Traveling to Reykjavik on a budget? Here’s how to make your money stretch further in Iceland’s capital:
- Cook Your Own Meals: Dining out in Reykjavik can be pricey. Save by cooking meals with local ingredients like pasta, eggs, skyr, and veggies. Most accommodations provide kitchen facilities, and grocery stores offer affordable pre-made options.
- Budget-friendly Drinking: Enjoy Reykjavik’s nightlife without breaking the bank by hitting happy hours or buying alcohol duty-free. You can find beers for as low as 850 ISK during happy hours or at Vinbudin, the state store.
- Stay for Free: Tap into Reykjavik’s active Couchsurfing community for a free place to stay and local insights. Even if you don’t couchsurf, use the app’s “Hangouts” feature to meet locals.
- Choose Airbnb Over Hostels: If you’re traveling with others, renting an Airbnb can be more economical than hostel dorms, especially for groups of three or more.
- Camp Out: For the cheapest stay, camp at the Reykjavik Campsite for 3,200 ISK per night. Rent camping gear locally and use it to explore more of Iceland.
- Eat at Street Stalls: Grab a bite at street stalls in central squares like Ingólfstorg and Lækjartorg for affordable sandwiches, kebabs, and Iceland’s famous hot dogs.
- Savor Local Soup: Check out Asian noodle spots for a filling meal without a hefty price tag.
- Take Free City Tours: Learn about Reykjavik’s history with free walking tours, or explore more with paid tours on platforms like GetYourGuide.
- Get the City Card: If you’re hitting multiple attractions, the Reykjavik City Card offers significant savings on museums, public transport, and more.
- Rideshare or Hitchhike: Save on transportation by sharing rides or hitchhiking, which is safe and popular in Iceland.
- Enjoy Free Outdoor Activities: Explore the city’s natural beauty from its parks to waterfront paths. Don’t miss attractions like Nauthólsvík Beach or Grotta lighthouse.
- Travel Off-Peak: Visit during shoulder seasons like early spring or late fall for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Bring a Water Bottle: Tap water in Iceland is clean and safe, so refill your bottle instead of buying new ones.
- Buy Discounted Meat: Look for discounted meat nearing its expiration date, which is perfectly good due to strict food safety laws.
On a tight budget, expect to spend around 8,000-9,000 ISK per day. If you’re indulging a bit more, it could be between 10,000-13,000 ISK. For a luxurious experience, costs start from 36,000 ISK daily. Despite rising costs, savvy travelers can still enjoy Reykjavik without spending a fortune.
