Reykjavík in 3 Days — Fun, Food & Adventure for Friends
A lively 3-day Reykjavík plan for groups of friends: food halls, a playful active morning on wheels, whale watching, geothermal spa vibes, live music and an easy Golden Circle day trip — paced for socializing and shared costs.
Highlights
- Hlemmur Mathöll food hall — group-friendly tasting
- Bike the city with Reykjavik Bike Tours
- Whale watching from the Old Harbour with Elding
- Soak at Sky Lagoon — an Icelandic steam-and-view ritual
- Live music & late-night vibes at Húrra and Kex
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, easy downtown exploration, food hall lunch and a fun live-music night to kick off the trip.
Check in at KEX Hostel (friendly group hub)
Drop bags, claim bunks/rooms and use the lockers — central base with a buzzy bar for later.
Tips from local experts:
- Tell reception you’re a group (4–6+) — they often can arrange adjacent rooms or a common seating area.
- Lockers are limited; ask for luggage storage if you arrive before check-in (common in Icelandic hostels).
- KEX is social — meet other travelers at the bar later if you want to expand the group for evening plans.
Late lunch at Hlemmur Mathöll — Reykjavik food hall
Shared-plate style eating with many stalls — ideal for groups who want variety and to split bills.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early afternoon to snag a big communal table for 4–6; peak time fills up quickly.
- Split orders across stalls: sample fish, ramen and local bakeries so everyone gets something they like.
- Carry a small card or use Spot/Swish apps for quick bill splitting — stalls accept cards readily.
Walk Laugavegur & visit Hallgrímskirkja
Stroll Reykjavik’s main shopping street, pop into quirky shops, and visit Hallgrímskirkja church for the view.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear a lightweight windproof jacket — June can still be breezy even with long daylight.
- If you want the tower view, pre-book or plan for a short ticket queue; great group photo-op from the top.
- Keep an eye out for small design shops (Icelandic wool, local jewelry) that take cards and are happy to bundle items for group shopping.
Early dinner & relaxed drinks at Prikið
A classic Reykjavík café-bar with big tables and a casual vibe — great for a sociable first-night meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Prikið welcomes groups; reserve a table ahead if you’re 6+ (they have larger seating areas outside in summer).
- Their menu is straightforward and sharable; order a few plates to pass around and split the bill.
- Bring cash if you want to tip smaller staff individually, but cards work everywhere in Reykjavik.
Live music night at Húrra
Catch local bands or DJ nights — an indie, upbeat venue that’s friendly to lively groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Check Húrra’s event calendar in advance and consider buying tickets online for popular shows.
- Arrive early as a group to grab a table; the venue is roomy but fills quickly for headline acts.
- Late-night snacks nearby: several food stalls stay open late for post-show bites — ideal for sharing.
Day 2
Active morning on bikes, harbour lunch, afternoon whale watching, then a chilled geothermal soak and lively bar evening.
Coffee & breakfast at Reykjavík Roasters
Start with excellent coffee and light bites — an Icelandic favorite (perfect for energizing the group).
Tips from local experts:
- Get your coffee to-go in a travel cup if you want to head straight to the bike meetup spot.
- They’re popular — order together at the counter and regroup at one table to save time.
- Bring a lightweight backpack; Reykjavík Roasters has limited indoor seating during busy mornings.
Reykjavik Bike Tours — guided city & coastline ride
An easy, social bike tour that covers downtown, coastal paths and local stories — playful and active for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a morning slot and request bikes with racks if you bring extra camera gear — guides can help stow items.
- Wear layers and closed-toe shoes; the guides usually provide helmets and a quick fit check for every rider.
- Tell the operator you’re a group; many runs split into sub-groups so everyone stays comfortable with the pace.
Harbour lunch at Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
Casual harbor spot famous for lobster soup and skewers — quick, tasty and easy for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating is casual; order at the counter and grab a bench together — perfect for sharing bowls.
- Try the lobster soup to split between 2–3 people as a warm, budget-friendly group option.
- It’s cash-friendly but card is accepted; keep receipts if you split costs later.
Whale watching from the Old Harbour with Elding
Classic 3-hour boat trip to watch whales, puffins (seasonal) and soak in coastal scenery — a must-do outdoor group experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in windproof layers and bring a warm hat — sea conditions can be chillier than the city.
- Bring motion-sickness meds if anyone is prone; Elding provides life jackets and wetsuits if requested.
- Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and to pick seats together as a group on board.
Sky Lagoon geothermal soak and ritual
A modern infinity-edge lagoon with a 7-step ritual — relax together with ocean views (perfect after a day at sea).
Tips from local experts:
- Book a time slot in advance for your group — they can often host groups comfortably in the same time window.
- Bring swimsuits, but towels and robes are available to rent; lockers are provided for valuables.
- Do the 7-step ritual together and plan a meetup point by the lagoon entrance to avoid splitting up.
Nightcap & dinner at KEX Bar
Return to KEX for a buzzy bar and casual dinner — communal tables and frequent live DJs make it great for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for larger groups; KEX is used to hosting friends and tour groups in the evenings.
- Their menu is designed for sharing — order a few plates to pass around and keep the evening social.
- If you want live tunes, check the event schedule; sometimes there are bands or DJ sets that draw a fun crowd.
Day 3
A classic Golden Circle day trip, then an easy city afternoon with Perlan and a lively farewell night out.
Golden Circle small-group tour (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring Icelandic must-sees — organized small-group transport makes it easy for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a small-group operator to keep the vibe social — ask to sit together when you board the minibus.
- Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle; many tours have short comfort stops but limited food options on the route.
- Bring a lightweight waterproof layer and sturdy shoes — even in June the ground can be damp near waterfalls and geysers.
Quick famous hot dog snack at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Iconic Reykjavik hot dog stand — fast, cheap and a classic photo moment post-tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Perfect for a quick refuel after a long morning — order several hot dogs to share and sample the unique toppings.
- It’s mostly outdoor/standing room — plan to take your food to a nearby bench as a group.
- Lines move fast; pick one person to collect orders and divide the bill to speed things up.
Perlan — Wonders of Iceland & observation deck
Interactive exhibits, ice cave, planetarium and a sweeping city view — engaging and group-friendly.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets so your group can stay together for the planetarium show and observation deck.
- The rooftop walkway is perfect for sunset photos — in June you get long golden-hour light.
- Use the cloakroom for backpacks and bulky items; the exhibit is easy to navigate with friends.
Casual shopping & souvenirs on Laugavegur
Stroll and pop into Icelandic design shops — time for last-minute buys and a coffee pit stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for group-friendly souvenir deals (wool hats, small ceramics) that are easy to split between friends.
- Most shops accept cards; ask sellers about tax-free forms if you’re buying higher-value items.
- If someone needs a power nap or a charge, many cafés provide plugs — pick one with a big table to regroup.
Farewell dinner & drinks at Dillon Whiskey Bar
A cozy farewell with a wide drinks selection and space for a chatty group — end the trip with relaxed vibes.
Tips from local experts:
- Dillon has good group seating if reserved; call ahead for a table for 4–6 to guarantee space.
- Try local craft beers or Icelandic spirits — order a couple to share tasting-style so everyone samples something new.
- Finish with a late stroll along the waterfront — the night light and long summer twilight are perfect for photos.
