Reykjavik Hotels

As a result, the rich culture of the island nation just south of the Arctic Circle is most prominent in Rekjavik. Evident in literature, art, music and cuisine, the proud heritage of Iceland unfolds around every corner in the wonderful capital city. From the National Museum of Iceland to the National and University Library, open air árbæjarsafn museum and Perlan Saga Museum, the city's attractions are plentiful and diverse. Reykjavik's excellent restaurant and bar scene however, famous all over Europe, is where authentic and unforgettable experiences occur for most visitors.

Reykjavik History

• Open Air Folk Museum - Take a look at all the different eras of Icelandic history.
• Parliament House - Said to be the oldest parliamentary institution in the world.
• Iono Building - This Neo-Classic-styled structure is one the most picturesque in the city.
• Saga Museum - Depicting famous figures of Icelandic history.
• Reykjavik City Museum - Full of fascinating pieces.

Reykjavik Art & Culture

• Asgrims Jonssonar - The former home of the post-impressionist painter is now a museum and well worth a visit for any tourist.
• Church of Hallgrimur - The imposing building is simply breathtaking.
• Culture House - Possesses displays of some of the Icelandic Sagas, although it should be noted that not all are translated.
• National Theatre of Iceland - An elegant and striking building with productions in English and Icelandic throughout the year.
• Statue of Viking Ingolfur Arnarson - Dominating the centre of Reykjavik.

Reykjavik Shopping

• Kringlan - Most people head to this main mall with hundreds of stores of diverse selections.
• Islandia - Definitely the best place to get your Reykjavik souvenirs, located within the main mall.
• Eggbert - Grab yourself a fur coat from the city’s specialists.
• Laugavegur - The place to head for the popular Icelandic jumper with some of the best deals available.
• The Nordic Store - This shop has everything you could wish to find connected with this part of the world at its location in Laekjartorg.

Gay & Lesbian Reykjavik

• MSC - This is a leather club for men only and attracts a regular crowd.
• Cafe Cozy - This is a mixed gay and straight bar with a really good atmosphere.
• Q Bar - Popular pub with DJs every Wednesday and Saturday, but the noise levels are quite welcoming.
• Cafe Truno - Bar that has made quite a name for itself at Laugavegur and seems to be fairly packed most nights of the week.
• Samtökin ’78 - An established gay bar maintaining a loyal customer base of Reykjavik regulars.

Reykjavik Outdoor

• The Pearl - This is the best place to visit for views across the city from the fabulous viewing platform at the top.
• Einar Jonsson Gardens - Provides a lovely evening in the outdoors with its wonderful sculptures and landscapes.
• Whale Watching - Take a tour to get into the feel of the place.
• Blue Lagoon - Just outside the city is somewhere most visitors to Reykjavik go, with its pleasantly warm thermal waters all year round.
• Gullfoss Golden Waterfall - This is a truly spectacular sight that simply cannot be missed.

Reykjavik Sport

• Horseback-riding classes go down very well at the Islenski Hesturinn, making for an excellent day out.
• Graforholt Golf course offers the opportunity to play under the midnight sun during the summer months, presenting an unforgettable experience.
• Attempt a bit of river rafting on the Hvita glacier River for great fun and excitement.
• In winter, the outdoor ponds freeze over and Reykjavik comes out en masse for ice skating.
• The tennis courts in and around the city attract locals and tourists alike.

Attractions

• The Hallgrímskirkja
• The Perlan
• National Museum of Iceland
• National and University Library of Iceland
• Acute;rbæjarsafn

Activities

• Food and Fun Festival
• Winter Lights Festival
• First Day of Summer Festival
• Reykholt Music Festival
• Iceland Jazz Festival

Restaurants

• Perlan
• Domo
• Caruso
• Saegreifinn
• Fishmarkadurinn

Nightlife

• B5
• Café Cultura
• Bar 11
• Club 101
• The Celtic Cross

Climate

While summers are not exactly hot in Reykjavik, the city enjoys milder winters than the vast majority of visitors expect.

• Winter (December to February) -2-3°C
• Spring (March to May) -2-9°C
• Summer (June to September) 5-13°C
• Fall (October to November) -1-8°C