4-day Reykjavik, Iceland itinerary

45 minutes from Reykjavik. Pick up your rental car at the airport, not downtown — half the price and you'll want it immediately.

Better than the Blue Lagoon and closer to town. Book the 7-step ritual.

Matur og Drykkur if you want a splurge (fermented shark tasting menu if you're brave); Kaffivagninn for old-school fish and chips.

Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss. Full day if you take your time. Add Kerið crater if you want a fourth stop.

The continental rift walk is the reason. Walk down between the North American and Eurasian plates.

Lunch inside a working greenhouse. Tomato soup + fresh bread. Book — they get slammed.

Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → Reynisfjara black sand beach → Vík. Long day. Fill up petrol before Selfoss.

The waterfall you can walk behind. Bring a raincoat, not a poncho.

Never turn your back on the ocean. The sneaker waves are the actual danger the signs warn about.

Take the elevator up the tower. €10, ten minutes, best skyline view in the city.

Even if you're not seeing a concert, walk through. The Ólafur Elíasson glass facade is worth it.

The famous hot dog stand by the harbor. Order 'ein með öllu' — one with everything. €5.

The oldest public pool in Reykjavik. Locals more than tourists. Bring a swim cap; they enforce it.