A Budget Traveler's Guide To Iceland

Iceland is on The Telegraph’s list of top 20 most expensive cities to visit in the world, however, there are ways to circumnavigate some of those expenses. Budget airlines such as Wow Air make this even more possible, especially when they offer special travel deals. It is possible to have a very relaxing and inexpensive day in Iceland while also taking part in some of the most popular cultural past times. This would include lounging at a swimming pool, drinking coffee and cake at a cafe, reading a book, and sticking to the Happy Hour offers.

Where to Eat and Sleep

While eating out in Iceland can be quite expensive when it comes to restaurants, there are a few exceptions. In Reykjavik, check out the kebab stands Mandi, Habibi, and Durum, all located downtown. However, if you really want to stick to your budget, it is best to do your shopping at the discount grocery store, Bonus (the one with the silly drunken pig logo), and cook your meals at your accommodation. Staying at campgrounds and hostels are definitely the best way to stay definitely stay in your budget. There are many hotels, however, that are worth the price. Check out our list of 16 of Iceland’s cheapest hotels for more details.

City Museum Offer

Bus Tours

If you want to explore the landscape outside of the cities, booking a seat on a tour bus can be much more affordable than renting your own car – and with fewer things to consider, you can sit back and truly enjoy the surroundings. There are day-long excursions offered that explore the Golden Circle, Snæfellsness Peninsula, the South Coast and Jökulsárlón, Landmannalaugur hiking area, Reykjanes Peninsula, Cave tours, and Reykjavik area tours.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.