Top Tips For Visiting Iceland on a Budget
With some planning, a trip to Iceland doesn’t have to be too expensive. Here are the top tips for saving money while on a budget trip in Iceland.
Use Special Discounts When Eating Out
Dining out in Iceland can add up quickly, so it’s important to be selective about where and when you eat. While Iceland offers incredible food experiences, being mindful of your budget ensures you can enjoy them without overspending.
Even fast food can be expensive in Iceland, and you might find that the price difference between a burger at a casual spot and the cheaper items on a fine dining restaurant menu in Reykjavik is not as significant as you might expect.
That’s why it’s worth checking menus in advance. They’re usually available online in English. Some restaurants also offer more affordable lunch options, so consider having a lighter dinner instead to save.
If you’re a member of Guide to Iceland’s VIP Club, dining out becomes even more affordable. Many of Reykjavik’s top restaurants offer discounts on their entire menu, and on Mondays and Tuesdays, you can enjoy up to a 40% discount on tasting menus at places like Monkeys Food & Wine and Kol.
For a more casual meal, spots like Lebowski Bar, Bastard Brew & Food, and Litli Barinn also offer discounts on their already reasonably priced menus. Be sure to take full advantage of your VIP membership to make the most of the many dining deals available.
Buy Your Alcohol at Keflavik Airport
When planning your trip to Iceland, one thing you might not think about is the price of alcohol. Iceland has some of the highest alcohol prices in Europe, so if you’re looking to buy drinks during your stay, it’s important to know where to get the best deal.
The best place to buy alcohol in Iceland is at Keflavik Airport right when you arrive. The duty-free shop there offers significantly lower prices than in stores around the country, so it’s the ideal spot to stock up on beverages for your trip.
You can find a wide selection of spirits, wine, beer, and even Icelandic craft brews. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity when you land, as it’s the most cost-effective way to purchase alcohol in Iceland.
Choose Cheaper Groceries
When it comes to grocery shopping in Iceland, it’s easy to get caught off guard by the high prices, but there are ways to save. One of the best tips is to shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Krónan, where you’ll find more affordable prices on your essentials.
Krónan offers a wide selection of products, from fresh produce to pantry staples, all at reasonable rates. Whether you’re stocking up for a full meal or just picking up a few items, it’s one of the best options for keeping your food budget in check.
On the other hand, avoid shopping at more expensive convenience stores like 10-11. While they may be convenient, their prices are so much higher, especially for basics like snacks, drinks, and household goods. Some items may even be triple the price of a location like Krónan!
If you’re planning a road trip, plan ahead and pick up your groceries before heading to more remote areas of Iceland. This way, you’ll avoid paying the more premium prices of the countryside. You can find many Krónan stores around the capital region and even throughout Iceland, so stock up and keep your budget in control!
Never Buy Bottled Water in Iceland
The best drink in Iceland runs free of charge from every faucet, which means that by buying bottled water, you are falling victim to one of the worst tourist traps in Iceland.
The quality of Icelandic tap water is incredible, and you can ask for free water practically everywhere. You should, therefore, never have to buy water in Iceland unless you are in dire need of a container to fill up for free for the remainder of your vacation. Just let the cold water run; it’s the same water that is being bottled!
Save your money and reduce your environmental impact by enjoying Iceland’s fantastic tap water throughout your trip.
Keep An Eye Out for Happy Hours
Alcohol is very expensive in Iceland, so if you want to go out for a few drinks, make sure to take advantage of happy hour at bars. They usually run in the late afternoon to early evening, but times can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead!
If you’ve booked with Guide to Iceland, you’re in for an even better deal. Through your VIP Club access, you enjoy exclusive discounts at many of the best bars in Reykjavik, so don’t forget to claim your offers to save.
Some bars even offer happy hour prices throughout the evening for VIP members. Get a beer for 1000 ISK until 11 PM at popular spots like Kaldi Bar, English Pub, Irishman Pub, and Den Danske Kro, or enjoy award-winning cocktails at Kokteilbarinn with a 15% discount, so going out doesn’t have to break the bank!
Visit the Public Pools in Iceland
While the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon offer incredible experiences you can’t get anywhere else, the entry is pretty pricy. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out! Instead, plan a visit to one of Iceland’s public swimming pools! They’re much more affordable and provide a more authentic taste of everyday life in Iceland.
Visiting them gives you the chance to relax just like a local. Icelanders love their pools so much that the Icelandic swimming culture is even being considered for UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage!
With over 120 public pools across the country, you’ll find well-maintained, heated waters perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. Most pools also offer hot tubs and saunas, adding to the relaxing experience!
