Guidebook for Reykjavík
Food Scene
Best sushi in Reykjavik.
Tip: PreOrder a large group plate to take away to have with white wine at home.
64 locals recommend
Tokyo sushi
ÁlfheimarBest sushi in Reykjavik.
Tip: PreOrder a large group plate to take away to have with white wine at home.
Saffran
74 ÁlfheimarBest lunch restaurant, healthy and great taste
An oasis in the middle of Laugardalur Park. Unusual opening hours, check out website http://www.floran.is/floranenglish#cafebistro-english
66 locals recommend
Flóran Garden Bistro
GrasagarðinumAn oasis in the middle of Laugardalur Park. Unusual opening hours, check out website http://www.floran.is/floranenglish#cafebistro-english
Haninn
46 SuðurlandsbrautLove that chicken
Ísbúð Huppu
Soft ice cream madness
Pylsuvagninn Laugardal
30c SundlaugavegurA national treat, the Icelandic hot dog
Gló
17 EngjateigurBest raw food in town
Hipp pizza place. Arrive, take a number, walk across the street to have beer at Bryggjan Brewery while waiting. Bring the glass with you to Flatey when you are ready to be served.
78 locals recommend
Flatey Pizza
11 GrandagarðurHipp pizza place. Arrive, take a number, walk across the street to have beer at Bryggjan Brewery while waiting. Bring the glass with you to Flatey when you are ready to be served.
Eldsmiðjan
81 LaugavegurGreat pizza.
Free ice cream as a dessert for kids
Hamborgarasmiðjan
5-7 GrensásvegurBest place to watch a soccer match with tasty hamburgers
Been on a day trip, everybody tired and hungry. Buy the family offer at this burger joint.
30 locals recommend
Tommi's Burger Joint
32 EyravegurBeen on a day trip, everybody tired and hungry. Buy the family offer at this burger joint.
Bakarameistarinn
Lots of tables to sit at having your coffee and cake
Brauð & Co
11 FákafenHipster bakery in the hood
I am in love with the tacos at this restaurant down town.
Great for groups, meet up at the bar for happy hour before your reservation
https://www.rioreykjavik.com/
RIO Reykjavík
9 GeirsgataI am in love with the tacos at this restaurant down town.
Great for groups, meet up at the bar for happy hour before your reservation
https://www.rioreykjavik.com/
Kopar
3 GeirsgataFine dining
Icelandic flavours
https://www.koparrestaurant.is
I never new fish could taste this good
Fine dining restaurant
https://Fiskmarkadurinn.is
233 locals recommend
Fiskmarkaðurinn
I never new fish could taste this good
Fine dining restaurant
https://Fiskmarkadurinn.is
Grillmarkaðurinn
Because....steaks.
https://Grillmarkadurinn.is
Indian restaurant
Why have more than one in Reykjavik when this one is so good!
Fine Dining
http://www.austurindia.is
117 locals recommend
Austur-Indíafélagið
56 HverfisgataIndian restaurant
Why have more than one in Reykjavik when this one is so good!
Fine Dining
http://www.austurindia.is
Passion Reykjavík
Our neighborhood café with great coffee and pastries.
Getting Around
Gray Line Bus Terminal - Skarfabakki
4 KlettagarðarIf you are planning a day trip out of town
Glæsibær
SuðurlandsbrautClosest bus stop
Reykjavik Domestic Airport station
Domestic flights in Iceland
The final stop for the FlyBus from Reykjavik International Airport (KEF).
BSI is about 5km/3miles away from the apartment but really close to a bus stop with bus no 5 that goes directly to our street, 11 min ride. An app called Moovit is helpful to see public transportation in Reykjavik.
Taxi would be 10 min max from BSI.
140 locals recommend
BSI Reykjavik station
The final stop for the FlyBus from Reykjavik International Airport (KEF).
BSI is about 5km/3miles away from the apartment but really close to a bus stop with bus no 5 that goes directly to our street, 11 min ride. An app called Moovit is helpful to see public transportation in Reykjavik.
