City Breaks

Reykjavík Guide

Reykjavík is the ideal base for discovering the rest of Iceland due to its prime location in the south of the island. Make sure to organise plenty of day trips but don’t overlook Reykjavík as it is also a great city in its own right. It’s a wonderfully quirky place with funky coloured cafes and and concept stores aplenty. It’s the kind of city that you feel as though you’ve conquered in a day due to it’s tiny size but that’s what makes it the safest and cosiest capital I have ever been to. Walk the streets and get your bearings quickly making sure to snuggle indoors in fur lined wood cabins for a hot cup of cocoa and lobster soup.

REYKJAVIK ROASTERS best for coffee

One of Reykjavik’s few speciality coffee shops. The coffee is superb as proven by the herds of Icelanders queuing outside for their morning brew. They offer a simple breakfast menu of salted porridge and rye bread with jam. A lovely and welcoming space where the electric blue grinder takes centre stage.

Kárastígur 1, Reykjavík – Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

BERGSSON MATHUS best for breakfast

For a traditional Icelandic breakfast this is the best spot to come. For a reasonable price you’ll get a plate with rye bread still warm out of the oven served with cheese, jams and cold meats as well as skyr yoghurt and granola. This hearty little breakfast will keep you going all day.

Templarasund 3, 101 Reykjavík |  Open every day 7am-7pm

HALLGÍMKIRKJA best for view

The quirky little city of Reykvjik is best viewed from this vantage point. Catch the lift to the top of the church and take in the city’s panorama which is rather cheery thanks to the pop-coloured, corrugated iron roofs.

Skólavörðustígur 101, Reykjavík | Open everyday 9am-8pm

HARPA architectural gem

Icelanders are very proud of this building which is as aesthetically beautiful as it is practical; the hexagonal glass panels provide light throughout the dark winter days.

Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík | Open every day 8am-12am

HALLGÍMKIRKJA astounding church

This church was said to have been inspired by basalt lava flows which is perhaps why it is entirely unlike any other place of worship. It’s modern design and clean interior of white and grey tones inspire design enthusiasts the world over.

Skólavörðustígur 101, Reykjavík | Open everyday 9am-8pm

ICELANDIC FISH AND CHIPS best for fish and chips

The best fish and chips in town, the freshly caught fish is battered in organic spelt flour, the chips fried in olive oil and garlic and the selection of skyronnaise in assorted flavours is so good. Thank goodness the english introduced fish and chips to Iceland because they do it even better than us. Not just offering cod but a variety of different fish such as pollock and red fish.

Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík | Open everyday 11.30am-9.30pm

SEABARON best for grilled fish

Famous for the lobster bisque soup but also specialising in grilled fish. This cute little restaurant has the feeling of a harbourside shack with shared tables and plastic barrel stools but the relaxed atmosphere only adds to its charm. Serving scallops, salmon and whale which you choose raw and they then cook on the grill for you.

Tryggvagata, 101 Reykjavík | Open everyday 11.30am-10pm

STOFAN best for cosiness

A lovely wood cabin decorated with throws and cushions aplenty which will have you as relaxed as if you were in your grandma’s living room.

Aðalstræti, 101 Reykjavík | Open everyday 10am-11pm

Other addresses to add to your list:-

Laundromat – only in Iceland would you find a cafe which doubles as a laundromat. This unique spot is a hit for a reason.

Perlan – best for an extraordinary dining experience with a view. The glass dome of this rotating restaurant can be seen from all over the city.

C Is For Cookie – chase away the cold in this cosy cafe with one of their generous, steaming hot lattes and slouchy sofas.

 

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Victoria says:

June 24, 2015 at 9:19 am

I love this – it’s been on my list for ages to travel to Iceland. Will definitely keep your tips in mind :)

http://www.victoriametaxas.com

Farfelue says:

July 10, 2015 at 1:24 pm

Ah yes you definitely should go you’ll love it there I’m sure