icelandic beaches that are so peaceful. Have a picnic by the water while you plot your next Icelandic adventure, or just recover from your last adventure with a walk on the many paths along the sea.
Seventeen | Party like an Icelander
The nightlife in Reykjavik is a blast and if your a fan of a night out on the town you will want to add this to your Iceland to do list. Remember to drink those beers you got at duty free, you can expect to spend 10 USD/8 Euros for a beer at most bars and it adds up quickly! If you want a true taste of the nightlife don’t head out until after midnight, you will be the only one in the bars otherwise!
Eighteen | Run through the moss covered fields
Iceland seems to be covered in moss, but in a good way. I love the look of the lava rocks covered in the various shades of green moss, it looks like a sea of fluffy green grass that just makes you want to run and play like a little kid.
Nineteen | Eat a bowl of lobster soup
One of the first things I ate when I visited Iceland was lobster soup, and it has been love ever since. Go down to the harbor and and order lobster soup from the Sea Barron. Ask for extra lobster and smile, you usually get it thrown in by the owner on the house and its one of my favorite meals in town!
Twenty | Go to the Blue Lagoon!
I mean do we even need to talk about why this needs to be on your to-do list? I think not.
Spending a full day in Reykjavik and looking for ideas? These posts will help you plan the perfect day and cross lots of items off you Iceland to-do list!
A Guide to Reykjavik
Insider Tips to Reykjavik
10 Free Things to do in Reykjavik
Question of the Day?
Do you make a list of must do’s before your travel somewhere? What is one thing you like to do in every place you visit?
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