Reykjavik Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Reykjavik
You have decided to travel to Iceland and, more specifically, its capital city of Reykjavik. You are beginning the process of planning your trip and are starting to look at all the options available to you.
Traveling requires a bit of preparation beforehand if you want it to run smoothly. However, there can be a lot of information out there. This guide will help you plan your trip to Reykjavik and provide you a great starting point so that you may plan your ideal trip.
Top Attractions in Reykjavik
Reykjavik, despite its small size, is filled with fun and interesting things to do. Located on the southwestern coast of Iceland, it is a city filled with history. As with any place rich in culture, it has a lot to offer.
Yet, you are probably wondering where to begin. While there are several great attractions to visit while you stay in Reykjavik, here are three of the top attractions you need to take a look at:
1. Hallgrímskirkja Church
The first attraction on the list is the Hallgrímskirkja Church, which is located in downtown Reykjavik. It is a centrally-located attraction and one that cannot be missed.
The church itself can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. As with Notre-Dame in Paris, Hallgrímskirkja is an iconic building that stands above Reykjavik.
The tower of the church stands 74.5 meters tall, or about 240 feet. The tower is open to the public for a fee. Once at the top, you will be able to see all of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. The panoramic view makes this one attraction that cannot be missed.
Also, the main portion of the church is open every day and is free to the public. The church is a great piece of architecture and sightseeing all in one.
2. The Settlement Exhibition
Next up is The Settlement Exhibition, which is located not too far from the Hallgrímskirkja church in the Old West Side of Reykjavik.
One aspect of Scandinavia is its rich history of early settlers during the Viking Age. This museum lets you experience that history firsthand. The Settlement Exhibition is much more than your standard museum, too.
The museum was founded when a building project accidentally found the remains of these earliest settlers, and these remains have been carefully preserved.
The museum offers guided tours in several languages and offers visitors an exclusive look into these earlier settlers that you are not likely to experience elsewhere.
3. Perlan Museum
Frequently mentioned as one of the “must-see” attractions of Iceland, the Perlan Museum is an experience that every visitor needs to go to.
This impressive museum is built atop four massive water tanks filled with natural hot water. The entire structure is situated atop Öskjuhlíð Hill and offers panoramic views of the area. There is an observation deck that can be visited for a small fee.
Inside the museum, there are many exhibits that you will not find anywhere else. One of these is a full-scale ice cave that you may go into. Bring your coats, though, because the temperatures stay well below freezing!
The museum also offers:
- Northern Lights exhibit (similar to a planetarium exhibit)
- A restaurant that is located at the top of the glass dome of the museum
- Exhibits about all the natural wonders of Iceland
If you are visiting Reykjavik, this attraction has to be put onto your itinerary.
The Experience Flying Into Reykjavik Airport
When flying into Reykjavik you will want to know about the airports located there. Reykjavik has two airports: Reykjavik Airport and Keflavik International Airport. These two airports are generally spoken of as one, though they are different and not located in the same location
Reykjavik Airport only caters to domestic flights, while Keflavik International Airport takes flights from around the world. When flying into any new place it is easy to worry about how easy it will be to navigate, how close it is to your final destination, and more.
Luckily, with Iceland such a small country, the airports are small, too. You will not have to worry about losing your way. Proper signs are placed around the terminal, both in and out, so that you will not get lost.
While Reykjavik Airport is located in the city itself, Keflavik is located just outside it to the southwest, but it is still very close to all the attractions you will want to visit. The process of moving through the airport in Reykjavik is streamlined and quick.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Reykjavik
Flying can be expensive. Travel can be expensive, so it is best to discover ways in which you can both save money and still enjoy your travels.
Iceland is an island nation and accordingly can be quite expensive. However, there are some tips you can implement while you are planning your visit there that will help you fly cheap into Reykjavik.
What should you be looking at when traveling to Iceland to save money? There are three main things to consider.
1. Travel During “Low” Season
One of the best ways to lower your costs while traveling to Iceland is to travel during the “low” season. In Iceland, the low season is the winter, which runs from November to March.
The periods immediately preceding and following the low season can also be a good time to visit if you do not want to deal with the harsh Icelandic winters full force. Either way, you will not only experience lower prices but also lesser crowds.
