Doing Iceland on a Budget

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Advisor - Sarit Rothschild
Curated By

Sarit Rothschild

  • Iceland

  • Active Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Budget-friendly

  • Sightseeing

  • Winter

A person overlooking the smoke near a wooden fence outside.
Curator’s statement

With careful planning and resourcefulness, budget travelers can uncover the magic of Iceland without overspending. Explore breath-taking scenery and unique sites without breaking the bank. Hiking in waterfalls, snowmobiling on glaciers, walking on black sand beaches and reinvigorating your skin with lagoon mud can all be arranged within your curated trip.

The Fora Difference

Book with Sarit to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Iceland

Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Stylish and family-friendly, Alda Hotel on Laugavegur Street, the city’s main shopping street, offers spacious rooms and a convenient base for exploring Reykjavik.

Hotel Rangá

In southern Iceland, this lodge-like resort is the spot to experience the magical Northern Lights go star gazing with the experts.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Resort / hotel or spa credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

ION City

Sleek, romantic hotel in Reykjavik located on Laugavegur street and outfitted with a restaurant and fitness center.

Unlock perks by contacting Sarit to book your trip.

Things to do in Iceland

Two people dressed in outdoor gear preparing to snowmobile outside with snow, rocks and a vibrant orange sunset in the background.

1. Horseback Riding: Experience horseback riding on a unique Icelandic horse that is native to the vikings. Enjoy a relaxing ride through lava-laden scenery past mountains, lakes and moors.

2. Silfra: Snorkeling between tectonic plates, located in Thingvellir National Park. Snorkel through the clear waters and see the tectonic plates as they have moved over centuries.

3. Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik: Enjoy a super Jeep to go off-road with less pollution to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

4. Golden Circle Tour: Enjoy the main sights like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot springs.

5. Secret Lagoon Tour: Submerge yourself in the healing waters of the secret lagoon in the Golden Circle.

6. Seven-Step Spa Ritual Sky Lagoon: Partake in seven steps as part of the healing ritual (lagoon, cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, sky scrub, steam room and shower).

7. Whale Watching and Dolphin Yacht Cruise: Catch a glimpse of the rare whales and dolphins in the cool waters of Iceland. Bring your binoculars and a camera to capture these wonderful moments.

8. Explore Reykjavik: Exploring the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, where you can visit landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, hot dog stand and the Reykjavik Old Harbor.

Day trips

1. Volcano Hike & Blue Lagoon Ticket Tour: Hike off the beaten path to the newly erupting Fagradalsfjall Volcano in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Feast your eyes on the magma and lava trail to the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy the blue hot spring while relaxing with a cocktail or mud bath.

2. Glacier Hike South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach: Hike along the waterfalls and glaciers on this tour from Reykjavik. Learn about the history of the glaciers and how the vikings arrived at this land. Enjoy the black-sand beach before heading back to your hotel.

Places to eat & drink in Iceland

A plate of pasta and other colorful foods on top of a wooden table next to a wine and water glass, with a napkin and silverware in front of it.

  1. La Primavera Ristorante: Italian cuisine in Reykjavik.

  2. Matur og Drykkur: Icelandic cuisine in Reykjavik.

  3. Sumac: Lebanese cuisine in Reykjavik.

  4. Friðheimar Tomato Farm: In the Golden Circle.

  5. Suður: Icelandic vegetarian cuisine in Vik.

  6. Lebowski Bar: In Reykjavik.

  7. Grillmarkaðurinn: Nordic fine-dining cuisine in Reykjavik.

  8. Dill Restaurant: Nordic cuisine with one Michelin star In Reykjavik.

Need to know

There are many different ways to visit Iceland. Don't let the price scare you away from visiting this unique and breathtaking Island. Every Adventurist should visit Iceland during any season to enjoy all the beauty the Island has to offer.

Advisor - Sarit Rothschild

Travel Advisor

Sarit Rothschild

Get in touch with Sarit

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Sarit within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Melissa Friedman-Levine’s guide, Romantic Weekend in Iceland.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland.