10-Day New Year Celebration in Iceland: Reykjavik & Akureyri

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Reykjavik, Iceland

10:00AM

City Hall & Tjörnin Lake

Start your day with a visit to the City Hall, where you can admire its architecture and the view of Tjörnin Lake.
Walk to City Hall from your accommodation, around 15 minutes.
ISK 500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Reykjavik Fish Restaurant

Taste some of the best fish dishes at the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant, known for its fresh ingredients.
Just a 5-minute walk from Tjörnin Lake.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church and take the elevator to the top for panoramic views.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Sun Voyager

Take a scenic walk to the Sun Voyager sculpture for great sunset photos over the ocean.
A 10-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Enjoy a famous Icelandic hot dog at the country's most popular hot dog stand.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 1,500, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Cultural Day

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Have fresh pastries and coffee at Sandholt Bakery to kickstart your day.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

National Museum of Iceland

Discover Icelandic history and culture at the fascinating National Museum.
Public bus takes about 20 minutes.
ISK 1,500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at AALTO Bistro

Enjoy a satisfying lunch made with local ingredients at AALTO Bistro.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
ISK 2,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Reykjavik Art Museum

Explore contemporary Icelandic art at Reykjavik's renowned art museum.
Short 10-minute walk from AALTO Bistro.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Iceland Restaurant

Savor traditional Icelandic dishes with fresh ingredients.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 3,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Golden Circle Tour

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Loki

Fuel up with traditional Icelandic breakfast dishes at Cafe Loki.
A 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Golden Circle Tour

Join a budget-friendly guided tour of the Golden Circle, including Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Meet at a designated spot in Reykjavik.
ISK 8,000, 8 hours, including travel.

6:00PM

Return from Tour

Enjoy the views during your return trip to Reykjavik.
Included in the tour.
N/A, N/A

8:00PM

Dinner at Svarta Kaffið

Refuel with an iconic soup served in a fresh bread bowl at Svarta Kaffið.
Short walk from your accommodation.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Travel to Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

9:00AM

Travel to Akureyri

Catch a budget-friendly bus to Akureyri, a beautiful town in North Iceland.
Book your bus tickets in advance; ride takes about 5 hours.
ISK 4,000, 5 hours.

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Ilmur

Enjoy a delightful lunch with local specialties at Cafe Ilmur.
Located close to the bus stop.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens adorned with diverse flora.
A 15-minute walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bryggjan Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes at Bryggjan.
15-minute walk from the gardens.
ISK 3,500, 1 hour
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Day 5: Adventurous Day in Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Greifinn

Replenish your energy with a hearty breakfast featuring Icelandic specialties.
A 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a budget-friendly whale watching tour to see these magnificent creatures.
Meet at the tour operator’s office, approximately a 10-minute walk away.
ISK 6,000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kaffi Ilmur

Grab light bites and local treats at Kaffi Ilmur after your amazing experience!
Within walking distance from where the tour ends.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Akureyri Church

Visit Akureyri Church and appreciate its beautiful architecture.
A short 10-minute walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Rúben Pizza

Enjoy delicious pizzas made with local ingredients at Rúben Pizza.
Just a 10-minute walk from the church.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour
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Day 6: Northern Nature and Relaxation

Akureyri, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Amour

Start your day with coffee and pastries at Café Amour.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit to Lake Mývatn

Discover the stunning landscapes and geothermal features of Lake Mývatn.
Join a local tour for a more affordable option; includes transport.
ISK 5,000 (entry only), 5 hours.

4:00PM

Lunch at Dimmuborgir

Enjoy lunch with stunning views after exploring the unique rock formations.
Lunch package available through the tour.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Akureyri

Travel back to Akureyri for a restful evening.
Return travel included in the tour.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at The Hamburger Factory

Dig into a tasty meal with a range of mouthwatering burgers.
A short walk from your accommodation.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour
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Day 7: Travel Back to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Travel to Reykjavik

Head back to Reykjavik via a comfortable bus ride, taking in scenic views along the way.
Book a budget-friendly bus ticket in advance.
ISK 4,000, 5 hours.

3:00PM

Lunch at The Laundromat Cafe

Enjoy a casual bite with a vibrant atmosphere at The Laundromat Cafe.
Within walking distance from the bus terminal.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping on Laugavegur Street

Browse unique shops along Laugavegur Street for souvenirs.
A stroll from the cafe.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sjavargrillid

Indulge in a meal featuring fresh seafood, prepared with care.
A short 10-minute walk from Laugavegur.
ISK 4,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Prepare for New Year’s Eve

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Glo

Eat a hearty breakfast at Glo, known for its healthy options.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Blue Lagoon

Consider a visit to the Blue Lagoon; indulge in calming spa treatments if budgets permit.
A bus transfer that takes around 45 minutes.
ISK 6,000 (entry only), 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Enjoy a light meal with incredible views within the Lagoon.
Located within the Blue Lagoon complex.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Reykjavik

Travel back to Reykjavik and prepare for celebratory festivities.
Bus transfer back to Reykjavik.
N/A, N/A

8:00PM

New Year's Eve Dinner at Við Tivoli

Celebrate with a festive dinner at Við Tivoli, known for its welcoming spirit.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the center.
ISK 5,000, 2 hours

10:30PM

Fireworks Celebration

Join the locals outside at midnight for mesmerizing fireworks; a true Icelandic tradition.
Short walk to a viewing area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 9: Recovery Day

Reykjavik, Iceland

10:00AM

Late Breakfast at Joe & the Juice

Enjoy a refreshing juice and sandwich for a post-celebration boost.
A 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Relax in the Park

Stroll through Laugardalur Park, soaking in the natural beauty.
Nearby and easily walkable.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Try traditional street food, including lamb soup and fish and chips.
A quick bus or taxi ride.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Perlan Museum

Explore the interactive exhibits and stunning views of Reykjavik from Perlan Museum.
10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 1,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Apotek Restaurant

Indulge in fine dining, mixing traditional and modern Icelandic cuisine.
A 10-minute walk.
ISK 4,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at 101 Reykjavik Street Food

Enjoy your last breakfast in Iceland with a mix of delicious local snacks.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Shop for last-minute souvenirs you might have missed.
Laugavegur Street is perfect for shopping.
Free (optional), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Relish in a famous Icelandic hot dog at this iconic stand for a local experience.
Located near the harbor, a 10-minute walk.
ISK 500, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Departure

Head to the airport for your departure flight, filled with wonderful memories from Iceland!
Use Flybus or taxi to the airport.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour
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