19 Best Things to Do in Iceland for First-Time Visitors (No Regrets List)

The “diamonds” here are actually chunks of glacier ice that break off and wash up onto the black sand.

Some are small and crystal clear. Others are massive and tinted blue, almost glowing against the dark beach. It’s one of those places that doesn’t feel real at first.

What I didn’t expect was how heavy these pieces are. Even the smaller ones look easy to move until you try. You won’t get far.

This ended up being one of the more unique stops on our trip, even on a day when there weren’t many “ice diamonds.” We went in July, and it was pretty sparse, but still worth pulling over.

Diamond Beach is always changing. Some days the shore is covered. Other days, it’s just a few scattered pieces.

If you’re driving the South Coast, it’s an easy stop right before the bridge at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Quick pull-off, short walk, done.

One thing to take seriously. The waves here are not calm. They’re strong, unpredictable, and fast. Not the place to climb on ice or get too close for a photo.

I love a fresh tomato straight from the garden, so this stop was an easy yes for me.

Fridheimar is a greenhouse restaurant that grows tomatoes year-round using geothermal energy. They produce about 18% of Iceland’s tomatoes, which is kind of wild.

No pesticides, fully controlled growing conditions, and you’re literally sitting surrounded by tomato vines while you eat.

My husband and I went for the unlimited tomato soup with fresh bread. Simple, but exactly what you want after being out in the cold. There’s fresh basil at the table so you can add a little extra flavor.

You can also order tomato-based drinks, which sounds questionable but actually works.

If you have time, they also host horse shows in the summer featuring Icelandic horses, which makes this feel like more than just a food stop.

Water is everywhere in Iceland. Waterfalls, rivers, glaciers, hot springs. You don’t really escape it.

But the waterfalls are on another level, and Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular for a reason.

You can actually walk behind it, and you will get soaked doing it. The only other place we’ve done something similar was in Madeira on the Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova trail, but this was a lot bigger and a lot more intense.

I had a rain jacket, trail runners, and my GoPro, which ended up being the right call with how wet and muddy the path gets.

Iceland has a way of testing your packing decisions fast, which is exactly why I put together a full packing list after this trip to make things a little easier for anyone planning their own trip.

Getting there is easy. It’s right off Route 1 on the South Coast, and you’ll see it from the road.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon feels a little surreal the first time you see it.

Huge chunks of ice break off the glacier and just float there, slowly drifting through the lagoon before heading out to the ocean. Some eventually wash up on shore, which is how Diamond Beach came to be.

It’s cold, a little windy, and you end up lingering longer than you expect just watching the ice move.

Some people book boat tours to get closer to the icebergs, but we stayed on land and took it all in from a distance.

And then we did the most important thing. We got food.

Right in the parking lot, there’s a small food truck called Heimahumar. After being out in the cold, we ordered a hot lobster bisque and just stood there eating it while looking out at the lagoon.

It was rich, creamy, and honestly one of those meals that hits way harder because of where you are. They’re also known for their lobster rolls, but the soup was exactly what we needed in that moment.

Simple stop, but one of the easiest to recommend.

This winding, moss-covered canyon blew up after Justin Bieber filmed I’ll Show You here, and it got so popular they actually have to close it at times to let the landscape recover.

So first things first. Check conditions before you go.

We got lucky. It was open and not too crowded, which made the whole place feel even more unreal.

There’s a well-marked 1.2-mile path along the top of the canyon that leads to a few viewpoints. Easy walk, big payoff.

You can also hike down into the canyon, but that involves crossing water in some spots, so expect to get wet if you go that route.

It’s about 6 minutes off Ring Road, so it’s an easy detour on the South Coast and definitely worth the stop.

The pictures really don’t need much explanation here.

Reynisdrangar Beach stands out with its black sand, towering basalt columns, and those jagged sea stacks rising out of the ocean. It’s dramatic in a way that doesn’t feel real, especially with the waves constantly crashing in.

It’s an easy stop right off Ring Road, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik.

Timing matters here. Go early or later in the day unless you want to wait your turn for photos.

We went during the Midnight Sun and ended up there around 11:50 pm with no one else around. Still fully light out, which felt strange but was pretty cool.

And the waves here are not a joke. Sneaker waves are strong, unpredictable, and fast. The wide stretch of sand that used to give people space to back up isn’t really there anymore, so you need to be even more aware.

People have drowned here. No photo is worth that.

Go, take it in, but respect it.

If you’re looking for some of the best fish and chips in Iceland, this is an easy stop.

Fish & Chips Vagninn is a small food truck right in Reykjavik’s main harbor, and it’s about as fresh as it gets. The company that owns it operates its own fishing vessels, so the cod you’re eating was in the ocean just hours before.

We grabbed a table at one of the picnic benches by the water and kept it simple. Fish and chips, a side of mushy peas, and a couple of sauces. 

The peas were fine. Not my thing, but I tried it.

The fish, though, was exactly what you want. Light, crispy batter, super fresh, and piping hot!

Nothing fancy, just done really well.

Yes, there are a lot of tourists. But honestly, it’s still worth it.

