What to do in Iceland – the itinerary of a solo female traveller

Reykjavik really is a modern and dynamic city that oozes idyllic village charm. It’s approximately a 50-minute transfer from the airport (transfers are easy to arrange) and for a capital city, it's pretty tiny. All attractions are within walking distance.

The main street is named Laugavegur and boasts shops, bars, restaurants, clubs and everything you need on a solo travel Iceland adventure.

I stayed at the Center Hotel Klopp, which was very central, clean, and modern, with friendly staff and a continental breakfast was included in the price.

MONEY SAVING TIP: Make sure you book a hotel that provides breakfast - you’ll save a lot on food this way.

I am glad I took earplugs for my stay at Center Hotel Klopp as the road was quite noisy until midnight – it didn’t dampen my spirit though and I would stay here again.

So after checking in and making friends with the receptionist at the hotel who was originally from my home town in Yorkshire (what a small world), off I went to explore the city and the sights.

My first stop was the Sculpture and Shore Walk, complete with the bracing wind coming off the Atlantic ocean - it definitely makes you feel alive. The Sun Voyager Sculpture is a dreamboat and symbolizes the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom and is stunning with the backdrop of the mountains across the bay.

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre has impressive multi-faceted glass architecture and it is down on the harbour, just minutes away from where you pick up the boat for whale-watching tours and the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus.

I recommend a visit to the only Penis Museum in the world – The Icelandic Phallological Museum displays a number of phalluses from a wide variety of species. A female Solo travel Iceland trip itinerary should most definitely include this - if you’re into penises that is! It certainly was an eye-opener and my interest peaked on a few occasions whilst I wandered around checking out the pieces. None of which had frostbite though…

There is also another worthwhile attraction on the harbour called “Fly Over Iceland” which utilises state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight while you are seated/suspended. Watch the film and be whisked away on an exhilarating virtual journey across Iceland.

The showing lasts around 30 minutes and costs around £30.

The quaint old town of Reykjavik is very close to the harbour with traditional Icelandic architecture and the Parliament building taking centre stage.

Wander through the old town to Tjornin Lake - a great place to chill out and have a takeaway coffee while pondering life, relaxing and pinching yourself that you are actually in Iceland solo!

Turn left up Laugavegur which is the longest shopping street in Reykjavik for a wander around the various shops and check out the thick woollen jumpers made from local sheep’s wool (and cost an arm and leg!).

Turn right near the Christmas Shop and a Subway takeaway shop and head up the ‘rainbow road’ to the city’s famous iconic church – Hallgrimskirkja.

With its 250-metre-high tower and highly unconventional design to mimic the basalt columns found on the south coast beach of Reynisfjara, Hallgrimskirkja really is a stunner.

Inside is rather minimalist, elegant and understated, and you can pay extra to go up the tower for a 360-degree view of Reykjavik. As you head out of the church there is a lovely bistro opposite called Café Loki and their meat soup is to die for.

Or to the right and just down the hill is the famous Braud bakery where the famous cinnamon roll, or cheese and chilli giant croissant can be purchased – delicious!

The best supermarket is called Bonus -easily identified by the huge pink pig logo. There is one on Laugavegur at the opposite end of the harbour where everyday essentials can be purchased – try the traditional liquorice chocolate.

The people are so friendly and helpful and everyone speaks English. I felt very safe walking about on my own, both during the day and at night on my solo travel Iceland adventure.

However, if you don’t want to walk, there are plenty of city scooters all over the city that you can hire by downloading the app and with a swipe of your card, off you whizz.

The street art in Reykjavik is brilliant too.