I suppose my visit to Iceland divides into two parts. First, exploring Reykjavík, where I stayed for all of my 5 nights. Secondly, my excursions out of the city.
Well first things first. Reykjavík.
I stayed in an apartment (Airbnb) on Laugalækur, at the start of the suburbs to the east of the city centre. A choice of three bicycles came with it, and a nearby cycle path took me downtown in 10-15 minutes.
Ideal, weather permitting. As an alternative, the city bus passed by just 100m away. I used it once
As far as sightseeing is concerned, I had a good wander around and found a relaxed and pleasant place. It was easy tp spend time doing nothing. I visited the national museum and its two sister exhibitions – the Culture House and Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection. I often use a national or city museum to get my bearings about a new place.
Hallgrímskirkja is an attraction to visit, partly because it dominates the skyline from its hilltop location.
In terms of eating, like everything else Iceland is expensive. Super expensive. I estimate it is about double British prices. As I was on my own, and bearing in mind the cost, I skipped the restaurant scene.
The city has lots to offer in terms of fast food and street food. My highlight was fish soup in Icelandic Street Food. Delicious. Afterwards, I discovered my guidebook (Lonely Planet) agrees.
Close behind came Fish and Chips Vagninn. I was tempted by Icelandic fish and chips. It was fantastic. Part of the attraction was a beautiful sunny evening, so I was able to eat outside on their picnic benches. By coincidence, my guidebook also agreed on that one.
I always enjoy it when I find a super place for myself and then find it is highly rated in the guidebooks!
For a flavour – groan – of prices, at the cafe in the museum I had a slice of quiche, a piece of cake and a cappuccino. It cost me 2,990 ISK. That’s £19.90 (€22.20). I reckon that is about double what it would have been back home.
My fish & chips rang the till at 1,790 ISK (£11.90/€12.60).
Reykjavik is not a city I would travel to visit for its own sake, but as part of a visit to Iceland it is well worth setting aside a day or two for.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2019
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