Guidebook for Reykjavik
Food Scene
Snaps Bistro
1 ÞórsgataLovely local restaurant and bar, on of our favorites.
My friend Hrönn invites her guests to munch on traditional Icelandic food while looking at a Reykjavík landmark, Hallgrimskirkja.
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Café Loki
28 LokastígurMy friend Hrönn invites her guests to munch on traditional Icelandic food while looking at a Reykjavík landmark, Hallgrimskirkja.
This local restaurant is one of the spots that seem to have "always been here"... Traditional Icelandic cooking, fresh fish and meat, vegetables AND gravy!
93 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Þrír frakkar
14 BaldursgataThis local restaurant is one of the spots that seem to have "always been here"... Traditional Icelandic cooking, fresh fish and meat, vegetables AND gravy!
Great Coffee on the corner of our old street. We lived there when our first was born :)
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Reykjavik Roasters
1 KárastígurGreat Coffee on the corner of our old street. We lived there when our first was born :)
This is our local pizzeria. Pizza is good but their place could be nicer. Great for takeaway! We're talking 1 minute walk here ;)
95 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Eldsmiðjan
81 LaugavegurThis is our local pizzeria. Pizza is good but their place could be nicer. Great for takeaway! We're talking 1 minute walk here ;)
Great little place for lunch, it's vegetarian and offers one main meal and soup of the day. Simple choice :)
26 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Garðurinn
37 KlapparstígurGreat little place for lunch, it's vegetarian and offers one main meal and soup of the day. Simple choice :)
The location on Skólavörðustígur means you will probably meet lots of other tourists at this restaurant, but I met a neighbor the other day who said the food there is REALLY good.
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Sjávargrillið
14 SkólavörðustígurThe location on Skólavörðustígur means you will probably meet lots of other tourists at this restaurant, but I met a neighbor the other day who said the food there is REALLY good.
This is a very cozy café. Our good neighbors Þórhallur and Glen own the place offering among other things a mouth melting cheesecake, coffee and beer.
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Café Babalú
22 SkólavörðustígurThis is a very cozy café. Our good neighbors Þórhallur and Glen own the place offering among other things a mouth melting cheesecake, coffee and beer.
Here you will find good vegetarian dishes and raw food in a nice setting.
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Gló
Here you will find good vegetarian dishes and raw food in a nice setting.
Excellent fried fish (a bit pricy) but their fish is always fresh + they use healthy ingredients. The chips are actually oven roasted potatoes and the dip is made from Skyr, our Iocal milk product.
29 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Icelandic Fish and Chips
11 TryggvagataExcellent fried fish (a bit pricy) but their fish is always fresh + they use healthy ingredients. The chips are actually oven roasted potatoes and the dip is made from Skyr, our Iocal milk product.
Bjorn's cousin and his talented wife Shandrika run this Indian restaurant. Authentic Indian food of great quality. Highly recommend! Also a smaller/cheaper takeaway place up the street, #64a.
117 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Austur-Indíafélagið
56 HverfisgataBjorn's cousin and his talented wife Shandrika run this Indian restaurant. Authentic Indian food of great quality. Highly recommend! Also a smaller/cheaper takeaway place up the street, #64a.
A small Thai place worth checking out. We used to go there a lot many years ago and Halla's niece swears their still great.
69 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Ban Thai Restaurant
130 LaugavegurA small Thai place worth checking out. We used to go there a lot many years ago and Halla's niece swears their still great.
The ultimate Reykjavík Hot dog. It's just a small booth downtown... But you have to try it - or so they say ;D One of those traditions!
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Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
1 TryggvagataThe ultimate Reykjavík Hot dog. It's just a small booth downtown... But you have to try it - or so they say ;D One of those traditions!
This is a new restaurant I really want to try soon. They offer various seafood dishes, I think all make in big pans. I have friends and family who have been very impressed by the food there - and find the pricing ok too!
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Messinn
This is a new restaurant I really want to try soon. They offer various seafood dishes, I think all make in big pans. I have friends and family who have been very impressed by the food there - and find the pricing ok too!
Organic and wholesome ice cream! Made from local and organic produce.
6 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Joylato
1 NjálsgataOrganic and wholesome ice cream! Made from local and organic produce.
They are known for their seafood soup! I recommend strolling around this area - there is a a lot of new and exciting restaurants there and it's always nice to check out the boats and life around the old harbor.
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Sægreifinn
They are known for their seafood soup! I recommend strolling around this area - there is a a lot of new and exciting restaurants there and it's always nice to check out the boats and life around the old harbor.
A nice french restaurant on Reykjavík's main street. The goat cheese with caramelised onions in filo pastry is amazing, mmm!
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Le Bistro
12 LaugavegurA nice french restaurant on Reykjavík's main street. The goat cheese with caramelised onions in filo pastry is amazing, mmm!
This is a very lovely place to stop for a coffee and a good sandwich! They also sell organic and environment friendly produce and things. Their Turmeric-expresso is amazing!