The Blue Lagoon feels like one massive hot tub filled with milky blue geothermal water, sitting at around 102°F. It’s nice and toasty and big enough that you can usually find your own space if you move around a bit.

We tried a few of the extras, starting with the mask bar.

You cover your face in silica and algae, which is supposed to make your skin look younger. I can’t confirm that part, but my skin did feel softer, and it was fun to try.

I also booked an in-water massage, which ended up being one of the more unique experiences of the trip.

Lying there, half-submerged in warm water while someone works out all the tension from days of driving and walking felt incredible. Definitely book this in advance if you’re considering it.

And yes, there’s an in-water bar.

It gets warm fast, so being able to grab a smoothie made with local skyr or a glass of prosecco without leaving the water feels like a solid decision.

We tried both.

First thing. The water isn’t actually black.

Svartifoss translates to “Black Waterfall” because of the contrast between the white water and the dark basalt columns behind it.

It’s located in Skaftafell National Park and takes about a 60-minute roundtrip hike to reach, plus extra time for photos. The beginning is a bit uphill, and I definitely felt it, but it’s manageable.

When we finally got there, it looked completely different from every other waterfall we had seen. The columns almost look man-made, like someone designed them that way.

You might notice it feels familiar. The design of Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik was inspired by these formations, and the resemblance is pretty clear once you’ve seen both.

If you have extra time, there’s also a hike out to the edge of Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. We didn’t make it, and I still kind of regret that. You don’t get many chances to walk up to a glacier like that.

You can also walk on the glacier itself, but this is one of those things where you go with a guide. Not worth guessing your way around crevasses.

If I asked you to name one of Iceland’s signature dishes, a hot dog probably wouldn’t be your first guess.

But it should be.

Known as a pylsur, one of the best places to try one is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a small stand that’s been around since 1937. Even Bill Clinton stopped here, which tells you something.

And no, this isn’t mystery meat.

What makes it different is the lamb.

Iceland is known for its lamb, and it shows up here. The hot dog is a mix of mostly lamb with some beef and pork, and it’s way better than it sounds.

You can load it up with toppings like ketchup, mustard, crispy onions, raw onions, and remoulade. The move is to order it “with everything.”

That first bite has a slight snap from the casing, and then it’s just… really good.

Expect a line, but it moves fast.

If you end up liking it, I put together a full Iceland foodie guide with more dishes worth trying.

If you’ve done any planning for Iceland, you’ve probably seen the Golden Circle come up over and over again.

It ended up being one of the easier days of the trip. Less driving stress, more quick stops, and a good mix of different landscapes.

There are three main stops, and you can do them all in a loop from Reykjavik.

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park

This was one of the more interesting stops for me.

It’s Iceland’s first national park, but what makes it stand out is that you’re literally walking between two tectonic plates. This is where the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart.

We walked through Almannagjá Gorge, which is one of the easiest places to actually see it. The path eventually leads to Öxarárfoss Waterfall.

Also, if you’ve watched Game of Thrones, this is where Arya Stark and the Hound walk through in Season 4.

Stop 2: Geysir Geothermal Area

This one feels exactly like what you picture when you think of Iceland.

Steam coming out of the ground, that strong sulfur smell, and people standing around waiting for the geyser to go off.

The main geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, so you don’t have to wait long. We stood there for a couple rounds, watched it shoot up, took a few photos, and moved on.

It’s quick, but still worth seeing once.

Stop 3: Gulfoss Waterfall

This was the stop that stuck with me the most on this route.

You hear it before you fully see it, and the closer you get, the more intense it feels. Gullfoss is a two-tiered waterfall, and the power of it is hard to ignore.

We walked down the path toward the edge and immediately started getting hit with the mist.

Skógafoss is one of those waterfalls you see from the road and immediately go, yep … we’re stopping.

It’s big. Like, bigger than it looks in photos.

As we walked up, you could feel the power of it before you even got that close. And then the mist hits you. If you go anywhere near the base, you’re getting soaked. No way around it.

You can climb the stairs to the top for a different view, but honestly, I liked it better from below. That’s where you really feel it.

It drops about 197 feet and stretches wide across the landscape, but what stands out most is how close you can get. You park, walk a few minutes, and you’re right there.

If you’re driving the Golden Circle, this is an easy and fun stop to add in.

Efstidalur II is a family-run dairy farm that’s been passed down for generations, and it feels like it. You’re not just stopping for ice cream, you’re literally on a working farm.

They make their ice cream right on site using milk from their own cows, which makes it hard to pass up.

We grabbed a couple flavors and sat for a bit, and it ended up being one of those simple stops that just breaks up the day in a good way.

They also have a restaurant, hotel, and even horseback riding if you want to stay longer, but honestly, we were there for the ice cream.

You’ll see these horses everywhere in Iceland, and at some point, you’ll probably pull over just to watch them for a minute.

They’re smaller than you expect, but really sturdy and calm. They’ve adapted to the weather here, and it shows.

What’s interesting is how protected the breed is. No other horses are allowed to be imported into Iceland, which is why they’ve stayed so pure over time.

They’re also known for having five gaits instead of the usual three, which is part of what makes them unique.

