Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market

Reykjavik food, with real local texture. This 3-hour small-group walk pairs Icelandic flavors with quick hits of history and culture, starting at Ingolfur Square and ending at downtown street food. I love how it moves you through the city without making you plan a thing, plus every stop is built around included tastings so you can travel light.

My favorite part is the mix of classic Icelandic dishes and “everyday” snack culture, not just one big set-piece meal. You’ll taste along the way, including the harbor shellfish soup and a proper stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the original lamb hot dog since 1937.

One thing to consider: because the tour runs through busy downtown, timing can get tight around city events or lines at popular stalls. If you’re counting on every single stop, keep your day flexible and go with a calm, food-first mindset.

Key Things I’d Bank On

• Small group (max 12), so you’re not lost in a crowd while questions fly.
• All tastings included, plus beverages and an end drink, so you’re not doing mental math mid-tour.
• Kolaportið Flea Market timing matters: it’s only open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.
• Original 1937 lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a Reykjavik staple for a reason.
• A good “first day” route through central downtown that helps you navigate later on your own.
• Plan for weather: it operates in all conditions, so dress like you’ll be outside.

A 3-hour Reykjavik food tour that helps you hit the ground running

If you land with jet lag, this kind of tour is a lifesaver. You get a structured walk through the city center, but it doesn’t feel like a rushed bus trip, because you’re sampling as you go.

At $151.38 per person for about 3 hours, the value comes from what’s included, not just the walking route. Food tastings, beverages, and even an alcohol option at the end are part of the package, which usually means fewer extra stops for you later. It also helps that the group is capped at 12, so the guide can actually manage pacing.

The meeting point is central: Ingolfur Square (Hlöllabátar). That matters in Reykjavik, where you want to avoid long transfers and stay walkable in the downtown core.

Ingolfur Square to the Old Harbor: shellfish soup and quick culture context

Your tour starts at Ingolfur Square, right on the edge of downtown energy. You’ll want to arrive about 5 minutes early, so you’re not sprinting in Icelandic wind while everyone else is already lined up.

From there, you head down toward the old Reykjavik harbor, where the first proper tasting is an Icelandic shellfish soup. This is a smart opener because it’s local, warming, and tied to what Iceland does best with ocean ingredients. You also get cultural framing as you walk, so you’re not just eating, you’re learning what shaped the food and the city.

This early stop is also a good mental reset. Even if you’re not ready for a full meal yet, a small bowl of soup keeps you moving without weighing you down.

Kolaportið Flea Market: why this stop only works on the right days

Next up is Kolaportið Market, the food section inside the Reykjavik Flea Market. This is where the tour becomes more than a tasting sprint. You get a chance to look at stalls, see traditional foods up close, and understand what people actually reach for.

Here’s the key practical detail: Kolaportið is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 11 am to 5 pm. If your tour falls on a weekday, don’t assume the flea market time will match your expectations. The tour itself is designed for weekend access, so planning around the market hours is your best move.

The tasting style here tends to feel more hands-on than restaurant-only stops. You’ll walk, sample, and hear how items like dried or preserved foods fit Iceland’s history, especially in a country where weather and supply have always mattered.

In a food-focused day like this, the market portion is also your best chance to spot unique items you might want to buy later. Even if you only sample during the tour, you can get a feel for flavors and textures you might recognize again when you browse on your own.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: the original 1937 lamb hot dog stop

No Reykjavik food tour feels complete without a stop at the lamb hot dog stand. This one is special because it’s the original from 1937, at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

What I like about this stop is that it’s iconic without being fussy. You’re not waiting for a “perfect presentation,” you’re grabbing a classic, eating it, and using it as a reference point for what Iceland’s street food culture tastes like.

The one caution is time and lines. Popular stalls can get queue-heavy, and if there’s a jam, the experience can shift. If you care most about the hot dog specifically, I’d treat this stop as time-sensitive and try to keep your pace steady when the group moves in.

Also, don’t overthink the flavor. If you like savory comfort food, it’s usually a hit even for visitors who aren’t used to lamb-forward dishes.

The local supermarket stop: snacks that show how Iceland eats daily

After the hot dog, you’ll stop at a local supermarket for a quick look at Icelandic snacks, candy, and prepared foods. This is a strong move because it shows you the behind-the-scenes side of eating here.