9 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Systrasamlagið
1 ÓðinsgataThis is a very lovely place to stop for a coffee and a good sandwich! They also sell organic and environment friendly produce and things. Their Turmeric-expresso is amazing!
Do you have a group of people with different preferences? This place is great for different "street food" type options. 10 ambitious venders in one spot.
367 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Hlemmur Mathöll
107 LaugavegurDo you have a group of people with different preferences? This place is great for different "street food" type options. 10 ambitious venders in one spot.
A newcomer in the food / drink scene. This long time local has recently been renovated with nice brewery - they offer lots of craft beers and decent prices food to go with their drinks! Like always, we recommend going when they have happy hour :D
57 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Bastard Brew & Food
4 VegamótastígurA newcomer in the food / drink scene. This long time local has recently been renovated with nice brewery - they offer lots of craft beers and decent prices food to go with their drinks! Like always, we recommend going when they have happy hour :D
Very nice for lunch or dinner - great food with a Lebanese influence.
63 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Sumac Grill + Drinks
28, 101 LaugavegurVery nice for lunch or dinner - great food with a Lebanese influence.
Arts & Culture
Our kids love to play in the sculpture garden here. Inside you'll find my friend Sigridur, the recently appointed director of the Museum, among strange sculptures and unique architecture ;)
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Einar Jónsson Museum
51 NjarðargataOur kids love to play in the sculpture garden here. Inside you'll find my friend Sigridur, the recently appointed director of the Museum, among strange sculptures and unique architecture ;)
Listasafn ASÍ
Lovely little museum with new exhibitions every 3 weeks or so.
The National Museum is always an interesting place to visit. Old stuff in a nice building! I've done illustrations for them for several exhibitions. About 15 minute walk from our house.
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National Museum of Iceland
41 SuðurgataThe National Museum is always an interesting place to visit. Old stuff in a nice building! I've done illustrations for them for several exhibitions. About 15 minute walk from our house.
Harpa Music hall is an interesting building to visit. And the events there range from rock and pop to classical music and dance theatre. Last time I went was for a design happening.
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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 AusturbakkiHarpa Music hall is an interesting building to visit. And the events there range from rock and pop to classical music and dance theatre. Last time I went was for a design happening.
A venue operated by artists.They hosts art events, release music by ambitious musicians, run a small art store and offer various performances on weekends.
23 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Mengi
2 ÓðinsgataA venue operated by artists.They hosts art events, release music by ambitious musicians, run a small art store and offer various performances on weekends.
Sightseeing
3 minute walk from the house, this church is a Reykjavík landmark and it's fun to take the small elevator to the top and look at the city from above. We go with our children on a regular basis.
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Hallgrimskirkja
3 minute walk from the house, this church is a Reykjavík landmark and it's fun to take the small elevator to the top and look at the city from above. We go with our children on a regular basis.
The Reykjavík city hall is located right on the Reykavík Lake. The first floor is open to the public. There you can take a look at a 70 m² topographical model of Iceland.
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Reykjavik City Hall
The Reykjavík city hall is located right on the Reykavík Lake. The first floor is open to the public. There you can take a look at a 70 m² topographical model of Iceland.
A really nice area for a short walk. Going out to the lighthouse is only possible during low tide, an be careful not to get stuck out there! Taking a walk around the nearby golf-course is also very nice, both during winter and summer. This area is also great for seeing the Northern Lights on clear winter nights.
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GROTTA
A really nice area for a short walk. Going out to the lighthouse is only possible during low tide, an be careful not to get stuck out there! Taking a walk around the nearby golf-course is also very nice, both during winter and summer. This area is also great for seeing the Northern Lights on clear winter nights.
Essentials
This is a small grocery store where you can get things like bread and butter, candy and shampoo. Open Weekdays: 8-23:30, Weekends: 9-23:00.
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Krambúð
42 SkólavörðustígurThis is a small grocery store where you can get things like bread and butter, candy and shampoo. Open Weekdays: 8-23:30, Weekends: 9-23:00.
For alcoholic beverages you must shop at the state owned Vínbúðin. (At several locations in Reykjavík and bigger towns around the island). So supermarkets won't have any beer, wine!
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Vínbúðin
10a AusturstrætiFor alcoholic beverages you must shop at the state owned Vínbúðin. (At several locations in Reykjavík and bigger towns around the island). So supermarkets won't have any beer, wine!
BAKERY - Wonderful sourdough bread and sweet rolls. Top ingredients, highly recommend!
316 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Brauð & Co.
16 FrakkastígurBAKERY - Wonderful sourdough bread and sweet rolls. Top ingredients, highly recommend!
Super 1 is a supermarket offering most essentials. They are open 24 hours! About 8 minute walk from our house.
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SUPER1
Super 1 is a supermarket offering most essentials. They are open 24 hours! About 8 minute walk from our house.
