Guidebook for Reykjavik
Essentials
Charming and cute shop, with most everything you might need. Open until 11:30pm every night. Very nearby.
46 locals recommend
Pétursbúð
15 RánargataCharming and cute shop, with most everything you might need. Open until 11:30pm every night. Very nearby.
Bónus
Low cost supermarket.
Shopping
Ida Zimsen
GrófinBook store with charming cafe. Great place to hang out.
Get your records here. The owners offer you comfy couch where you may listen and ponder the music available. Also a record label and arthouse brand in its own right.
31 locals recommend
12 Tónar
15 SkólavörðustígurGet your records here. The owners offer you comfy couch where you may listen and ponder the music available. Also a record label and arthouse brand in its own right.
A grand collection of books in both Icelandic and English. Coffee served on the upper level, with a nice view over our main street, better known as Laugavegur.
28 locals recommend
Mál og Menning
A grand collection of books in both Icelandic and English. Coffee served on the upper level, with a nice view over our main street, better known as Laugavegur.
Licquore store. Sorry, we don't sell alcohol anywhere but the state-owned liquor stores named ÁTVR, usually called ‘Ríkið’. Opening hours: Mon.–Thu. 11:00–18:00, Fri. 11:00–19:00, Sat. 11:00–18:00.
189 locals recommend
Vínbúðin
10a AusturstrætiLicquore store. Sorry, we don't sell alcohol anywhere but the state-owned liquor stores named ÁTVR, usually called ‘Ríkið’. Opening hours: Mon.–Thu. 11:00–18:00, Fri. 11:00–19:00, Sat. 11:00–18:00.
Ranimosk
13 LaugavegurGifts of all sorts, fairly priced.
Arts & Culture
The one and only Reykjavik Art Museum. Check it out -- but first find out what they are showing.
350 locals recommend
Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhus
17 TryggvagataThe one and only Reykjavik Art Museum. Check it out -- but first find out what they are showing.
An amazing collection of art and design by local artists. (female run gallery and store)
12 locals recommend
Kirsuberjatréð
4 VesturgataAn amazing collection of art and design by local artists. (female run gallery and store)
One of most respected galleries in Iceland. Here, you'll find artists you might want to keep on your radar.
72 locals recommend
i8 Gallery
16 TryggvagataOne of most respected galleries in Iceland. Here, you'll find artists you might want to keep on your radar.
A local music spot with troubadours and hippie-type performers. // All music listings for Reykjavik are here> http://listings.grapevine.is
31 locals recommend
Rosenberg
27 KlapparstígurA local music spot with troubadours and hippie-type performers. // All music listings for Reykjavik are here> http://listings.grapevine.is
Our national gallery. Visit them online for details on what is showing.
166 locals recommend
National Gallery of Iceland (Listasafn Islands)
Our national gallery. Visit them online for details on what is showing.
Everything Else
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 AusturbakkiOur one and only concert hall.
The local geothermally heated swimming pool. Don´t miss this experience. / Many locals go on a daily basis.
458 locals recommend
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataThe local geothermally heated swimming pool. Don´t miss this experience. / Many locals go on a daily basis.
Ice cream. Arguably the most popular ice cream parlor in Iceland. Less than a year old, it fast became the go-to places of all go-places amongs young and old alike. It's just too yummy, is all.
198 locals recommend
Valdís
GrandagarðurIce cream. Arguably the most popular ice cream parlor in Iceland. Less than a year old, it fast became the go-to places of all go-places amongs young and old alike. It's just too yummy, is all.
The gym. Should you get the sudden urge to get on the treadmill, World Class is the place to go. The facilities have a swimming pool, so first you can run, then swim and finally jump into the jacuzzi.
18 locals recommend
World Class - Seltjarnarnesi
8 SuðurströndThe gym. Should you get the sudden urge to get on the treadmill, World Class is the place to go. The facilities have a swimming pool, so first you can run, then swim and finally jump into the jacuzzi.
