Guidebook for Reykjavík
Drinks & Nightlife
Very quaint 'cottage' like coffeehouse. It's a cozy and popular with the locals. They have a great happy hour everyday until 20:00
12 locals recommend
Kaffibrennslan
21 LaugavegurVery quaint 'cottage' like coffeehouse. It's a cozy and popular with the locals. They have a great happy hour everyday until 20:00
Sightseeing
During the low tide you can walk out to the lighthouse. Make sure you come back before it floods. Close by there is a small geothermal foot bath that is popular among the locals. Bring a towel :)
138 locals recommend
Grótta Island Lighthouse
During the low tide you can walk out to the lighthouse. Make sure you come back before it floods. Close by there is a small geothermal foot bath that is popular among the locals. Bring a towel :)
Beautiful sunsets during the summer months! You can see the snæfellsnes peninsula across the bay.
6 locals recommend
Eiðsgrandi
EiðsgrandiBeautiful sunsets during the summer months! You can see the snæfellsnes peninsula across the bay.
GROTTA
Bird sanctuary.
Parks & Nature
You can walk along the coast from our apartment all the way to Öskjuhlíð. Öskjuhlíð park offers great paths to walk up to Perlan observatory (the pearl). On the top of Perlan you get a great view over the city which you can enjoy over a cup of delicious coffee. Öskjuhlíð also has an artificial beach Nauthólsvík (the Icelandic Copacabana) where you can go swim in the ocean and soak in a hot tub.
65 locals recommend
Öskjuhlíð
You can walk along the coast from our apartment all the way to Öskjuhlíð. Öskjuhlíð park offers great paths to walk up to Perlan observatory (the pearl). On the top of Perlan you get a great view over the city which you can enjoy over a cup of delicious coffee. Öskjuhlíð also has an artificial beach Nauthólsvík (the Icelandic Copacabana) where you can go swim in the ocean and soak in a hot tub.
This outdoor recreation area has rivers, waterfalls, birds, forest and flowers – a true oasis. It’s the perfect place for any outdoor activity or for simply taking a city retreat without actually leaving the city. The chances of running into other tourists here are near zero. There’s also an unbelievable amount of rabbits hopping around in the area.
159 locals recommend
Elliðaárdalur
This outdoor recreation area has rivers, waterfalls, birds, forest and flowers – a true oasis. It’s the perfect place for any outdoor activity or for simply taking a city retreat without actually leaving the city. The chances of running into other tourists here are near zero. There’s also an unbelievable amount of rabbits hopping around in the area.
Essentials
Krónan
50 ReykjavikurvegurTiny grocery store but the selection is unbeatable. It's pricier than Krónan og Bónus but very convenient because it's in walking distance.
202 locals recommend
Melabúðin
Tiny grocery store but the selection is unbeatable. It's pricier than Krónan og Bónus but very convenient because it's in walking distance.
Hagkaup
1 LitlatúnGrocery store close by that is open until midnight.
Entertainment & Activities
Great swimming pool. It has both Sauna and Steam bath and is very popular amongst the locals.
458 locals recommend
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataGreat swimming pool. It has both Sauna and Steam bath and is very popular amongst the locals.
Golfklúbbur - Seltjarnarnes
Golf course and a small driving range.
Food Scene
This is a great friendly place that has good coffee, cakes and delicious food. The atmosphere is excellent.
218 locals recommend
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
20 MelhagiThis is a great friendly place that has good coffee, cakes and delicious food. The atmosphere is excellent.
One of my favourite places in Reykjavík. It is quite small and popular so you'll maybe have to wait for a seat but it will be worth it. Their menu is limited and they have different food nights (Taco Tuesdays, pizza nights, Italian etc.) My favourite is their brunch on weekends and they also have the best sourdough pizzas in town!
182 locals recommend
The Coocoo's Nest
23 GrandagarðurOne of my favourite places in Reykjavík. It is quite small and popular so you'll maybe have to wait for a seat but it will be worth it. Their menu is limited and they have different food nights (Taco Tuesdays, pizza nights, Italian etc.) My favourite is their brunch on weekends and they also have the best sourdough pizzas in town!
Small Syrian place that is open nearly all night so it makes for the best midnight snack. My favourite is the falafel and they have a wonderful hummus and pita chips!
50 locals recommend
Mandi
3b VeltusundSmall Syrian place that is open nearly all night so it makes for the best midnight snack. My favourite is the falafel and they have a wonderful hummus and pita chips!
Great pastries and baked good. They also have delicious sour-dough bread.
316 locals recommend
Brauð & Co.
16 FrakkastígurGreat pastries and baked good. They also have delicious sour-dough bread.
Arts & Culture
National Museum of Iceland
41 SuðurgataIcelandic national museum.
Newly built Harpa concert Hall is one of Reykjavíks signature landmarks. The building is beautiful from the outside but even better from the inside. It is a must-see attraction for lovers of architecture and offers stunning views towards the mountains and sea.
535 locals recommend
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 AusturbakkiNewly built Harpa concert Hall is one of Reykjavíks signature landmarks. The building is beautiful from the outside but even better from the inside. It is a must-see attraction for lovers of architecture and offers stunning views towards the mountains and sea.
Hallgrimskirkja