Tours/Reykjavik/Private Reykjavik City & Food Walking Tour
Viator · Private tour

Private Reykjavik City & Food Walking Tour

4.6(7)Reykjavik1 hour
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR4.5(6)

Description

This walking tour is your introduction to Reykjavik. It will help you get your bearings and make the most of your stay in Iceland. We recommend it as your first stop in Reykjavik! Our family-friendly tour brings the history of Iceland to life with exciting stories and Icelandic mythology. We’ll visit all of the famous landmarks in the city center, such as Hallgrímskirkja Church (we’ll teach you how to pronounce that). But we’ll also share hidden, local spots with you, like our visit to an Elf house. Things you’d surely miss if you didn’t know what to look for. We want you to feel our quirky little city's unique, friendly atmosphere, not just to see the most popular tourist attractions. The tour lasts approximately 3,5 hours, and it's an easy walk between the places we visit. We end up with a 1-hour lunch or dinner with your guide. Starting point is Ingolfur Square or your hotel/accommodation! (If within the city centre)

Tour Options

Private Reykjavik City & Food Walking Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

10 min

We meet up outside Hlöllabátar the sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1 in Reykjavík. Please gather facing the square (Ingólfstorg) and the two tall stone seat-pillars (each over two meters high). You will see Center Hotel Plaza is to your right. The area in front of Hlöllabátar has benches, tables, and a covered ceiling overhead, providing shelter and a comfortable waiting place. Our expert local guides usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. The meeting point on google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tFedGCGBFQtWt3PJ8

15 min

A visit to the Reykjavik City Council House offers a glimpse into the heart of the city's governance and history. This iconic building, situated in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, stands as a symbol of civic leadership and democracy. As you step inside, the elegant architecture and historical significance greet you, reflecting Iceland's commitment to democratic principles. Explore the halls adorned with artwork, attend council sessions (if available), and discover the chambers where crucial decisions shaping the city's future are made. Whether admiring the architecture or gaining insights into local governance, a visit to the City Council House provides a deeper appreciation for Reykjavik's civic heritage and its continuous commitment to progress.

5 min

We pass by Austurvöllur square and admire it´s sights.

10 min

A brief visit to Lake Tjörnin in Reykjavik is like a tranquil pause in the heart of the city. This charming urban lake, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and dotted with waterfowl, provides a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. Stroll along the scenic pathways, enjoy the reflections of city buildings mirrored on the water, and feel the soothing ambiance that defines this urban oasis. Seagulls and ducks create a lively atmosphere, adding to the charm of the lake. The quaint bridges and vibrant flora around the shore enhance the overall beauty of Tjörnin. Take a moment to sit on a bench, absorb the serenity, and perhaps share some breadcrumbs with the friendly ducks. Whether it's a quick break during a city exploration or a leisurely stop to connect with nature, a short visit to Lake Tjörnin encapsulates the essence of Reykjavik's harmonious blend of urban life and natural beauty.

10 min

A visit to Alþingi, Iceland's Parliament in Reykjavik, unfolds like a journey into the heart of the country's democracy and historical significance. The building, standing with dignified grace, represents the oldest parliamentary institution in the world, tracing its roots back to the Viking Age in 930 AD. As you approach Alþingi, the architectural grandeur commands attention, symbolizing Iceland's commitment to democratic principles. Stepping inside, you sense the weight of history within the walls that have witnessed centuries of debates, decisions, and the forging of a nation. Wander through the chambers where laws are debated and enacted, immersing yourself in the democratic spirit that defines Iceland's governance. The rich symbolism, combined with the modern functionality of the Parliament building, creates an atmosphere where the past and present seamlessly coexist.

15 min

Welcome to Hallgrimmskirkja, Reykjavik's architectural giant that screams "I'm the tallest kid on the block!" Our guides from Your Friend in Reykjavik know all the juicy, fun tales about this iconic landmark. We'll make sure your visit isn't just about ogling at the grandeur; we'll throw in some quirky stories to keep you entertained. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even strike a pose like a Viking conqueror at the top! Who said sightseeing can't be a barrel of laughs?

