Borrowing the best bits of Scandinavian food and culture, Iceland’s capital Reykjavik––meaning “smoky bay”––is cosmopolitan, inviting, and cool (quite literally). But despite the never-ending cold, you’d be crazy to pass up on a jaunt to this party spot, chock full of Viking history and outdoor fun. Just don’t forget your parka!
When to Go: The only time you might strike it lucky with the “warm” weather is from May to September, though, the mercury only ever gets into the 50’s from mid-June through mid-August (when prices as much as triple). The good news is, despite popular opinion, Iceland never gets that cold either: Temperatures bottom out in the mid- and high-30’s during the day in the height of winter, from November to March. Snow birds will want to come during that time period, when the snowfall is dense and perfect for downhill adventures.
Where to Stay: You’ll be lucky to find a room in town–even in a hostel–where you’re paying less than $40 a night for a bed. Reykjavik is, after all, one of the world’s most expensive cities. The centrally-located Salvation Army Guesthouse boasts the cheapest prices; accommodation is basic, but pristine and safe and a better deal than you’ll come across elsewhere. Most rooms are dorm-style with shared hall baths. Another budget option in an even better location, just a block off the main shopping drag, Laugavegur, on Hverfisgata, is Domus Guesthouse, with twin rooms and family apartments. The chicest lodging in the city can be found at 101 Hotel, a contemporary art boutique hotel complete with gallery and rotating exhibits. CenterHotel Klöpp and Hotel Björk in the city center are viable mid-range options.
Where to Eat: Iceland fare is for the adventuresome eater. Lundi, or puffin, is one of the country’s most sought-after delicacies; hákarl is likely the most unappetizing. Rotten shark meat that has been, I kid you not, urinated upon and buried underground for many months, hákarl is served in cubes and accompanied by a shot of Iceland’s strong signature liquor, brennivin (the only possible way to stomach the gourmet “treat”). You can sample hákarl at the indoor Kolaportið market every weekend. If you seek an experience easier on the tastebuds, Seafood Cellar is one of the more visited restaurants in town, though a meal there will do some damage on the old wallet. More on the budget-friendly side, Prikith, situated on Laugavegur, has a warm pub atmosphere and serves up the perfect mug of hot chocolate with Iceland’s harsh winds have chilled your bones. But the cheapest meal you’ll find by far is at the hot dog stand, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, on Posthusstraeti by the market, a favorite haunt of Bill Clinton’s from his days in office and one of the best $4 sausages you’ll ever consume.
What to Do: The obvious activity every tourist must start with is a trip to the Blue Lagoon, located 45 minutes outside of the capital. The therapeutic waters are gentle and relaxing, and there’s something about being outdoors splashing around in a bikini when it’s below freezing that’s just indescribable.
If you don’t have time to make the 25-mile trip to the Blue Lagoon, you can still warm up via one of the city’s prevalent hotpots–outdoor tubs that remain above 100 degrees to keep the Icelandic chill at bay. The biggest and best around is at Laugardalslaug, with its accompanying geothermal pool.
One of the city’s most recognized landmarks, Hallgramskirkja will give you the most optimal bird’s eye view of the city. (Don’t worry: An elevator deposits you at the top.)
Whale watching is a popular activity and one most tourists engage in (particularly in the height of puffin season, July to August, when you’re almost guaranteed to see the cute multicolored birds), though be warned: If weather conditions are tempestous you’re chances at spotting a whale significantly decrease. But the full body suit you don was enough fun to appease this globetrotter. You’ll find a number of companies offering tours down by the old harbour, though Elding is probably the most prevalent.
Rent a bike at Borgarhjól in the city center and pedal out five miles to the vacant, 1897-built Grótta Lighthouse for stunning views of the city from afar.
If exercising your plastic–not biking–is your favorite form of exercise, you’ll find international labels and Scandinavia’s hottest designers, like Marimekko, Iittala, Filippa K and more, along the main stretch, Laugavegur.
