Top 5 Hotels In Reykjavik On A Budget In Iceland
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Discover Iceland
Use the map to plan your Iceland road trip, or get started with our pre-made itinerary!
Iceland Quick Guide
- Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
- Language: Icelandic
- Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0) / BST in summer (UTC+1)
- Fun Fact #1: Iceland features dramatic volcanic landscapes including the famed Blue Lagoon
- Fun Fact #2: Þingvellir, part of the Golden Circle, is where the world’s first parliament met in 930 AD
- Fun Fact #3: The country has Europe’s largest glacier national park, Vatnajökull, home to stunning ice caves
- Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up in restaurants is appreciated
- Emergency Number: 112
Where To Stay In Iceland
Choose from sleek design hotels in ReykjavÃk, countryside farms, geothermal spa resorts near hot springs, or remote eco-friendly lodges under the Northern Lights each offering immersion in Iceland’s breathtaking natural settings.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
Where To Stay In Iceland
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How To Get Around Iceland
Public transport is limited outside ReykjavÃk and the Golden Circle. Local buses serve most towns, and ferries connect Westman Islands and parts of the north. In ReykjavÃk, city buses are reliable.
Renting a car is essential for exploring ring-road wonders: black sand beaches (Reynisfjara), waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and national parks. A vehicle gives unmatched freedom to chase waterfalls, visit ice caves and venture off-road in regions like the Highlands or Westfjords.
For the best deals on car rentals, rent a manual transmission car if you know how to drive one and try out the many car rental coupon codes out there. In addition, we always recommend that you search on Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to get a good lay of the land in terms of what the best rates are across multiple companies.
Ultimate Iceland Road Trip
Must-Visit Places In Iceland
- Golden Circle – Þingvellir (rift valley & parliament site), erupting Strokkur geyser, and thunderous Gullfoss waterfall
- ReykjavÃk – HallgrÃmskirkja church, Harpa concert hall, vibrant cafés and culture
- Blue Lagoon – Milky geothermal spa set in volcanic lava fields near GrindavÃk
- South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara – Iconic waterfalls and black sand beach with basalt sea stacks
- Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach – Glacial lagoon with floating icebergs and a shimmering iceberg-lined shore
- Skaftafell Ice Caves РEthereal blue ice chambers beneath Vatnaj̦kull glacier
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Snæfellsjökull glacier, basalt cliffs, Kirkjufell mountain—you’ll find a micro-Iceland here
- Akureyri & Mývatn – North Iceland’s botanical haven, whale watching, geothermal Iakes, and volcanic craters
- Westfjords & Dynjandi – Remote cliffs, waterfalls, puffin colonies, and untouched landscapes
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Prepare For The Cold In Iceland
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Icelandic Food To Sample
Icelandic cuisine reflects the country’s isolation and reliance on preserved foods, fresh seafood, and lamb. With a strong connection to nature, traditional dishes are simple yet rich in history and flavor. These unique bites offer a true taste of Iceland’s culture and landscape.
Lamb Soup (Kj̦ts̼pa) РAll Regions: A hearty soup made with tender Icelandic lamb, root vegetables, and herbs. Popular in rural areas and ideal for warming up after cold adventures.
Plokkfiskur – ReykjavÃk & Coastal Regions: A comforting fish stew made with mashed white fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce, often served with rye bread.
Skyr – Nationwide: A thick, creamy dairy product similar to yogurt but technically a cheese. Eaten plain or with fruit and widely available across the country.
Har̡fiskur РWestfjords & Coastal Areas: Dried fish (usually haddock or cod), eaten as a snack with butter. A traditional Viking-era protein source still popular today.
Hákarl – Snæfellsnes & Westfjords: Fermented Greenland shark with a pungent aroma and strong flavor, definitely an acquired taste, often sampled with a shot of BrennivÃn (Icelandic schnapps).
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours To Discover Iceland
- Golden Circle and Kerid Crater: Visit the stunning natural scenery and see the spectacular Geysir area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park.
- Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfalls: Explore the fire side of Iceland in the northern region of Mývatn, with its vast lava fields, volcanic craters, geothermal hot-springs, and mud-pools.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach: Discover this geothermal landscape and walk on the edges of the lagoon.
- Studlagil Canyon: Take a trip to Stuðlagil Canyon, with its astounding basalt column cliffs, and the Gufufoss waterfall, truly an otherworldly experience.
- Landmannalaugar & Valley of Tears: Visit Landmannalaugar in the highlands of Iceland and explore Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Discover the magical Sigöldugljúfur canyon, hike through obsidian fields, and bathe in natural pools.
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