Small bites, big Iceland stories. This weekend Reykjavik Food Tour is a focused way to learn Icelandic food culture while you walk through classic spots like the old harbor and Kolaportið Market. I like that the tastings are all included, so you travel light, and I also like the small group size that keeps the pace friendly and the questions flowing.

One thing to consider: the flea market stop is only possible when it’s open, and any major city event can make tight schedules feel tighter—so have a little patience and dress for weather.

Quick hits

• All tastings included: you get multiple Icelandic bites without doing mental math in cafés.
• Small groups (max 12): easier to hear your guide and move as a unit.
• Flea market timing matters: Kolaportið Market runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00.
• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur lamb hot dog: the tour targets the original stall from 1937.
• Downtown meat soup finale: the ride ends in the center of Reykjavik with a big bowl you can count on.
• Handles allergies with substitutions: fish allergies have been accommodated with alternate choices.

Getting Your Bearings: Ingólfstorgi First, Food Second

The tour starts at Ingolfur Square (Ingólfstorgi area). Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early, because the group meets together right away at the basecamp area. You’re not dealing with hotel logistics or a long wait, which is a big deal on a short trip.

This “kickoff first” approach works well because you leave the start already oriented. You also get a quick context check from your guide before the food begins—what you’re about to eat, why it matters in Iceland, and what to pay attention to as you go.

Also, the meeting point is close to public transport. That matters if you’re still learning Reykjavik routes or if you’re traveling light without a car.

Old Harbor Soup: Shellfish Taste of Iceland

Right after you meet, you head toward the old Reykjavik harbor. The first actual tasting is Icelandic shellfish soup, a warm introduction that sets expectations for Icelandic cuisine: simple ingredients, heavy flavor, and comfort food built for cold weather.

This is a smart opener for two reasons. First, it’s early enough that jet lag hunger doesn’t derail the plan. Second, it’s a “local baseline” food—if you like it, you’ll feel more confident trying the stranger items later.

If you’re seafood-averse, it’s still worth knowing that the tour has handled at least one fish allergy with substitutions. Still, don’t assume your exact need will be covered the same way; mention allergies when you book so your guide can plan alternatives.

Kolaportið Market Weekend Stop: Authentic and Time-Sensitive

The flea market stop is the heart of the “food + street culture” angle. You’ll walk through Kolaportið Market, a small, authentic food market inside the Reykjavik Flea Market.

Here’s the key practical detail: Kolaportið Market is open only Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00. If you book for a weekday, you could get a different shopping-style stop instead, or the schedule can shift. Timing is everything with this one.

Why it’s worth it: flea markets are where you see everyday Icelandic eating habits, not just what restaurants choose to serve tourists. You also get the chance to browse traditional items like dried seafood and other oddball treats that make good souvenirs even if you don’t buy much.

A small drawback: during busy periods (like citywide events), navigation can get harder and the group may have less room to linger. In one case, the schedule didn’t make it to the flea market when events collided. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s a reminder to keep your plans flexible that weekend.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dogs: The 1937 Claim

No Reykjavik food tour feels complete without the lamb hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, presented here as the original hot dog stand from 1937. The tour keeps this stop fairly short, so you’ll get in, order, eat, and move on.

There’s a practical catch: hot spots have lines. One experience included a “line too long” problem that left the group disappointed, and there wasn’t a workable voucher follow-up in that case. If you’re the type who hates waiting, mentally prepare for some queue time when you arrive.

On the plus side, this stop is exactly the kind of Reykjavik detail you’d miss on your own. You’re not just eating; you’re tasting a local food landmark with a real origin story tied to the stall’s legacy.

The Local Supermarket Wing: Snacks You Can Actually Take Home

After the hot dog, you stop at a local supermarket for a short look at Icelandic foods, snacks, and candy. This is only about 10 minutes, so think of it as a fast scan, not a full grocery trip.

Why I like this part: it teaches you what Icelandic brands and flavors look like in the wild. You’ll likely find things you can’t easily find later, and you’ll get ideas for how locals build a snack spread in a country where weather is often doing the most.

