ReykjavikTravel Guide

The Reykjavik Residence offers self-catering suites, apartments and economy studios centrally located in downtown Reykjavik. A stay here will suit most budgets and needs – and how great to be within walking distance of many city attractions. Also close to where everything happens is the four-star Center Hotel Laugavegur hotel. With a selection of comfy rooms, there’s also an on-site bar and restaurant, a concierge service and free wifi.

Sometimes all you need is a place to lay your head because you’re watching your budget. Luckily Reykjavik has several hostels and 2-star guesthouses, depending on your needs. The Loft HI Hostel is popular with visitors looking for a friendly, party vibe. Happy hour and a rooftop bar help things along! There’s also a bus stop close by, making it easy to get around and to do sightseeing. The quirky, colourful Butterfly Guesthouse is another budget-friendly option. You can’t miss it with the huge red butterfly painted on the façade, and as it’s family-run, you can be sure of that welcoming personal touch.

Guesthouse Galtafell is a lovely big historical residence near the famous and impressive landmark of the Hallgrimskirkja Church in central Reykjavik. It offers a choice of bright, airy rooms and apartments. For a home-away-from-home feeling, the Reykjavik Treasure B&B really is a gem. A historic little house in the old town with only seven rooms, it’s known for great breakfasts and cosy creature comforts.

 

Once you’ve checked in to your accommodation, heading off to a nearby geothermal spa is the perfect antidote to travel fatigue. These natural pools are heated with energy from the Earth and resorts and spas have been established all around them. One of the most popular, attracting visitors from across the globe, is the Blue Lagoon, a short drive or bus trip from Reykjavik. Situated near the town of Grindavik, it’s the largest in the world and the milky blue warm waters with temperatures of between 37–39° C (98–102° F) are said to have healing properties. On-site you’ll also find a restaurant, bar, sauna and steam rooms.

If you want to experience two natural wonders, you’ll have to take two trips to Reykjavik – once during October to March to see the Aurora Borealis, the phenomenon commonly known as the Northern Lights – and again in the summer months to enjoy the midnight sun. The Northern Lights are formed in the atmosphere where electronically charged particles from the sun create a surreal wash of blue and green across the dark night skies. There’s a museum in Reykjavik dedicated to the Northern Lights, and here you can also find out about the many tours available to get you to the best viewing spots. The midnight sun happens around the 20-22nd of June when the axis of the Earth is tilted towards the sun, and the sun doesn’t set. In other words, there’s daylight for 24 hours! Reykjavik, as the northernmost capital on Earth, experiences the midnight sun but also the opposite, with its winters being really dark and long.

A visit to a Viking museum is a must when in Reykjavik. And the Saga Museum is top-notch! From life-like historical figures to sets depicting the day-to-day of early settlers and major events, you’ll be taken through Iceland’s fascinating past. To get acquainted with Icelandic art, head to Culture House in downtown Reykjavik, home to various exhibitions and Iceland’s largest art collection. On the other end of the spectrum, Reykjavik has a thriving street art scene of colourful, complex murals and graffiti. Head to Laugavegur, Grettisgata and Skólavörðustígur streets, where the murals are plentiful, while downtown boasts commissioned works both inside and outside some buildings.

Glaciers abound in Iceland, and much of the country's interior is Arctic Desert. Guided ice-caving and glacier tours are the best ways to experience these otherworldly landscapes. But what are ice caves, you ask? They are naturally formed inside glaciers during the winter months, and when you go ice-caving, you step inside a glacier with ice walls all around and an ice roof above and you get to explore. A magical experience! Ice-caving season is from November to March.

 

Whale-watching from a boat in the Faxaflói Bay and helicopter flips over volcanic craters are just a few of the exciting adventures you can enjoy when visiting Reykjavik. There are also plenty of cruises and yacht tours available. If you’ve rented a car, a drive to the Golden Circle is highly recommended. This is an approximately 300km tourist route from the capital that loops through the southern part of the island into the southern uplands, taking you through breathtaking scenery.

 Akur restaurant and wine bar is a contemporary space overlooking Reykjavik’s old harbour. The menu offers French Nordic cuisine and seafood; dishes change with the seasons and produce available. The wines are sourced from France. Sjávargrillið Seafood Grill in the heart of the city has an award-winning chef at the helm and is known for some exotic dishes such as shark and interesting combos like langoustine tacos.  For a fine-dining fix, head to Laugavegur Street and ÓX Restaurant.[B(1]  Offering an exclusive and unique experience, and catering to 16 diners only, you’ll be seated around the chef as he prepares each dish.

Can you believe that the most common street food in Reykjavik is the hot dog? They’re served with various toppings, like onions and mayonnaise or wrapped in bacon, and hot dog stands can be found throughout the city. While street food markets tend to pop up in summer, your best bet is to head to the food halls selling local and international street food, such as the Grandi Mathöll in the harbour district. You’ll find everything from fish and chips and burgers to pasta and Korean street food here.
 

Kaffi Loki is a restaurant serving authentic local fare and the perfect place to refuel after sightseeing in the city. It’s situated across the road from the Hallgrimskirkja Church, so it’s easy to find. Insider tip: The desserts are incredible! Another goodie is Höfnin Restaurant at the harbour, with views of the boats and the mountains across the water. They offer a set three-course dinner, but there are also lunch and dinner menus featuring famous Icelandic lamb, reindeer and vegan options.