The light house in an amazing enviroment. Bird watching and walking by the beach. Bring a towel so you can dip your feet into a small hot spring, while sitty by the ocean.
118 locals recommend
Grótta
8 SuðurströndThe light house in an amazing enviroment. Bird watching and walking by the beach. Bring a towel so you can dip your feet into a small hot spring, while sitty by the ocean.
Go play golf. I never have, but maybe you would like to. The price list is here: http://www.nkgolf.is/umnk/gjaldskra
13 locals recommend
Golfklúbbur - Seltjarnarnes
Go play golf. I never have, but maybe you would like to. The price list is here: http://www.nkgolf.is/umnk/gjaldskra
Reykjavik's only "beach". This is where we play volleyball in the summer, and let our kids build sandcastles. There is also a geothermal pool/bath for the children. Check it out!
434 locals recommend
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Reykjavik's only "beach". This is where we play volleyball in the summer, and let our kids build sandcastles. There is also a geothermal pool/bath for the children. Check it out!
First rent a bike somewhere, and then come to Ægissíða and ride on the bike trail by the ocean. A lovely view when the weather is nice.
26 locals recommend
Ægissíða
ÆgissíðaFirst rent a bike somewhere, and then come to Ægissíða and ride on the bike trail by the ocean. A lovely view when the weather is nice.
Our parliament. If you are feeling a bit crazy, drop by and see if you can watch our politicians depating in action. A view from balcony for observers.
88 locals recommend
Parliament House (Althingishus)
KirkjutorgOur parliament. If you are feeling a bit crazy, drop by and see if you can watch our politicians depating in action. A view from balcony for observers.
They have a coffee shop -- or is it a restaurant by now? Not sure what they have to offer, but why not stop by, if you are passing the local pond.
95 locals recommend
Reykjavik City Hall
They have a coffee shop -- or is it a restaurant by now? Not sure what they have to offer, but why not stop by, if you are passing the local pond.
Icelandic flea market indoors. All kinds of stuff, food, fish, junk, books -- you name it. Open on weekends until 5pm.
183 locals recommend
Kolaportid
Icelandic flea market indoors. All kinds of stuff, food, fish, junk, books -- you name it. Open on weekends until 5pm.
Drinks & Nightlife
A local favorite bar that also serves fresh food. As well as an amazing brunch on the weekends.
136 locals recommend
Slippbarinn
2 MýrargataA local favorite bar that also serves fresh food. As well as an amazing brunch on the weekends.
Once partly owned by Damon Albarn, Kaffibarinn has long been one of the hippest bars in Reykjavik. One could argue that it remains so. Definately check out the party after midnight, if you so fancy.
240 locals recommend
Kaffibarinn
Once partly owned by Damon Albarn, Kaffibarinn has long been one of the hippest bars in Reykjavik. One could argue that it remains so. Definately check out the party after midnight, if you so fancy.
Bar 11
This is where you go for your rock and roll. Goes till late.
I think it is safe to call "Kaldi" a pub. Beer of all sorts, amongst a mixed group of peeps.
262 locals recommend
Kaldi Bar
20a LaugavegurI think it is safe to call "Kaldi" a pub. Beer of all sorts, amongst a mixed group of peeps.
Food Scene
Bast Reykjavík
20 HverfisgataLunch, dinner and brunch! Comes recommended.
Forettabarinn
14 NýlendugataDelicious starters and small courses. Trendy and fun.
Some consider this the best coffee in Reykjavik. It may also be the hippest. A recommended visit, if you feel you don´t need a table, since it is always packed.
245 locals recommend
Reykjavik Roasters
1 KárastígurSome consider this the best coffee in Reykjavik. It may also be the hippest. A recommended visit, if you feel you don´t need a table, since it is always packed.
When I can afford it, I go here to get all fancy and have an amazing dinner with friends.
336 locals recommend
Grillmarkaðurinn
When I can afford it, I go here to get all fancy and have an amazing dinner with friends.