Entertainment & Activities
Our eldest went to this preschool. The playground is open for the public on the weekends / after school (from about 17.30). Really nice spot to bring your takeaway Coffee and let the children play.
Grænaborg
2 EiríksgataOur eldest went to this preschool. The playground is open for the public on the weekends / after school (from about 17.30). Really nice spot to bring your takeaway Coffee and let the children play.
Since opening back in 1937 this indoor swimming pool has been a favorite among the locals. An outdoor pool, (open year round) hot tubs, a cold tub and a steam bath, were recently added to this great pool area. You're going to love all Reykjavík's swimming pools!
484 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Sundhöllin
45a BarónsstígurSince opening back in 1937 this indoor swimming pool has been a favorite among the locals. An outdoor pool, (open year round) hot tubs, a cold tub and a steam bath, were recently added to this great pool area. You're going to love all Reykjavík's swimming pools!
This is yet another outdoor swimming pool we like. It's much smaller than Laugardagslaug and not as crowded. You can swim, choose from about 3 hot tubs and relax in the sauna.
92 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Sundlaug Seltjarnarness
8 HrólfsskálavörThis is yet another outdoor swimming pool we like. It's much smaller than Laugardagslaug and not as crowded. You can swim, choose from about 3 hot tubs and relax in the sauna.
A very nice outdoor swimming pool. Heated and open year round. Our kids love this place, even on snowy winter days. Try a thrilling water slide - or a seawater hot tub!
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Laugardalslaug
105 SundlaugavegurA very nice outdoor swimming pool. Heated and open year round. Our kids love this place, even on snowy winter days. Try a thrilling water slide - or a seawater hot tub!
Our favorite cinema. They show art house releases, special genre films, repertory cinema, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental films.
122 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Bíó Paradís
54 HverfisgataOur favorite cinema. They show art house releases, special genre films, repertory cinema, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental films.
Parks & Nature
This is our lovely park. Here you can take a walk, play and barbecue. You will find play areas for your children to play there as well.
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Hljómskálagarður
This is our lovely park. Here you can take a walk, play and barbecue. You will find play areas for your children to play there as well.
You can visit Nauthólsvík beach area year round. Swimming in the sea is a growing sport here - even on the coldest days of winter! If you don't like the cold water, you can enjoy the big hot tub there and watch the brave go for it!
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Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
You can visit Nauthólsvík beach area year round. Swimming in the sea is a growing sport here - even on the coldest days of winter! If you don't like the cold water, you can enjoy the big hot tub there and watch the brave go for it!
Take a stroll in this lovely park and check out the art museum there - Kjarvalsstadir.
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Klambratún
4 AusturstrætiTake a stroll in this lovely park and check out the art museum there - Kjarvalsstadir.
It's lovely to dive into the sea there - summer and winter! They have a nice hot tub too.
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Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
It's lovely to dive into the sea there - summer and winter! They have a nice hot tub too.
Drinks & Nightlife
This one is nice for Happy-hour. It's on the fourth floor and has balconies with a view.
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Reykjavik Loft HI Hostel
7 BankastrætiThis one is nice for Happy-hour. It's on the fourth floor and has balconies with a view.
Small place - has good beers, like Kaldi, made in North Iceland
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Kaldi Bar
20a LaugavegurSmall place - has good beers, like Kaldi, made in North Iceland
If you like to dance to eighties music, this is the bar for you (their burger joint in the back becomes a dance floor later at night).
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Lebowski Bar
If you like to dance to eighties music, this is the bar for you (their burger joint in the back becomes a dance floor later at night).
In the old days some of us danced on the tables in this bar. But that was long ago!
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Kaffibarinn
In the old days some of us danced on the tables in this bar. But that was long ago!
This is a hostel, both locals and visitors enjoy drinks and food in their restaurant/bar. Interesting second-hand design and a great atmosphere. We like their wedge potato's with homemade mayo.
176 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Kex Hostel Reykjavik
28 SkúlagataThis is a hostel, both locals and visitors enjoy drinks and food in their restaurant/bar. Interesting second-hand design and a great atmosphere. We like their wedge potato's with homemade mayo.
A historical place - I sometimes meet my friends for Happy hour in the hotel bar. Kind of dark, but the walls are covered with art by the so called founders of Icelandic fine art.
29 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Hotel Holt
37 BergstaðastrætiA historical place - I sometimes meet my friends for Happy hour in the hotel bar. Kind of dark, but the walls are covered with art by the so called founders of Icelandic fine art.
A lovely wine bar / Gastro bub. I've been there for a happy hour - very nice atmosphere and good selection of beer and wine.
26 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Port 9
A lovely wine bar / Gastro bub. I've been there for a happy hour - very nice atmosphere and good selection of beer and wine.
Nice bar - good selection of beers and they sometimes have live music events :)
17 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Röntgen Bar
Nice bar - good selection of beers and they sometimes have live music events :)