Reykjavik One-Night Break From £110

Two days of annual leave, one night in Iceland. For 9 to 10 December 2026, a Reykjavik city break with return flights from London and a night in a 3-star hotel came to around £110 each when we checked. It is a short, fast trip, so this guide is about making the most of every hour.

Why go

Why Reykjavik works for a one-night break

Reykjavik is small enough to enjoy in a day. Its colourful rooftops, harbour, cafés and shops are all within a short walk of each other, and in December the city is dressed for winter. The days are short, so you will do most of your sightseeing in a few hours of daylight and save the evening for somewhere warm.

Explore

What to fit into your time

• HallgrímskirkjaReykjavik’s best-known landmark, a tall white church that you can see from much of the city
• Old town and harbourA good walk for rooftops, street art, cafés and sea views
• Northern lightsPossible on dark, clear winter nights, but never guaranteed. A guided evening tour is the usual way to look for them
• Blue LagoonA famous geothermal spa near Keflavík Airport. Check whether you need to book a time in advance and how it fits around your flights
• Christmas marketsReykjavik holds a Christmas market at Ingólfstorg square. Check the dates for 2026 before you plan around it
• Hearty local foodLook out for lamb soup, which is a warming winter favourite in Iceland

Stay

Where you would stay: Hotel Cabin

Hotel Cabin is a 3-star hotel at Borgartún 32. It is about 2 km from the centre, so expect roughly ten minutes by bus or a longer walk, rather than stepping out into the old town. The hotel lists a breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, free parking and a bar. Rooms are compact, with standard rooms of around 10 square metres, which is fine for a night but worth knowing before you book. The room price we based this guide on works out at about £35 each for two people sharing.

Compare Reykjavik hotels and prices on trivago. If you would rather be in the old town, a 3-star hotel there showed from about £62 per person for the night, based on two sharing, when we looked on 19 October 2026. The old town and the shopping street, Laugavegur, are on your doorstep.

Travel

Getting there and around

Keflavík Airport is roughly 50 km from Reykjavik, which is around 45 minutes by road. The flight we found lands at 11:50 and the return leaves at 20:10, so you get most of two days on the ground. Check the bus and transfer options on your day, and allow time for them on both days. Winter weather can change travel plans, so keep an eye on your airline’s updates. UK visitors should check the latest entry rules on the FCDO Iceland travel advice page before travelling.

Plan

A simple plan for your night

• Day oneLand late morning, travel into the city and check in or drop your bags. Walk down to the harbour and old town while it is light, then eat somewhere warm
• EveningChoose one thing: a northern lights tour, a Christmas market wander if it is open, or a relaxed dinner
• Day twoHave breakfast, take a short walk to Hallgrímskirkja and leave plenty of time to reach the airport for your evening flight

Save

Ways to keep the cost down

• Compare datesThe £110 figure is for 9 to 10 December. Other dates can cost more or less
• Hand luggageFor one night you may only need cabin baggage, but check your airline’s rules and any fees
• Check the extrasTransfers, tours, food and drink are on top of the headline price

Good to know

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