Reykjavik

Reykjavik is always a memorable visitor destination, displaying all the spirit and individualism that you might expect from the world’s most northerly capital city. 

Reykjavik offers a range of accommodations, including spacious short-term apartment rentals, sleekly designed boutique hotels and warm, cosy guesthouses.

The city's small size means that many downtown hotels are conveniently located to the main attractions, but even if you stay out of town you'll likely be just a quick drive or bus ride away. 

For a small city, Reykjavik has some wonderful shopping. For a one-stop shopping experience, head to the excellent Kringlan Shopping Centre or to the main shopping street Laugavegur.

The Kolaportið flea market is also a great option on weekends for bargain buys and a taste of the local cuisine and produce. The classic souvenir to take away is perhaps a distinctive Lopapeysa – an Icelandic knitted jumper – which can be found in most clothes shops and gift stores in Reykjavik. 

Reykjavik offers no shortage of culinary delights to impress even the most discernible palates. From famous hot dog vendors to innovative fine dining restaurants, local chefs pride themselves on using fresh, Icelandic ingredients while putting their own imaginative spin on the traditional Nordic cuisine.

Reykjavik boasts an impressive number of quality restaurants, staffed with award winning chefs that pride themselves on using fresh, Icelandic ingredients to create both imaginative and delicious cuisine.

There is something for everyone. From the classics of Icelandic cuisine to new twists on local traditions, through to international dishes from places like India, Nepal, Mexico, Spain, China, Japan, and Italy.

Reykjavik Winter Lights

February

Held to celebrate winter and the emergence of light after the darkness of the year’s end, the Winter Lights Festival combines a whole host of events, from late-night museum shows and poetry readings to live music and child-friendly workshops.

National Day

17 June

Celebrated every year since 1944, this annual gathering is a chance for street parades, live music and theatrical performances, as well as a wealth of associated side shows and dances. It marks the date of the formation of the Republic of Iceland.

Midnight Sun Run

June

The Midnight Sun Run is a chance to make the most of the long, long nights of the Icelandic midsummer by jogging the city streets at midnight. It’s made even more unusual by the prospect of a dip in a geothermal pool near the finish line. There’s a half-marathon, a 10km run and a 5km run.

Reykjavik Culture Night

August

Serving up a rich programme of tours, shows, exhibitions and concerts, Reykjavik’s annual culture night (which actually also takes place during the day) gives the opportunity to join thousands of locals in wandering the streets and visiting the myriad different event venues.

Iceland Airwaves

November

Now something of a fixture on the international music festival scene, Iceland Airwaves has over the years drawn rock and dance artists from across the planet, as well as local musicians such as Sigur Rós and Björk.