Reykjavik: Food Walk with Local Tastings & City Stories

Summary

Walk Reykjavik’s streets tasting Icelandic food with locals

You’ll taste Icelandic lamb, homemade ice cream, fresh fish, and those famous hot dogs as you wander Reykjavik’s streets with a local guide. Expect stories about settlers, laughter over tricky pronunciations, and small surprises in every stop. It’s less of a checklist and more like joining someone’s afternoon around their city.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped out from the Harpa concert hall — that glassy building everyone photographs — and I could already smell something warm drifting from a cart nearby. Our guide, Sigrún, waved us over with a grin and handed out little bites of smoked lamb. I’d never tasted anything quite like it: salty, soft, a bit earthy. She started telling us about how her grandma used to make it for Christmas, and suddenly the city felt less like a postcard and more like someone’s home.

We wandered up Arnarhóll hill (windier than I expected), where Sigrún pointed at the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson — apparently the first settler here. I tried to pronounce his name; she laughed and told me not to worry, even locals mess it up sometimes. The walk took us down Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, past shops selling wool sweaters and people chatting in that soft Icelandic way. There was this one spot where we stopped for ice cream — homemade, creamy but not too sweet — and I swear I still think about that flavor when I see rain clouds now.

Somewhere between Hallgrímskirkja’s looming tower and a tiny hot dog stand (yes, we tried the famous ones — crispy onions are key), I realized how much Reykjavik changes block by block. The light kept shifting; sometimes golden on the church stone, sometimes gray-blue over puddles. Lunch was catch-of-the-day fish at a tucked-away place Sigrún called her “secret”, though judging by the crowd inside it wasn’t that secret anymore. We talked about music festivals and winter storms while picking at flaky white fish — honestly, I didn’t want to leave my seat just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavik food and city walking tour

• Meet at Harpa concert hall
• Explore Harpa building
• Walk to Arnarhóll hill
• See Ingólfur Arnarson statue
• Stroll Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur streets
• Visit Hallgrímskirkja church

Top questions

How long is the Reykjavik Food Walk?

The walking food tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What foods do you try on this Reykjavik tour?

You’ll sample Icelandic lamb, homemade ice cream, fresh catch-of-the-day fish, hot dogs from a well-known stand, and other seasonal dishes.

Is there a guide during the food walk?

Yes, the tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories along the way.

Where does the Reykjavik Food Walk start?

The meeting point is at Harpa Concert Hall in downtown Reykjavik.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes, most allergies or dietary needs can be accommodated if you contact them in advance.

Are there any famous landmarks included?

You’ll visit Hallgrímskirkja church, Arnarhóll hill with Ingólfur Arnarson’s statue, Laugavegur street, and more city highlights.

How many restaurants or stops are included?

You’ll visit 4-6 local establishments ranging from food trucks to restaurants.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through central Reykjavik with stops at 4-6 local spots for tastings—think Icelandic lamb slices, homemade ice cream from family recipes, catch-of-the-day fish dishes or hot dogs—and plenty of stories from your local guide along the way. If you have any allergies or special requests just let them know ahead of time so they can adjust your menu accordingly.