This also helps you plan the rest of your stay. Once you’ve seen the typical supermarket aisle, you can spot good choices when you return on your own.

Icelandic Street Food Finale: “Iceland in a Bowl” Meat Soup

The tour ends at Icelandic Street Food in downtown Reykjavik (near Lækjargata 8). The main send-off is a big bowl of meat soup, described as Iceland in a bowl. This is the “warm finish” that makes the tour feel like more than a snack crawl.

You also share an Icelandic drink at the end, and the tour includes beverages plus alcoholic beverages. If alcohol isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the meal portion and skip any drink if you prefer, but plan for the fact that it’s part of the planned wrap-up.

Time-wise, the ending stop gives you a proper bite to settle the walking and tasting. If you do this early in your trip, it also reduces the “what should we eat next” stress later because you’ll already know a few flavor directions you can chase.

What You Really Get for the Price

At $151.38 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for guided walking, multiple tastings, and the convenience of having food arranged for you. This isn’t a budget snack stop, but it can feel like good value if you look at it as a “starter pack” for Icelandic food culture.

Here’s the math-style logic that helps:

• If you were to eat three or four separate meals and coffees across downtown, the cost can climb quickly.
• The tour bundles tastings, beverages, and a guide into one set block, which saves time on decision-making.
• The group is capped at 12 people, which keeps it manageable rather than turning into a large, rushed parade.

Another value point: the tour typically runs through multiple “food memory” locations in one go. Shellfish soup at the harbor, a flea market wander, a famous hot dog stall, and the meat soup finale gives you variety without a car.

One more detail: reviews consistently praise the guides’ mix of food facts and Iceland context. Guide names that come up include Óli, Ester, Stephan, Robyn, Bo (Sveinbjörn), Paul, and Ólafur. Even without naming a specific style for every guide, it’s clear the best tours lean into explaining what you’re eating and why it fits Iceland’s geography and history.

Pace, Walking, and Comfort Notes (So You’re Not Surprised)

The walk isn’t described as strenuous, but there are practical movement elements you should plan for. Expect some uphill walking at times, and you’ll likely hit restaurant stairs during the meal stops. One review flagged stairs as a potential issue for mobility concerns.

The tour also runs in all weather conditions, so you should dress for cold wind and rain. Reykjavik weather changes fast, and being properly layered makes the difference between “fun stroll” and “why did we do this.”

If you have mobility limits, it’s smart to contact the operator before booking and ask how they handle stairs on your exact date.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a strong choice if you:

• Want an easy first-day activity to get oriented in downtown Reykjavik.
• Like trying local foods but don’t want to research every stop.
• Appreciate a short walk paired with explanations and a mix of savory items.

It can also be a good “family-friendly” option since the experience notes children must be accompanied by an adult, and the group size stays small.

If you’re a strict picky eater, you’ll likely still find options that work, and allergy substitutions have been done successfully in the past (including fish allergy cases). Still, don’t treat this as a guarantee—share dietary needs early.

Should You Book This Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour?

Yes, if you want a high-return introduction to Icelandic food in only three hours, especially on your arrival day or early in the trip. The combination of harbor soup, the flea market culture stop (when open), the 1937 lamb hot dog landmark, and the meat soup finish is a tight set of memories.

Skip or rethink it if:

• You’re booking on a day when Kolaportið Market isn’t open for those weekend hours.
• You strongly dislike lines and packed stops.
• Your plans can’t tolerate schedule shifts around major city events.

If you’re flexible and you enjoy learning while you eat, this is one of the best ways to turn Reykjavik’s winter comfort foods into a story you can taste.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Food Tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ingolfur Square (Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík) and ends at Icelandic Street Food (Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík).

What does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $151.38 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Does the tour include food tastings and drinks?

Yes. All tastings are included, along with beverages, and the end includes an Icelandic drink (with alcoholic beverages included).

What are the main stops?

You’ll visit the old harbor area for shellfish soup, Kolaportið Market (flea market), Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for the lamb hot dog, a local supermarket, and Icelandic Street Food for meat soup.

Is Kolaportið Market only open certain days?

Yes. The Reykjavik Flea Market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11:00 to 17:00.

Do I need hotel pickup?

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