60 min

We end our Tour with a 1 hour stop at a lovely local Restaurant feasting upon the local Icelandic cuisine with Your Friend in Reykjavik

Highlights

Guided walking tour of Reykjavik city center
Tips for food & drink in Reykjavik
An expert local guide
Live tour commentary provided in English
Your control the starting time
Lunch or dinner

What's included

Included
Guided walking tour of Reykjavik city center
Tips for food & drink in Reykjavik
An expert local guide
Live tour commentary provided in English
Your control the starting time
Lunch or dinner
Not included
Gratuities

Pickup Locations & Times

We offer pickup from the hotels/accommodations within the specified radius. If you are staying outside of the downtown area we kindly ask you to meet us at We meet up outside Hlöllabátar the sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1 in Reykjavík. We recommend using Google Maps! (The square is located right next to Center Hotels Plaza) Your guide will be wearing a light blue jacket that´s easily recognizable. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

Traveller Ratings

4.6
7 reviews
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(7)

D
Dileep N
July 3, 2026
Great variety and great way to learn about the city.

Five on five - Bo was a great tour guide!

L
leithiaw2025
July 21, 2025
Excellent!

This was the first tour I did arriving off of the plane when I landed in Iceland. It was awesome! We learned so much about the history of Iceland, and all the food we ate was delicious. Our tour guide, Magnus, was so funny and kind, and also offered us suggestions on other activities we should do while visiting. Bring your appetites - it was a lot of food! Overall, a great experience!

8
83jond
July 7, 2025
Fun and tasty tour

Very enjoyable foodie walking tour. Our guide was knowledgeable about the city and we had some very interesting foods. Lots of good beer too.

Operator response

Hello 83jond, We truly appreciate your positive feedback and are thrilled that you enjoyed discovering Reykjavik's flavors with us. Our guides are passionate about sharing the city's hidden gems and local cuisine, so it's great to hear you found the tour both fun and informative. We hope you'll join us again in the future for more great food, beer, and memories. Thank you for choosing Your Friend In Reykjavik! With gratitude and warm regards Steina Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team

R
Rusti_I
June 7, 2025
Great private tour intro to Reykjavik

This private tour included only my group, which was perfect because we were very tired and jet-lagged! Our guide, Paul (Palli), was great. He met us at our hotel and modified the walk to various interests and walking speeds on the fly. He was personable and gave a great introduction for people just arriving in Reykjavik for the first time. By the end of the walk, we felt like we had a pretty good handle on the area, some good local recommendations, tasted a little local food, and confidence to go back and explore more. He made Reykjavik feel very welcoming, and we loved all the bits of history and culture he wove into the walk. Also, the office/operations support and communication by the tour company Your Friend In Reykjavik was very good as well. Recommend and would do it again!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Rusti! We’re delighted to hear that Paul (Palli) made your introduction to Reykjavik both enjoyable and memorable. We always aim to personalize our tours to our guests’ needs and pace, and it’s fantastic to know that our office team provided smooth communication. Your kind words truly mean a great deal to us, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime! Safe travels, and thank you again for recommending Your Friend In Reykjavik! With gratitude and warm regards Steina Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team

E
E2351GKkathyd
May 20, 2025
Guide ruined our food tour.

We stopped for only 2 days in Reykjavik coming from Dublin and thought the food tour would be a great way to learn about Iceland and get to know the city. While we enjoyed the food and walking around the tour was ruined some by our guide. He got into religion (said he was an atheist) and politics (said he was as WOKE as “used the f word” and was proud of it.). We finally asked him to please stop talking about this repeatedly! It’s not really what we wanted to hear on a food tour. It was our anniversary that day too and he kept coming around to those topics so maybe should’ve just gone out for a nice dinner instead. I would not recommend this guide at all - he took the fun out of the experience which was not cheap either. I gave it 2 stars because the food was good.

1 people found this helpful
J
JanetT992
December 14, 2024
A Great Time!

Katrin and Einar were our tour guides for the Food Tour in Reykjavik. It was an excellent tour, and Katrin and Einar made it fantastic. Both were fun and highly knowledgeable about everything Icelandic!!!! With the information I received, I could write a book. More importantly, Katrin and Einar were pleasant and made it a delightful afternoon. Five Stars for a great tour.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear Janet, We can’t thank you enough for your glowing review! It sounds like Katrín and Einar truly brought the spirit of Iceland to life for you during the Food Tour. We’re delighted that you enjoyed their insights, sense of humor, and friendliness. Our team works hard to make every experience special, and we’re pleased that you've recognized our efforts. Thank you for choosing Your Friend In Reykjavik, and we hope to welcome you back on another unforgettable tour soon! With gratitude and warm regards Steina Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team

W
W7261EVfeliciaa
March 15, 2024
Best tour

Best Tour highly recommend. Gives your the best lay of the land and the desire fry more new foods . The guide was amazing and went above and beyond.

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