Reykjavik in A Day - My Destination Reykjavik

Reykjavik in a Day - My Destination Reykjavik
27/06/15 00:16
Reykjavik in a Day
The first thing you should bear in mind when planning a day in Reykjavik is its size; although 275 km2
seems large enough on paper, it pales in comparison to a city like London, which swells to over 1,500
km2. Into this space it packs about 120,000 people, a little over a third of Icelands entire population,
yet this is significantly less than any of Londons 32 boroughs (apart from the 2.9 km2 City of London),
not to mention most other capital cities in Europe.
From a tourists perspective, it means there arent as many things to do in Reykjavik as one might
ordinarily expect, and that your trip should therefore be taken at a slower pace, allowing more time to
absorb the citys atmosphere. Indeed, this is a metropolis to be experienced rather than stared at, and
many of its main activities revolve around the local people who give it such a distinct character, rather
than buildings and sights which comprise its physical presence.
Use the following itinerary to help plan your own day and decide what to do in Reykjavik...
http://www.mydestination.com/reykjavik/travel-articles/72966/reykjavik-in-a-day
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Harpa
08:00 Walk along the waterfront
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Work up an early-morning appetite with a stroll along Reykjaviks waterfront. The harbour itself is a
fascinating area that presents countless photo opportunities, and if youre early enough, you might
even catch a few boats returning from a fishing trip with a fresh haul. The biggest attraction here,
however, is Harpa, Reykjaviks stunning new concert hall which dominates the skyline with its
dramatic angularity and fish scale faade. Dont miss the Solfar sculpture either, which is the skeletal
boat that graces many of the countrys postcards.
09:00 Breakfast at The Laundromat Cafe
There are lots of excellent cafes dotted around Reykjavik, but this is one of the best. Its conception can
be traced across the North Sea to Denmark, where the quirky idea of combining a launderette with a
bistro proved a storming success. Even if you dont need to do any washing while youre in Iceland, this
is an excellent place to glimpse the countrys innate sense of style and ingenuity, and to indulge in one
of its greatest obsessions: coffee.
10:00 Walk along Laugavegur and Sklavrustgur
Downtown Reykjavik focuses upon two streets Laugavegur and Sklavrustgur which sprout
from the waterfront and lead further inland. It is along these avenues that you will find the most stuff
to do in the city, and you should consequently use them as your point of reference when ascertaining
bearings. Both arteries are lined with shops and bars which ensure the area never lacks bustle, whether
day or night, and although prices are often prohibitively high, they offer a fascinating insight into
Icelandic style and design.
12:00 Explore Hallgrmskirkja
If youd prefer a more visible landmark to orientate yourself around, simply look to the space-age
construction that protrudes from the apogee of Sklavrustgur, which is recognisable from anywhere
in the city. Hallgrmskirkja is a cathedral like no other, a pixelated rocket frozen mid-launch that is as
unusual as Barcelonas Sagrada Famlia and as stylish as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, and
has consequently become one of the most famous attractions in Reykjavik, equally as inspiring from
outside as it is from within.
The peak of the Hallgrmskirkjas tower affords a stunning panorama that takes in the whole city,
which, on a clear day, stretches beyond Reykjaviks edge and out to the bordering mountains. Getting
to the top is easy (theres a lift), though its worth bringing a map to get the fullest appreciation for
Reykjaviks topography, and warm clothing if conditions are particularly adverse, as the viewing area is
almost completely exposed to external elements.
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The Laundromat Cafe

13:00 Lunch at Bjarins Bestu Pylsur
It may not look like much, but Bjarins Bestu Pylsur is one of the most celebrated places in Iceland to
grab a bite to eat, counting celebrities such as Bill Clinton among its clientele. Translating literally as
The Best Hotdog in Town, it wont take you long to decide what to order here just ask for eina me
llu, meaning the works, and youll find out what all the fuss is about. Queues are standard, such is
the joints popularity, but they soon shift.
14:00 Visit a museum
Iceland has a rich and fascinating history, both geographically and culturally, all of which is recorded
in a number of excellent museums spread throughout Reykjavik. One of the most popular is the Saga
Museum, which brings the nations Sagas to life in the manner of Madame Tussauds, but equally
worthy of a visit are The Settlement Exhibition and the National Museum of Iceland. Theres also an
excellent 3D map of the whole island located in the city hall, which is an excellent way to gain a fuller
understanding of Icelands geographical complexion.
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16:00 Soak in a hot tub

To experience what it truly means to live like a local in Reykjavik, head to one of the citys swimming
pools. A combination of rich geothermal reserves and obscene alcohol prices has led to residents
gathering at swimming baths rather than bars to socialise and relax, and its not unusual to find
Icelanders of all ages going for a quick soak before, after and even during their working day.
Overview of Reykjavik
19:00 Dinner at 3 Frakkar
Theres an astonishing range of restaurants in Reykjavik, covering just about every cuisine imaginable,
but if you want to sample the food Iceland does best, make a reservation at 3 Frakker. This eatery is
often missed by tourists thanks to its modest faade, but anyone who resides in the city will tell you
that there are few better places to gorge on seafood thats been plucked straight out of the water that
laps upon the islands shores. If youre feeling particularly adventurous, try a little shark, or if you
prefer food thats actually edible, go for the halibut and lobster or pan-fried monkfish.
21:00 Do the Rntur
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Reykjavik nightlife is legendary, so much so that its largely responsible for putting the city on the map.
The runtr is a pub crawl that takes in the citys best drinking holes, although it doesnt actually follow
a strict route. Instead, Icelanders gravitate towards Laugavegur, where they move from bar to bar until
deciding its time to go home. As youd expect, the street is particularly lively on Friday and Saturday
nights, though theres plenty going on throughout the week.
Bjarins Bestu Pylsur
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