2. Book Your Flight One Month in Advance
The closer to your trip that you book your flight the more expensive it will be. This is a good rule to follow no matter where you are traveling.
Your best bet is to book your flight at least one month ahead of your trip. This ensures you will get the best flights for the best prices.
If you already know when you are traveling, and the time interval is greater than one month, you should book anyway! The earlier the better.
3. Use Online Services to Find the Best Prices
Using an online service to compare and contrast prices of flights is a perfect way to ensure you are getting the best deals. You will be able to see everything that is available to you so you may make the best decision.
These online services will show you all available flights from your city to Reykjavik. It will also show you all the prices between airlines and between dates. It is always possible that one day in scheduling could make all the difference when it comes to price.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
These areas are popular because of their proximity to attractions, restaurants, and shops. You want an area that is easy to navigate but also central to your plans. Here are three popular areas of Reykjavik you should consider staying in:
- Midborg
- Hlíðar
- Laugardalur
All these areas are very popular and great for tourists
Midborg
Midborg, for example, is centrally located in the downtown area, which means it is close to much of what the city has to offer. Of course, its central location may also mean you will be faced with slightly higher prices.
Hlíðar
Hlíðar isn’t located as close to the center of the city, but it is still close and will offer lower prices. Remember, Reykjavik is not a very big city, so everything, even if it is a bit farther out, is still relatively close.
Laugardalur
Laugardalur, which is filled with shopping and eating options, is also a great option without being too expensive.
Popular Hotels in These Areas
Whether you want a cheaper option for your hotel needs, or you want something a little more expensive, Reykjavik has it all. In these popular areas listed here, there are many hotels to choose from. You will be sure to find the best option that fits your budget.
Here are some popular hotels with good ratings in each of these areas that are worth looking at:
- Reykjavik Residence Hotel (Midborg)
- Hotel Odinsve (Midborg)
- Fosshotel Reykjavik (Hlíðar)
- Midgardur by Center Hotels (Hlíðar)
- Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (Laugardalur)
- Grand Hotel Reykjavik (Laugardalur)
Popular Airbnb Places in These Areas
Perhaps you do not want to stay in a hotel. A lot of folks prefer staying in an Airbnb when they are traveling. An Airbnb offers visitors an opportunity to stay in an apartment or private room without the worries of a hotel.
In each of these areas, there are many options to choose from if you are looking at an Airbnb. For example, in Midborg, there is an option where you can stay in a 1903 house that is central to everything the city has to offer.
When you search for an Airbnb you may choose from a private room or an entire apartment. It depends on your preference. All you have to do is go to the Airbnb website, type in your destination, and you will find numerous, high-quality sites to choose from.
Top 3 Things to Do in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has so much to offer visitors, no matter who they are. There are the attractions, such as museums, that bring people from all over the world.
But what else is there to do in Reykjavik? There are so many things to do you may not know what you want to do with the time you have. There are, however, a few things you cannot miss if you can help it. Here are three of the top things to do while you stay in Reykjavik:
1. Take a Northern Lights tour.
While you are in Reykjavik make sure not to miss out on this natural phenomenon. There are tours you can book that will bring you to the best places to view them.
2. Experience Local Cuisine.
The food of Iceland is unique. Be sure to visit as many cafés and restaurants as you can. Seafood is a major part of Icelandic history and is a good place to start.
3. Visit the Harpa Concert Hall.
In addition to being a great architectural structure covered in glass, it is also home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. You can also take a guided tour. It should not be missed!
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is located in a beautiful area, and this means there are many cool experiences to be had.
If you have decided to stay in an Airbnb then you have opened yourself to many cool experiences. There are a variety of types of Airbnb’s you can stay in, so the experiences are all different.
For example, there is one Airbnb that is a dome in which you can view the northern lights. This option is sure to be a memorable one.
There is another Airbnb that offers you the experience to stay in one of the oldest homes in the city. Also, a car is offered in the package, so you don’t have to worry about renting one separately.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is so much to do and see in Reykjavik. Having an idea about what you want to do and planning ahead of time can make all the difference.
You may find that once you arrive in Reykjavik that your adventure takes you places you did not think possible. Perhaps you find yourself visiting Iceland’s famous thermal pools. Wherever your trip takes you, you’ll know that you went prepared.
