If you’re planning a visit to Iceland, chances are, you’ll land in Reykjavik. It is the largest city in the country and home to nearly two-thirds of the Icelandic population. Although not comparable to buzzing capitals like London or Paris, it certainly has its charm and uniqueness. In fact, the growing number of visitants in Reykjavik has encouraged the creation of hip cafes, top restaurants, and trendy shops.
You’re not in Iceland to spend your time wandering through the most urban side of it, but if you have the time, spare at least half a day exploring this quirky capital! We’ll let you know the top things to do while you’re there!
1. Pay a visit to Hallgrímskirkja
The church of Hallgrímskirkja ( we have no idea how to pronounce it either) is probably the most famous landmark of the city. Take a careful look at its stunning architecture before going inside. The admission is free unless you opt to climb the tower – which in our opinion is totally worth it. The city seen from above is just marvelous, and unlike any other else we’ve seen before.
2. wANDER THROUGH THE CITY CENTER
You probably won’t even need a map to get to the most popular street in the city: Laugavegur. Here, you’ll find trendy stores and shops that promise to delight any design enthusiastic. However, don’t get your hopes up: you most likely won’t be able to afford not even a souvenir. After all, You’re in Iceland.
While you’re in Laugavegur, explore the connecting streets of Bankastræti and Austurstræti, paying attention to the street art, galleries, and cool cafes on every door. Adventuring into the heart of Reykjavik was probably the most enjoyable thing we did that day.
3. have some drinks!
Reykjavik’s nightlife is getting more and more attention, despite how small the city is. All the main spots are centered in one place, and the safety of the country makes it the ideal place to have some fun. Seriously, it can be wild!
You can choose from a wide range of bars, going from the peculiar Lebowski bar to the hipster Kex Hostel. And while none of them charge an entry fee, the drinks prices surely make up for it. That’s the reason behind all the happy-hours, which by the way you should totally take advantage of.
4. SEE THE STUNNING Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall
This award-winning building is situated at the old harbor, and it’s a must-see while in Reykjavik. Its astonishing design and great views make the whole place look quite magical, especially at sunset. We didn’t get the chance to attended any concert there, but it should be a marvelous experience!
5. The Icelandic Phallological Museum
This museum is exactly what it looks like: the world’s largest display of penises and penile parts. It’s something we’ve never seen anywhere else, so we’ve decided to give it a try. If you have free time, go and take a look! It was way more informative than we thought and a fun experience! You’ll have something to tell your friends, to say the least!
6. Go on a day trip
If you’re just in Iceland for a weekend and won’t have the time to cover the Ring Road, Reykjavik is a perfect place for some days trips. You can visit the Golden Circle or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll find plenty of sights to fill your day. You can also go South, all the way to Vik, passing through some of the most beautiful Icelandic waterfalls and stunning landscapes. You can even spend half day soaking up in the beautiful blue lagoon! So, if you only have a couple of days in the country, we totally advise you to explore beyond the capital!
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