Tips for a Visit to Reykjavik

With the rise of discount airlines flying into Reykjavik a few years ago, Iceland went from a random vacation destination to one of the most popular places to go. Having had the opportunity to visit Iceland and also help plan a few trips there, I wanted to provide some insider tips for your visit!

Walk around town: Reykjavik is an adorable town with plenty of shops filled with local art and great gifts. Take a morning to grab a cup of coffee and simply get lost in the windy streets. The major sites are all within walking distance and easy to do in a half day. Recommend using the Hallgrimskirkja Church as a landmark as you can see it from essentially every part of town. 

Food is pricey: Due to the fact that Iceland has to import many ingredients, dining out can end up costing similar to what a nice meal in any big city would cost. With that said, each restaurant we visited was amazing and had impeccable service. The key to keeping your trip reasonable is doing everything in moderation! Dine at one of the nicer restaurants, like Grillmarket, and enjoy the tasting menu. But balance that expense with a low cost lunch of a famous hot dog from Baejarins Betzu as you walk through town. Staying at an Airbnb and taking advantage of the amazing bakeries is a great way to save money as well. 

Invest in a tour: There is so much more to see outside of Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon! If you are only there for a few days you might not get to see the entire island but I would suggest investing in a full day tour that includes the Golden Circle, the impressive waterfalls and even snowmobiling on a glacier if that interests you! 

The Icelandic people are so warm and welcoming it is hard to not have an amazing time visiting this unique country!