Top Reykjavik & Iceland Reader Tips
The key to Reykjavik is the rest of Iceland, according to generous readers who gave this week’s “hack your city” travel advice. “You are not going to Reykjavik to see Reykjavik. You’re going to Reykjavik to see Iceland, says jdebenedictis . “Reykjavik itself can really be done in a day or two,” says ImRightYoureNot . And you will have a hell of a day after these tips. Read the best comments on the Staff tab, or check out some of them below.
Every Monday onHack Your City, we ask readers for the best tips about the city: driving tips, restaurant tips, entertainment, and any other tips for visitors and locals alike. Then, on Thursday, we present the best comments. We work in the USA and around the world.
Generally
- “Cheap food is expensive (seriously, fish with fried potatoes costs about 25 dollars), but expensive food is cheap (compared to prices in New York),” – says Zitspinkler . “The top-rated restaurants cost around $ 100 for tasting menus.” (This is an island without much farmland, as some readers have noted.)
- Or, to save on food, says Llaalliel , “it’s better to rent an apartment than a hotel, because then you can cook yourself.”
- “Go to a cheap grocery store (called Bonus, it’s yellow with the drunk pig logo) to buy food,” says the checkered screen . “Don’t worry about an expensive 24-hour (green) restaurant in the city center.”
- If you only have time for the city, at least make it to the outskirts, which haloboy817 calls “totally breathtaking.” I was in awe of mountains, volcanoes, plains and magnificent landscapes. “
- Some readers recommend coming here in winter when you have a better chance of seeing theNorthern Lights thanks to the 19-hour nights.
- Get out of town not only for day trips, but overnight stays at hotels across the country. “It is worth going further south / east, down to glacial lagoons, waterfalls and diamond beach,” says the shockwave . “It’s hard to settle in Reykjavik and explore the whole island,” says James .
- Take an airport transfer because the taxi costs $ 130, AGH says.
- “Fuel is VERY cheaper at Costco than anywhere else,” says NotADentist .
- In another commentary, Shockwaver provides great practical advice, such as “you will have to shower naked with soap and water before entering” in pools and hot springs. Plus lots of traffic tips.
- “HOLY SHIT, DO NOT GO FOR EASTER!” says BdgBill . “Easter is some kind of super holiday in Iceland” and places. We were on the road during Easter week, and almost everything except hotels and * some * gas stations was closed Thursday through Tuesday. “
- If you come in the summer, says Santos L. Halper , bring a sleep mask.
- “The music scene in Reykjavik is fantastic – a great mix of the traditional and the experimental,” says Llaalleell . “Be sure to watch the show at Harpa if you have the opportunity, especially the symphonic one. But it’s not hard to find live music. ” (This commentary has loads of tips about local attractions.)
- “Follow Grapevine for local English news and advice on what’s happening in the city,” says Marakins .
- “Icelanders have a very dry humor,” says Bjartur . “If you think something should be even a little funny, it probably is, so enjoy it.”
Especially
- “Visit the Phallological Museum,” says the beer seller . They actually say, “DO NOT go to the Museum of Phallology,” but then they say it beautifully: “Yes, this is the world’s most outstanding member museum. They have everything from mouse members to whale members and every member in between, as well as a real human member as the centerpiece of the collection. It is expensive, small and often crowded. It’s actually quite interesting. Maybe on the third day in the city. Or if you REALLY love the members. “
- “Grab a few bottles of Black Death along the way and learn the backstory,” says Kalvan . “Good liqueur like aquavit.”
- “I would recommend stopping by Icelandic Street Food for a lamb soup or fish soup,” says Shockwaver . “The lamb soup was amazing! Plus they add soup for you for free. “
- “Lots of tourist bars, some very good, but if you want to catch old grumpy locals arguing about politics and the like, head to Ulstophan,” says Slammy .
- “Everyone will tell you it’s overrated, but I still think the Blue Lagoon [geothermal resort] deserves a look,” says AR123 . “Do this either on your way to the airport or from the airport, you can get a transfer stopping there. Be sure to bring your conditioner with you, as water can tangles your hair. “
- Or, says Kilf , “Go to the municipal pool. Reykjavik has two great pools: the Sundhöllin (an old Art Deco pool with a rooftop jacuzzi; the last time I was there, I sat in one next to a MP) and the Laugardalslaug (a giant fully heated outdoor pool). Locals of all ages will be there 365 days a year, and admission and towel rent are around $ 8. ”
- “I highly recommend the outdoor pool at Hofsos ,” Judge says. “It was wonderful, just $ 9 entry to the geothermal heated outdoor infinity pool with views of what looked like the Iron Islands from GoT.”
- “I highly recommend the Settlement Exhibition ,” says Bjartur .
These are all highlights, but many of them come from lengthy comments full of additional tips. So go check them out. Then head back on Monday when Hack Your City travels to the city that my graceful hometown used to be named after .