Reykjavik holidays

One way to make it a cheap holiday to Reykjavik is to spend time walking the city’s north shore. The stroll takes you past the impressive glass dome of Harpa concert hall. Pause at the Sun Voyager sculpture, overlooking the postcard-worthy Kollafjordur fjord. End your trek at the Laugarnes peninsula, an archaeological site that was once a Viking settlement.

Use your city break in Reykjavik to explore the city’s outstanding music scene. Check out up-and-coming Icelandic acts at Hurra or the musicians’ favourite venue, Graeni Hatturinn. There’s a good chance you’ll catch a touring folk act (as well as some tasty comfort food) at the intimate Cafe Rosenberg. For a schedule of the city’s concerts, pick up a copy of the Reykjavik Grapevine.

Reykjavik is the perfect home base for exploring Iceland’s nature. Drive one hour north of the city to the Glymur Waterfall, a dramatic cascade down the Hvalfjordur. Closer to the city, wander through the rock formations and birch woodlands of Thingvellir National Park. Travel a few hours east to traverse the Solheimajokull Glacier.

Vesturbaer is where to stay in Reykjavik if you want the charm and convenience of the city centre without the foot traffic. Book a whale-watching trip at the harbour, then get back to shore for a meal at one of the growing number of restaurants and cafes in the neighbourhood. Explore the city’s seafaring past at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum.

Good for: Harbour, whale watching, restaurants

Laugardalur is the city’s playground, especially during the warmer months. Located east of the city centre, it’s Reykjavik’s main recreation area, home to a geothermally heated swimming pool. Browse plant life at the Reykjavik Botanic Garden, or catch a soccer match at Laugardalsvollur Stadium. You’ll see locals hiking and biking through the district’s namesake park, and in winter it can seem like everyone comes to skate at the Laugardalur Ice Rink.

Good for: Swimming, ice skating, soccer

This mostly residential district is the best neighbourhood to stay in Reykjavik for a slice of local life. Wander the leafy streets, taking in architecture from the 1930s, when the district sprung to life. You’ll find a collection of casual restaurants, including a famous food hall, as well as indie boutiques. Check out sculptures and paintings from Icelandic artists at Reykjavik Art Museum. Then climb the Oskjuhlid hill, and visit the nature museum at Perlan.

Good for: Restaurants, markets, museums

A trip to the geothermal swimming pool at Laugardalslaug is one of the best things to do with family in Reykjavik. It’s more convenient than the Blue Lagoon and close to an abundance of playgrounds and picnic areas. Marvel at models of the world’s largest mammals at the Whales of Iceland exhibit or interact with life-size Viking mannequins at the Saga Museum.

Laugavegur is the main street for high-end shopping in Reykjavik. Explore the dynamic Icelandic music scene at record stores like Lucky Records, and find high-quality Nordic furniture at Akkurat. Satisfy your sugar cravings at Vinberid sweet shop. For deals, try vintage clothing boutiques like Spuutnik Reykjavik. Or head to Kringlan and Smaralind to shop in Iceland’s largest malls.

The National Museum of Iceland is a can’t-miss attraction in Reykjavik, home to 2,000 artefacts dating back to the Viking era. See modern Icelandic sculptures at the Reykjavik Art Museum, or learn the science behind the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavik. For something completely different, explore counter-culture music at the Icelandic Punk Museum.

At night, Laugavegur turns from a shopping street into ground zero for the city’s nightlife scene. You’ll stumble upon everything from dive bars to local microbreweries. Craft cocktails dominate the drinks menu at Vedurbarinn, just as hip-hop dominates the dance floor at restaurant/nightclub Prikid. Things don’t get going here until late, with most clubs remaining empty until midnight.

It’s super easy to get lured into sampling Reykjavik’s regional treats. Most mornings start with ‘skyr’, a thicker, creamier cousin to yoghurt. The delicate fish and chips are a must at Kaffivagninn, Iceland’s oldest operating restaurant. And you can try Nordic-themed small plates at Mat Bar or splurge on upscale eats at gourmet eateries like Dill Restaurant and Brut.

Taking an obligatory photo at the waterfront sculpture ‘Solfar’ (Sun Voyager) is one of the top free things to do in Reykjavik. Admire the mountain-shaped Hallgrimskirkja Church, where you can pay a small fee to climb the tower for unblocked skyline views. Then explore Althingi, the parliament area where Iceland’s government has met since the 1800s. To bone up on the city’s neighbourhoods, join a free CityWalk tour (donations accepted).