A restaurant, a bar, a hostel and place teeming with life -- there is ALWAYS something happening at hip and cool Kex Hostel. The food is so-so, but the atmosphere is rejuvenating.
176 locals recommend
Kex Hostel Reykjavik
28 SkúlagataA restaurant, a bar, a hostel and place teeming with life -- there is ALWAYS something happening at hip and cool Kex Hostel. The food is so-so, but the atmosphere is rejuvenating.
Just across the street, you will find our highly popular lobster joint. A must-try, because if you don't -- you have failed miserably.
104 locals recommend
Sægreifinn
Just across the street, you will find our highly popular lobster joint. A must-try, because if you don't -- you have failed miserably.
This cheese-store doubles as an underground restaurant during the lunch hour. One of the better kept secrets in Reykavik is yours for the taking.This fairly priced Icelandic lunch comes recommended.
56 locals recommend
Ostabúðin
8 SkólavörðustígurThis cheese-store doubles as an underground restaurant during the lunch hour. One of the better kept secrets in Reykavik is yours for the taking.This fairly priced Icelandic lunch comes recommended.
Organic food per excellance. Not much else to say besides emphasizing the quality of the meals here.
161 locals recommend
Gló
Organic food per excellance. Not much else to say besides emphasizing the quality of the meals here.
Obviously, our Burger Joint just across the street is a must-try. As I write these words, I am beginning to crave a juicy one already.
169 locals recommend
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
Geirsgötu 1 GeirsgataObviously, our Burger Joint just across the street is a must-try. As I write these words, I am beginning to crave a juicy one already.
Kaffitár
A local favorite for your morning coffee in downtown Reykjavik.
Kopar
3 GeirsgataQuality Icelandic food with a view over the harbor. Lovely and delicious.
Breakfast. This is where you get your eggs and bacon. Tiny, charming place where you are bound to run into an artist, writer or some other bohemian Icelander. The food is basic, but yummy.
15 locals recommend
Grái kötturinn
16a HverfisgataBreakfast. This is where you get your eggs and bacon. Tiny, charming place where you are bound to run into an artist, writer or some other bohemian Icelander. The food is basic, but yummy.
Café Haiti
5C GeirsgataYour local coffee shop, for Haitian coffee. You must try it!
Casa Grande
ÆgisgarðurTapas with a view. Lovely small dishes.
Take a walk over to the harbor, and grab a coffee or have a very basic sandwhich or Icelandic flat bread, amongst harbor workers, fisherman and other locals. The view makes it worth the stroll over.
59 locals recommend
Kaffivagninn
10 GrandagarðurTake a walk over to the harbor, and grab a coffee or have a very basic sandwhich or Icelandic flat bread, amongst harbor workers, fisherman and other locals. The view makes it worth the stroll over.
Wonderful and delicious Icelandic dinner in a classy setting - an old home from 1907. Visit http://skolabru.is/ for more.
Skólabrú
SkólabrúWonderful and delicious Icelandic dinner in a classy setting - an old home from 1907. Visit http://skolabru.is/ for more.
Icelandic seafood at its best. A restaurant with a long history, owned by Ulfar who will offer premium service.
93 locals recommend
Þrír frakkar
14 BaldursgataIcelandic seafood at its best. A restaurant with a long history, owned by Ulfar who will offer premium service.
C is for Cookie
TýsgataA coffee shop on the charming street of Odinsgata.
Get the Icelandic tapas, for taste of all things local. Quite delicious.
83 locals recommend
Tapas barinn
3b VesturgataGet the Icelandic tapas, for taste of all things local. Quite delicious.
Sightseeing
Whale watching, puffing watching -- Elding offers all kinds of tours which might be fun to experience. But get your expectations in order, as we are uncertain of how many whales you will actually see.
65 locals recommend
Elding Whale Watching
Whale watching, puffing watching -- Elding offers all kinds of tours which might be fun to experience. But get your expectations in order, as we are uncertain of how many whales you will actually see.
Bike Company
11b SkeifanWe haven't tried these bike tours ourselves, but they look like fun!