Matthias’s guidebook
Outdoor activities
A geothermal swimming pool with large jacuzzies, steam bath and sauna. Attending swimming pools is a big part if Icelandic culture and lifestyle. This one is very popular just as much among the general public as for celebrities.
458 locals recommend
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataA geothermal swimming pool with large jacuzzies, steam bath and sauna. Attending swimming pools is a big part if Icelandic culture and lifestyle. This one is very popular just as much among the general public as for celebrities.
This is a pleasant 2-3 hour hike which allows you to bath in a geothermal river on top. It's only about 30 minutes away by car. Is located in Hveragerði known for all its greenhouses. It also a food hall which I recommend visiting after the hike.
79 locals recommend
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
816 ReykjadalurThis is a pleasant 2-3 hour hike which allows you to bath in a geothermal river on top. It's only about 30 minutes away by car. Is located in Hveragerði known for all its greenhouses. It also a food hall which I recommend visiting after the hike.
One of my favorite hike and the highest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The drive is only about 45 minutes away. The hike around 3-4 hours. On the top you have the option (during summer / in good weather) of crossing the river to descend on the other side. If you do so I recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes that you can use for that.
40 locals recommend
Glymur Waterfall
One of my favorite hike and the highest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The drive is only about 45 minutes away. The hike around 3-4 hours. On the top you have the option (during summer / in good weather) of crossing the river to descend on the other side. If you do so I recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes that you can use for that.
Another swimming pool about 5 minute drive away. It has a slide popular among younger kids.
92 locals recommend
Sundlaug Seltjarnarness
8 HrólfsskálavörAnother swimming pool about 5 minute drive away. It has a slide popular among younger kids.
Reykjavík's only white beach is popular on summer days but also all year around among Sea swimmers, even in winter. But caution, sea swimming in cold water requires training and for beginners wet suits.
434 locals recommend
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Reykjavík's only white beach is popular on summer days but also all year around among Sea swimmers, even in winter. But caution, sea swimming in cold water requires training and for beginners wet suits.
Reykavík's amusement park is for family with kids. Don't expect Disney World but you can have a nice a day with the kids, especially for the younger ones (<14 years).
181 locals recommend
Húsdýragarðurinn Park & Zoo
Reykavík's amusement park is for family with kids. Don't expect Disney World but you can have a nice a day with the kids, especially for the younger ones (<14 years).
Probably the most popular hike as Esjan is the mountain that you see from almost anywhere in Reykjavík. The hike up is about an hour (in dry conditions). You need special gear in other seasons than summer.
8 locals recommend
Esjan Panoramical View Point
Probably the most popular hike as Esjan is the mountain that you see from almost anywhere in Reykjavík. The hike up is about an hour (in dry conditions). You need special gear in other seasons than summer.
A good downtown alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Don't miss the sauna which is spectacular!
104 locals recommend
Sky Lagoon
44-48 VesturvörA good downtown alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Don't miss the sauna which is spectacular!
This a nice 2-3 hour hike upp the mountain Helgafell near Hafnafjörður. The geology quite fascinating and the top gives you á panoramic view both to the capital and the national park to the west.
Helgafell, 341, Iceland
This a nice 2-3 hour hike upp the mountain Helgafell near Hafnafjörður. The geology quite fascinating and the top gives you á panoramic view both to the capital and the national park to the west.
Nice little botanical garden worth a walk through. In spring and summer make sure to visit cafe Flóra which is hidden a little in the middle of it. Go for a cup of coffee and even cake 😊.
165 locals recommend
Grasagardur Botanical Garden
105 HverfisgataNice little botanical garden worth a walk through. In spring and summer make sure to visit cafe Flóra which is hidden a little in the middle of it. Go for a cup of coffee and even cake 😊.
Food scene
Fiskbúðin Vegamót
NesvegurHigh value fish dishes, a lot of them ready to heat in oven.
Brauð og Co
22 MelhagiA good local bakery
Gaeta Gelato
Probably the best Italian ice cream today
Love this place, it's a food hall selling all kind of dishes and located with a view on the harbour and the city.
135 locals recommend
Grandi Mathöll
16 GrandagarðurLove this place, it's a food hall selling all kind of dishes and located with a view on the harbour and the city.
This one is good, it is kind of a Japanese-Icelandic fusion style restaurant with good Sushi and other seafood dishes in an exotic environment.
233 locals recommend
Fiskmarkaðurinn
This one is good, it is kind of a Japanese-Icelandic fusion style restaurant with good Sushi and other seafood dishes in an exotic environment.
Le KocK
14 TryggvagataMy favourite hamburger place! 👌
A cosy local coffeeshop in walking distance across from the swimming pool. I recommend their brunch menu 😊
218 locals recommend
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
20 MelhagiA cosy local coffeeshop in walking distance across from the swimming pool. I recommend their brunch menu 😊
Our favorite food hall downtown Reykjavik. It is the old post office that was transformed into a food hall in 2022.
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
Our favorite food hall downtown Reykjavik. It is the old post office that was transformed into a food hall in 2022.
Grocery stores
Bónus
Cheapest grocery store a 5 min drive away
Krónan
50 ReykjavikurvegurNext cheapest grocery store with more variety
This is the local and very popular grocery store with a long history, only about 500m away. It is more expensive but has an impressive variety relative to its size. I recommend the meat selection if you feel like cooking.
202 locals recommend
Melabúðin
This is the local and very popular grocery store with a long history, only about 500m away. It is more expensive but has an impressive variety relative to its size. I recommend the meat selection if you feel like cooking.
Museums
Perlan has a popular museum about Icelandic nature and also probably the best panoramic view of the city on the top floor where there is a coffee shop and restaurant.
455 locals recommend
Perlan
Perlan has a popular museum about Icelandic nature and also probably the best panoramic view of the city on the top floor where there is a coffee shop and restaurant.
Sightseeing
If you are only on a short trip and for some reason cannot travel a lot, I recommend this virtual ride over Iceland. It's fun.
59 locals recommend
FlyOver Iceland
43 FiskislóðIf you are only on a short trip and for some reason cannot travel a lot, I recommend this virtual ride over Iceland. It's fun.