Restaurants can be memorable, but supermarkets tell you what people actually buy on a normal day. You’ll likely find flavors that make you go, huh, that sounds like Iceland’s climate made it smarter. It’s also a practical way to stock up for day trips or long evenings when you don’t want to hunt for food.

This isn’t a long stop, so I’d use it like a target practice session. If something catches your attention, ask the guide what it tastes like and why it’s a thing. Then pick one item you’ll actually eat later, not just one that looks interesting.

Ending at Icelandic Street Food: meat soup and a real finish

The tour wraps up at Icelandic Street Food on Lækjargata 8. This is where you get the “Iceland in a bowl” finish, a big bowl of meat soup.

I love this kind of ending because it lands after you’ve been nibbling all day. By the time you reach this stop, you’re usually ready for something hearty that brings the whole tour together. It also helps you feel like you truly ate Reykjavik, not just tasted a few things.

If you’re watching your pace, this ending is a good check-in point. You’ll have eaten enough to feel satisfied, but you’re still in downtown, so it’s easy to continue exploring after the tour ends.

Why the price makes sense when tastings are included

At $151.38, the cost can look high if you assume it’s just a walking tour. But the included items change the math.

You’re getting:

• Food tasting at multiple stops
• Beverages, plus an alcoholic beverage option at the end
• A professional guide
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges

In practice, that means you’re paying for the guide’s planning and local navigation, plus the specific food moments you’d otherwise have to line up yourself. It’s especially helpful if you’re short on time or you’d rather spend your energy on eating than figuring out where to go next.

The guide matters here. With small group size (max 12), you’re not just listening to facts from afar. You’re more likely to get direct answers and quick adjustments to keep you on schedule.

What to do before you go: small tips that make it smoother

Weather is real in Reykjavik, so dress like you’ll be outside for a few hours. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so layers and a weatherproof outer layer help a lot.

Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. The route is a downtown walk with some stairs at restaurant stops, and in at least one case mobility issues came up because of those indoor stair moments. If stairs are a problem for you, mention it early, and consider choosing your footwear carefully.

Also, eat lightly before you start. A helpful pro tip is to not eat lunch first, because the tastings add up. You’ll get more out of the experience when you’re actually hungry enough to taste differences, not just passing through.

If you have dietary restrictions, you’re in decent shape. The tour information says most travelers can participate, and the experience includes substitutions, at least in real cases where fish allergies were handled.

Who this tour fits best, and who should adjust expectations

This is ideal for:

• Your first day in Reykjavik, especially if you want an orientation through the center.
• Food lovers who want Icelandic seafood flavors, plus street-food classics like the lamb hot dog.
• People who enjoy history in small bites rather than long lectures.

You might approach differently if:

• You’re very focused on one single stop. Because the city can get busy and lines can form, build in flexibility for timing.
• You have mobility limits related to stairs. The walk is described as not strenuous overall, but stairs show up inside some food stops.

If you’re the type who likes to learn while you eat, this tour is a good match. You’ll come away with a stronger sense of why Icelandic food is built the way it is: ocean foods, preserved foods, and hearty comfort bowls.

Should you book the Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with the Flea Market?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a compact, high-impact Reykjavik food day with a local guide and multiple Icelandic tastings. The strongest reasons are the small group size, the fact that you’re not paying for every bite separately, and the practical downtown route that sets you up for later wandering.

I’d also book it if you’re traveling with a mix of tastes, because the tour includes a range of Icelandic snacks and a market stop that’s more interesting than a normal restaurant meal.

One reason to pause: if your schedule is inflexible and you’re visiting on a day when the flea market hours might not line up, or if you’re worried about lines at the hot dog stall. If either of those would make you feel let down, consider confirming the timing with the operator ahead of time.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the weekend Reykjavik food tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet at Ingolfur Square (Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík), and you should arrive about 5 minutes early.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Yes. All food tastings are included, along with beverages, and the tour ends with an Icelandic drink (including alcoholic beverages).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

When is the Reykjavik Flea Market stop available?

Kolaportið Market inside the flea market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

What should I wear for the tour?

It operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for Icelandic conditions, especially since you’ll be outside walking.

Where does the tour end?

It ends at Icelandic Street Food (Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík) in downtown Reykjavik.