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

Viewed by 198 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Reykjavik, Iceland on December 30, 2024

10:00AM

City Hall & Tjörnin Lake

Start your day at City Hall, admiring its architecture and the scenic Tjörnin Lake nearby.
Walk to City Hall from your accommodation, around 15 minutes.
ISK 500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Reykjavik Fish Restaurant

Savor delicious fish dishes at the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant, celebrated for fresh seafood.
5-minute walk from Tjörnin Lake.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, and ascend to the top for stunning views.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Sun Voyager

Walk to the Sun Voyager sculpture for captivating sunset photos by the ocean.
10-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Indulge in Icelandic hot dogs at the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
Quick 10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 1,500, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Cultural Day

Reykjavik, Iceland on December 31, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Start your day with delightful pastries and coffee at Sandholt Bakery.
15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

National Museum of Iceland

Explore Iceland's captivating history at the National Museum.
Public bus takes about 20 minutes.
ISK 1,500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at AALTO Bistro

Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local ingredients at AALTO Bistro.
15-minute walk from the museum.
ISK 2,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Reykjavik Art Museum

Discover contemporary Icelandic artwork at the Reykjavik Art Museum.
10-minute walk from AALTO Bistro.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Iceland Restaurant

Dine on traditional Icelandic dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients.
10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 3,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Golden Circle Tour

Reykjavik, Iceland on January 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Loki

Nourish yourself with traditional Icelandic breakfast foods at Cafe Loki.
10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Golden Circle Tour

Join a budget tour of the renowned Golden Circle, including Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
Meeting point is easily accessible within Reykjavik.
ISK 7,000, 8 hours, includes travel.

6:00PM

Return from Tour

Enjoy the scenic views on your return journey to Reykjavik.
Included in the tour.
N/A, N/A

8:00PM

Dinner at Svarta Kaffið

Savor traditional soup served in a freshly baked bread bowl at Svarta Kaffið.
Short walk from your accommodation.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour
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Day 4: Travel to Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland on January 2, 2025

9:00AM

Travel to Akureyri

Embark on a budget-friendly bus ride to Akureyri, marked by beautiful scenery.
Book bus tickets in advance; ride will take about 5 hours.
ISK 4,000, 5 hours.

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Ilmur

Light meals featuring local cuisine await you at Cafe Ilmur after your travels.
Close to the bus stop.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the exquisite botanical gardens filled with diverse plants.
15-minute walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bryggjan Restaurant

Revel in the taste of fresh catch 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 on January 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Greifinn

Start your day with a filling breakfast stuffed with Icelandic specialties.
A 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an economical whale watching tour to observe majestic marine life.
Near the harbor; a quick walk from your hotel.
ISK 6,000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kaffi Ilmur

Enjoy local snacks and light bites at Kaffi Ilmur after your thrilling tour.
Walking distance from the harbor.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Akureyri Church

Visit Akureyri Church and admire its grand architecture.
10-minute walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Rúben Pizza

Enjoy delicious local pizzas at Rúben Pizza after a long day.
10-minute walk from the church.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour
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Day 6: Nature Exploration

Akureyri, Iceland on January 4, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Amour

Treat yourself to fresh coffee and pastries at Café Amour.
15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit to Lake Mývatn

Take a local tour and explore breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders at Lake Mývatn.
Tour packages available for booking.
ISK 5,000 (entry only), 5 hours.

4:00PM

Lunch at Dimmuborgir

Enjoy your meal surrounded by natural beauty in Dimmuborgir.
Lunch included via the tour.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Akureyri

Travel back to Akureyri after an enchanting day out.
Included in the tour package.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at The Hamburger Factory

Savor a tasty meal with a variety 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 on January 5, 2025

9:00AM

Travel to Reykjavik

Catch a bus back to Reykjavik while enjoying picturesque views along the way.
Purchase budget bus tickets ahead of time.
ISK 4,000, 5 hours.

3:00PM

Lunch at The Laundromat Cafe

Refuel with a casual bite at The Laundromat Cafe known for its homely vibes.
Close to the bus terminal.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping on Laugavegur Street

Spend your afternoon browsing unique items on Laugavegur Street.
A stroll from the cafe.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sjavargrillid

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes at Sjavargrillid for dinner.
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 on January 6, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Glo

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast with healthy options at Glo.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Blue Lagoon

Consider visiting the Blue Lagoon for spa relaxation; entry fees should be planned within budget.
Bus transfer takes about 45 minutes.
ISK 6,000 (entry only), 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Indulge in a light meal while enjoying the Lagoon's stunning views.
On-site restaurant within the Blue Lagoon.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Reykjavik

Head back to Reykjavik and gear up for the evening festivities.
Bus transfer back to Reykjavik.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

8:00PM

New Year's Eve Dinner at Við Tivoli

Celebrate the New Year with a festive dinner at Við Tivoli.
Short taxi ride from central Reykjavik.
ISK 5,000, 2 hours

10:30PM

Fireworks Celebration

Join the locals to witness stunning fireworks as Iceland welcomes the New Year.
A short walk to a viewing spot.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 9: Recovery Day

Reykjavik, Iceland on January 7, 2025

10:00AM

Late Breakfast at Joe & the Juice

Refuel after New Year with fresh juice and sandwiches at Joe & the Juice.
10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Relax in the Park

Take a leisurely stroll through Laugardalur Park and enjoy nature.
Nearby and easily walkable.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Enjoy 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 interactive exhibits and enjoy beautiful views of Reykjavik from Perlan Museum.
10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 1,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Apotek Restaurant

Wrap up your recovery day with a delicious dinner at Apotek Restaurant.
10-minute walk.
ISK 4,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure

Reykjavik, Iceland on January 8, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at 101 Reykjavik Street Food

Savor your final Icelandic meal with delicious local snacks.
15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Shop for any remaining souvenirs to take home.
Laugavegur Street is perfect for shopping.
Free (optional), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Relish a famous Icelandic hot dog at this iconic stand.
Nearby the harbor, a 10-minute walk.
ISK 500, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Departure

Head to the airport to catch your flight home, cherishing unforgettable memories from Iceland!
Use Flybus or taxi to the airport.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Reykjavik
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