Reykjavík Travel Guide

The biggest city in Iceland, Reykjavik, offers visitors a wide range of sights and attractions. While the city itself is a vibrant metropolis, it's surrounded by natural wonders that are easily accessible, including lakes, fjords and hot springs. Its Nordic charm does have a distinctively quirky vibe that you won't find anywhere else in northern Europe. But you will find prices that are just as high as they are in Sweden or Norway. Still, there are plenty of things to do here that are relatively affordable.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Reykjavik is something you should experience when you're here, especially if you're here in the summer, when it's not really nightlife at all, because the sun doesn't go down. And neither does the volume, because many of the nightclubs downtown remain lively right on into the morning hours. For easy partying, you can take a tour of the city's nightspots, where everything is arranged for you, for a reasonable fee. It's a good way to meet people while...

The biggest city in Iceland, Reykjavik, offers visitors a wide range of sights and attractions. While the city itself is a vibrant metropolis, it's surrounded by natural wonders that are easily accessible, including lakes, fjords and hot springs. Its Nordic charm does have a distinctively quirky vibe that you won't find anywhere else in northern Europe. But you will find prices that are just as high as they are in Sweden or Norway. Still, there are plenty of things to do here that are relatively affordable.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Reykjavik is something you should experience when you're here, especially if you're here in the summer, when it's not really nightlife at all, because the sun doesn't go down. And neither does the volume, because many of the nightclubs downtown remain lively right on into the morning hours. For easy partying, you can take a tour of the city's nightspots, where everything is arranged for you, for a reasonable fee. It's a good way to meet people while enjoying all that's chic and cool about Iceland and Icelanders. On weekends the clubs tend to be packed and you may have to wait in line to get in. Check with the Night Circle Tour for bookings.

Spas and Beaches

One of the most popular outdoor activities here is soaking in a hot spring, of which there are many in the area around Reykjavik. It's quite a feeling, especially in winter, relaxing in a steamy pool surrounded by snow, inhaling the bracingly chilly air. Natives of the city believe it's very good for the constitution. Laugardalslaug is the city's largest spa. It has a 50-meter pool, a long waterslide and massages. Blue Lagoon has waters warmed by the nearby lava field. For something a little different (actually, a lot different) check out the geothermal beach at Nautholsvík.

Dining

It is, perhaps, Reykjavik's greatest culinary secret: the hotdog. They're considered a delicacy here, they're wildly popular and they've been called the best in the world. There are a lot of hotdog stands around the city so if you see one, make sure you stop in for a winner of a wiener. The meat is high quality and garnishes include fried onions, mustard, mayonnaise and more. For dinner, lamb is a staple on the table. An Icelandic lamb will be among the best you've ever tried, as the meat comes from healthy lambs fed with herbs and grasses all summer. You can also enjoy a meal of fresh seafood in any number of Reykjavik restaurants. The lobsters and shellfish are some of the freshest you'll find in the world.