If you want to experience them up close, there are horseback riding tours that will pick you up right from Reykjavik, which makes it easy even if you’re not driving much.

Also, fun detail. Their names are kind of a big deal here. There’s actually a naming committee that approves them, which feels very on brand for Iceland.

We didn’t ride them, but we did stop a few times just to watch them up close.

My husband and I always end up at food halls when we travel. It’s just an easy way to try a few different things without overthinking it.

So when we got to Reykjavik, we made a point to check out Hlemmur Food Hall.

We only had time for one spot, so we went with Skál, and it ended up being the right choice.

Their menu leans more modern and ingredient-focused, with small dishes built around local Icelandic food. It’s creative without feeling overcomplicated.

We ordered a few things to share. The beef tartare, braised lamb ribs, and skirt steak all stood out.

And of course, we got a cocktail. The Reykjavik Mule was an easy yes, made with vodka, brennivin, ginger lemonade, and lovage.

Simple setup, really good food, and a nice break from driving around all day.

We always try to find a good cocktail bar in every city we visit, and this ended up being one of our favorite stops in Reykjavik.

Apotek has that mix of being polished but still relaxed, and the drinks are a little more creative than what you’d expect.

The one that stood out was the Dillagin.

I was skeptical. Dill in a cocktail didn’t sound like something I’d go for, but I tried it anyway.

It’s made with dill-infused gin, mango, lime, and sugar, and somehow it works. The dill isn’t overpowering, it just adds something a little different.

The bartenders were also great. Super approachable and actually helpful when it came to picking something you’ll like, not just pushing what’s popular.

There are pros and cons to visiting Iceland in the summer.

You won’t see the northern lights, but you’ll get something completely different. Almost endless daylight.

From about mid-May to mid-August, the sun technically “sets” around midnight, but it never really gets dark.

The first night felt strange.

According to my phone, we were standing at Reynisdrangar around 11:50 pm, and it still looked like early evening. No one else around, full daylight, and it completely threw off my sense of time.

I loved it, though. It felt like we had extra hours in the day, and we definitely used them.

The only downside is sleep.

Your body doesn’t really get the signal to shut down, so you have to be a little intentional about it. Luckily, most places we stayed had blackout curtains, which helped a lot.

If not, I’d bring a sleep mask. You’ll want it.

Known as kanilsnúðar, these are kind of like a cinnamon roll, just flatter and wider.

One of the most popular spots to try them is Braud & Co, a small bakery with a bright graffiti-covered exterior that’s hard to miss in Reykjavik.

Organic ingredients, butter and sea salt from Iceland, and you can actually watch everything being made right there in the shop.

I’m a sucker for anything dough-based with coffee, so this was an easy stop for me.

They were good. Not life-changing, but still worth trying if you’re already wandering around the city and want something quick.

The puffin might be one of the cutest things you’ll see in Iceland.

They’ve got these little colorful beaks and faces that honestly look a bit like cartoon birds. 

Iceland is home to about 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffins, but they’re not around all year. They spend most of their time out at sea and only come back to land during the summer to breed.

If seeing one is on your list, aim for May through August.

We went in July and did see a few at Dyrhólaey along the South Coast, near Reynisdrangar. They were way up on the cliffs, so we didn’t get that close, but still cool to spot them.

If you want a better chance of seeing them up close, Borgarfjörður Eystri is supposed to be one of the best spots. There are platforms set up so you can watch them safely without getting too close.

One thing that caught me off guard. Puffin is actually served on some menus in Iceland.

I’m usually open to trying local food, but I skipped that one. Couldn’t do it.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it’s really easy to overpack your itinerary.

There’s a lot to see, and everything looks worth stopping for.

But after doing this ourselves, I’d recommend focusing on fewer things and actually enjoying them. The best moments for us weren’t the ones we rushed through, they were the ones we slowed down for.

This list covers the things that felt worth it to us, both the big stops and the smaller ones in between.

Hopefully it helps you plan a trip that feels a little less overwhelming and a lot more memorable.

Not sure how to plan all of this into a trip? Here are a few quick things that helped us.

How many days do you need in Iceland?
We did this in 4 days, which felt full but doable.

Because distances are longer than they look, it actually helps to stay in a few different areas instead of driving back and forth.

I break down exactly how I’d plan 4, 7, and 10+ day trips (including where to stay each night) in my full Iceland Hotel Guide.

Is the Golden Circle worth it?
Yes, especially for a first trip. It’s easy, close to Reykjavik, and gives you a good mix of what Iceland has to offer.

That said, I personally thought the South Coast was more impressive.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Summer gives you long days and easier driving. Winter is better for northern lights, but comes with more unpredictable weather.

Is Iceland expensive?
Yes. Food and gas add up quickly, so it’s worth planning for ahead of time.

Do you need a car in Iceland?
For this itinerary, yes. It makes everything easier and gives you the flexibility to stop whenever you want.

We used Blue Car Rental and had a great experience.

What would I do differently?

One thing I didn’t include in my top things to do: Reykjadalur Hot Springs.

It took a few hours to get there and back, and for me, it didn’t feel worth the time compared to everything else we saw.

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Questions about our favorite things to do in Iceland list?

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