SNACK

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

The famous hot dog stand where Bill Clinton visited and you can spot his picture inside, is worth a visit - even if you’re not all that into hot dogs. This little stand has survived recent developments in its location and is a treasure that stays open into the wee small hours. Opt for a hot dog ‘with everything’ for the full experience.

Breakfast

Lunch

Mathöll Indoor Market

There are a few of these around the city but the easiest might be either Hlemmur or Grandi. The vendors change but the food is good and it’s a great way to please a large group.

Bike Cave

Dinner

ROK

Frakkastígur 26a (opposite Hallgrimskirkja church) is a newly renovated restaurant in a lovely old Reykjavik house, complete with a grass roof. The food is tapas-style Icelandic with a twist, and everything is good - cocktails too.

Valdis

Ice cream

Coffee & more

Te og Kaffi

First up is Icelands version of a Starbucks, kind of. They have good coffee, snacks and seem to have popped up on quite a few corners.

Brauð & Co.

For a very hipster and typically Icelandic cinnamon bun. They now have a few locations but this one at 16 Frakkastígur is very cool, just look at that mural. What do you see…Northern lights, snow, volcanos, midnight sun, bubbling lava?

Cafe Paris

Austurstræti 14, on the corner of Parliament Square. It’s 3pm and you just need a red wine, or a generous slice of chocolate cake. This is the place. Open late so a good option for a coffee and desert too.

Iðnó

Located on the edge of the Tjörnin Pond, beside the City Hall, Iðnó is a quirky Culture House with a little cafe inside. In the summer, enjoy your cuppa on the benches whilst you take in the view with local ducks and swans.

new

and Perlan

and Sandholt

Cocktails & more

When it comes to nightlife, Reykjavik is a relatively small city so don’t get your hopes up. There are more and more bars popping up downtown and i’s been a whilst since either the Viking or I were out on the town so we will try our best here.

Download the app ‘Appy Hour’ and search out the happy hours so enjoy your own bar brawl. We like Kaldi (cosy interior), Íslenski barinn (also good for food), Lebowski Bar (which has a small dance floor at the back), Slippbarinn (good for a chat and a drink), Apotek or Kol Restaurant (both offer amazing food and great cocktails).

Vedur

Canopy Hilton

A great location (Smiðjustígur 4) right downtown with a very friendly but cool vibe. Pop in to grab some food or a drink, they have some good cocktails and their hot chocolate is divine.

Kiki queer bar

This is the best night club in Reykjavik, in my opinions. It’s a queer bar, as it states on their sign, and is just off the high street (Laugavegur 22). The music is good and you don’t get hassled.

Paloma

Your typical small club but its sometime a great place to grab a gig, or there’s a few other options nextdoor (1-3 Naustin). We saw FM Belfast here and it was a pretty intimate gig.

Keep your costs down and buy your booze at the airports duty free, along with all the Icelanders.

Also, it’s worth saying that the ‘Beer’ in shops and petrol stations is non-alcoholic.

On a Budget?

Iceland is expensive. Be warned.

Book trips ahead, look into discount cards such as CITYCARD and try to cook for yourself instead of eating out.

Do not shop at the local mini supermarkets downtown, or if you do please be warned that they are very overpriced. Instead, opt for the larger chains such as Bonus (the logo is a big pink big) or Krona.

If you plan to drink, consider buying your alcohol at the airport in duty free.