Things to do in Reykjavik

Two thirds of Iceland's population live in or around Reykjavík, so it is no surprise that it's a place bursting with energy and variety. Whether you want to take a trip back into the Viking past, steep yourself in the city's natural splendors or get acquainted with its quirky, open minded lifestyle, this is one destination that's sure to melt your heart.

Thermal pools

A unique feature of the Icelandic lifestyle is their love of bathing in open air geothermal pools, even during the winter. Average water temperatures are around 28°C, and facilities usually have hot tubs and steam rooms as well. The oldest is Sundhollin, which has a dozen different pools, but the most popular is Laugardalslaug. This has a 50 metre pool, water slides and mini golf too. It's located in the Laugardalur Valley, a recreation area that also has a sports centre, botanical garden and zoo. Entry to Reykjavík's geothermal pools is free if you have a City Card.

Relaxing Spas

As well as lots of open air pools, Reykjavík has several top class spas and wellness centres. Slip into a state of blissful meditation in the aroma steam rooms of the Hilton Reykjavík Spa in the Nordica hotel, or rejuvenate yourself with the Laugar Spa's choice of relaxing massages and facials. Set in a bleakly beautiful lava landscape a half hour drive from the city is the Blue Lagoon. Here you can receive treatments while you're floating in the mineral-rich water.

Shop til you drop

Reykjavík has the biggest shopping malls in the whole of Iceland. To check out the latest in Icelandic fashion, your best bet is the Kringlan mall, which has 150 stores, plus a cinema and places to eat. Galleri List specialises in contemporary art, including some affordable pieces that make good souvenirs. If you're in town over the weekend, don't miss the Kolaportið flea market in the Old Harbour just outside the city centre. This is where the locals shop for second-hand bargains and stock up on national delicacies such as liquorice and hákarl (fermented shark).

Dine in style

Fjörukráin is a Viking themed restaurant just outside Reykjavík. Set in a longhouse bedecked with shields, it's just the place to channel your inner Ragnar Lothbrok. And don't worry, if you're not down for a course of fermented shark, reindeer or sheepshead, there are plenty more crowd-pleasing options too. For something more low key, the Sea Baron is a no-frills seafood restaurant known for its lobster soup and fish barbecues. Kaffi Loki, meanwhile, is an all-day venue, perfect for a bite of Icelandic-style lunch. Try a slice of their homemade rye bread loaded with lamb paté or pickled herring.

Spectacular sights

Built between the 1940s and the 1980s, Hallgrímskirkja church is a literally unmissable sight, as its futuristic tower looms like a space rocket over the city skyline. Inside is a pipe organ standing 15 meters high and weighing 25 tons. Another contemporary landmark is the Harpa concert hall, Iceland's equivalent of the Sydney opera house. You'll find it in the trendy Old Harbour, which is also home to the Viking Maritime Museum and some breathtaking waterside views.

Days out

From the harbour, you can go on excursions to see the minke whales and white-beaked dolphins which visit the coast of Iceland during the summer months. Alternatively, catch a boat to the islands of Akurey and Lundey, which are nesting grounds for puffins, guillemots and cormorants. Approximately 18-kilometres from Reykjavík is the Krysuvik Geothermal Area, where you can walk through an alien landscape of steaming hot springs, crater lakes and volcanic vents stained with sulphur. Meanwhile, another popular day trip is to the 900-metre tall Mount Esja, which offers a wide range of routes for hikers and climbers.

Bars and clubs

A good place to begin your evening is the Lebowski bar on Laugavegur. Named after the Coen brothers movie, this is an American style sports bar. Happy hour starts at 4pm, and you can eat a burger while watching ice hockey on super high-definition screens. Gaukurinn is an alternative events venue with a roster of heavy metal concerts, pub quizzes, burlesque nights and drag shows. There's open mic standup in English on Mondays and karaoke parties on Tuesdays. And for you night owls, Curious is a bar and dance club on Hafnarstræti in central Reykjavík that stays open until around 4:30am over the weekend.

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