Reykjavík: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
The Sun Voyager is a metal sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, it's described as a dreamboat that conveys a dream of hope. This iconic sculpture is a popular landmark to visit. You will be able to see the ultimate gleam and beauty of the sculpture when sunset. Harpa Concert Hall is a conference center and Reykjavik's greatest landmark. Many concerts have been held in Harpa since the opening of the building. The building also has two restaurants on the 1st and 4th floor. There's also a shop that sells books, flowers, and Icelandic souvenirs.
Sun Voyager
Harpa Concert Hall
DOWNTOWN
Reykjavik Art Museum is the largest visual art institution in Iceland. The museum often holds a variety of events annually and holds exhibitions from international artists as well. The museum also takes part in collaborations of music, film, design, dance, drama, and literature festivals. There are three locations of the Reykjavik Art Museum, in Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn.
Reykjavik Art Museum
SHOPPING
Kolaportið is Iceland's only flea market. The indoor flea market is located near the harbor of Reykjavik. You can shop for unique things here such as vinyl records, licorice, Icelandic souvenirs and even fermented shark which is the national dish of Iceland. But you have to make sure to check the day before you're coming to this place because the market only opens on Saturday and Sunday.
Kolaportið
FOOD & DRINK
Lamb, dairy, and fish are the main ingredients of Icelandic food. Some of the popular foods in Iceland are skyr, hangikjöt (smoked lamb), kleinur, laufabrauð, and bollur. Icelandic foods are usually preserved by pickling, drying, and smoking that makes the food have distinctive flavors. Brennivín is considered Iceland's distilled beverage. The popular alcoholic drink is made of fermented grain or potato and added with a caraway or a Persian cummin for the flavor.
CULTURE
In 2011, Iceland was designated by UNESCO as the City of Literature because of its contribution to classical literature, and the famous literature is Icelanders' sagas and prose. Icelandic culture is deeply rooted in North Germanic traditions, and Iceland is really good at preserving their native language. The art in Iceland, particularly paintings are mostly inspired by the beauty of Icelandic landscapes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Peak season: Peak holiday season in Iceland happens during the summer, or from mid-June through Agust. A lot of people visit Iceland during this time because the sun never completely sets, so they can explore the country in the Midnight Sun.
HOTEL
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura is located in one of the greenest areas in Reykjavik. The hotel is filled with decorations that are inspired by the beautiful nature that surrounds the hotel. You can also do some fun outdoor activities such as biking, running and walking the trail and pathways that are located near the hotel. Kex Hostel is an interesting vintage-themed hotel. The hotel is named after the word Kex which means biscuit in Iceland because the hostel was built in a former biscuit factory. The hotel has a unique vintage barbershop that is located in a former vault. And for you who likes reading, the hostel has a bar with a collection of books.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura
Kex Hostel
RESTAURANT
Kaffivagninn is the oldest restaurant in Iceland, it has been operating since 1935. They serve traditional Icelandic menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can try their tuna melt, smoked Icelandic salmon, Odin's fish soup, and the kffivagninn fish pan. The restaurant is located on the harbor in downtown Reykjavik. Another restaurant that is worth visiting is Höfnin or The Harbor. It is a family-run restaurant that has been established since 2010. The restaurant offers traditional Icelandic food with a modern twist. Some of their recommended menus are the shellfish soup, mussels, traditional fish stew, char, and the Icelandic lamb and beef.
Kaffivagninn
Höfnin
CAFE
Café Loki is located in front of the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and only serves Icelandic food and is the perfect place to have breakfast before you start exploring the city. You can enjoy the coffee and tea that they offer along with pancakes, bagel, and bread ice cream. And if you want to have a brunch instead, try their Icelandic plate choices. Another option to have a tasty breakfast is at Cafe Babalu, which is a vegan-friendly cafe. They offer delicious coffee and a selection of amazing pastry, and even hot chocolate. The unique decorations of the cafe also create a very nice atmosphere.
Café Loki
Cafe Babalu
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Snaps Bistro Bar is a French bistro that offers quality selections of wines, cocktails, and gin and tonic. The bar has a great atmosphere that is perfect to spend a night with friends.
Snaps Bistro Bar
INTERESTING PLACE
Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland with its 74.5 meters height. The Icelandic inspired cathedral finished the construction in 1986 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavik. You can enter the church and go to the top of the clock tower to enjoy a 360-degree view of Reykjavik. One of the reasons why people come to Iceland is to see the Northern Lights, and Aurora Reykjavík is the right place to visit before you start hunting for the Northern Lights. Aurora Reykjavik is a Northern Lights information center with historical exhibits, art, and a theater. Here, you can participate in the guided tour to learn about Northern Light, from the perfect place to hunt, time, and even the camera set to capture the best sight of the Northern Lights.
Hallgrimskirkja
Aurora Reykjavik
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Perlan is a futuristic-looking building that features a real indoor ice cave, exhibitions Northern Light planetarium show, a restaurant, and an amazing observation deck that allows you to see the 360-degree view of Reykjavik. Another popular photo spot in Iceland is Þúfa located in Grandi. It is an outdoor art piece and a popular Reykjavik landmark. The interesting artwork is a place for inner peace and meditation. From this spot, you can also see the great views of Harpa.
Perlan
Þúfa