Taxi would be 10 min max from BSI.
Get a taxi with TaxiHreyfill app, can call the service through the app to an english speaking dispatcher.
Call directly at 5 88 55 22
Hreyfill Taxi
Get a taxi with TaxiHreyfill app, can call the service through the app to an english speaking dispatcher.
Call directly at 5 88 55 22
It is best to pick up and return car rentals at the airport.
DRIVING IN ICELAND:
http://www.road.is/ conditions on road and webcams
http://safetravel.is/ is a website you can register your trip, especially if you go hiking somewhere.
The roads that have the letter F in front of the number - are mountain roads and only fit for large 4x4 jeeps with huge tires.
In roundabouts the inner circle has right of way.
Do not stop the car on the road when you see a perfect view for a photo, look for a safe spot to park.
The most dangerous part of the ring road are bridges with only one lane - “Einbreið brú”. The car that arrives first to the bridge has right of way.
35 locals recommend
Keflavík International Airport
It is best to pick up and return car rentals at the airport.
DRIVING IN ICELAND:
http://www.road.is/ conditions on road and webcams
http://safetravel.is/ is a website you can register your trip, especially if you go hiking somewhere.
The roads that have the letter F in front of the number - are mountain roads and only fit for large 4x4 jeeps with huge tires.
In roundabouts the inner circle has right of way.
Do not stop the car on the road when you see a perfect view for a photo, look for a safe spot to park.
The most dangerous part of the ring road are bridges with only one lane - “Einbreið brú”. The car that arrives first to the bridge has right of way.
Parks & Nature
Laugardalur
Esjan
Best view of Reykjavik
Úlfarsfell viewpoint
Great view of Reykjavik with minimal hiking effort
Laugarnes
Close to nature, great spot
Heiðmörk
The raw nature at Reykjavik door steps. Nice hiking trails in the woods.
Drinks & Nightlife
Bjórgarðurinn
ÞórunnartúnCraft beer and great food
Sportbarinn Ölver
74 ÁlfheimarSport Bar.
Have a beer on tap at the happy hour and walk home
Le KocK
14 TryggvagataThe newest hipster bar
Take bus no 14 heading to Grandi from Glæsibær bus stop, step out right in front of this Brewery. Enjoy one of the best beers in Iceland. Reverse trip advice on way home.
100 locals recommend
Bryggjan Brugghús
8 GrandagarðurTake bus no 14 heading to Grandi from Glæsibær bus stop, step out right in front of this Brewery. Enjoy one of the best beers in Iceland. Reverse trip advice on way home.
If you are tipsy and do not want the night to end - you go here. To dance.
Order a bottle of gin and get a table at the VIP room if you are feeling generous.
93 locals recommend
Pablo Discobar
If you are tipsy and do not want the night to end - you go here. To dance.
Order a bottle of gin and get a table at the VIP room if you are feeling generous.
Arts & Culture
Árbær Open Air Museum
KistuhylurÞjóðminjasafn
Suðurgatahttps://perlan.is/
Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal marvels and more come alive through cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking science. Visitors can see, feel, and live Iceland’s many natural wonders all in one place. Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition is included in this unique nature exhibition.
455 locals recommend
Perlan
https://perlan.is/
Volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal marvels and more come alive through cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking science. Visitors can see, feel, and live Iceland’s many natural wonders all in one place. Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition is included in this unique nature exhibition.
Whales of Iceland features life-size replicas of all whale species living around Iceland. The models paired with the ambience and sounds of the whales truly gives you a strong feeling for these huge mammals swimming around the island. Even more ideal if paired with a whale-watching trip.
169 locals recommend
Whales of Iceland
Whales of Iceland features life-size replicas of all whale species living around Iceland. The models paired with the ambience and sounds of the whales truly gives you a strong feeling for these huge mammals swimming around the island. Even more ideal if paired with a whale-watching trip.
Essentials
Low priced grocery store
Not good quality of fresh food but otherwise the cheapest on the market in small quantity items.
Closest to Alfheimar are:
Skútuvogi 13, 104 Reykjavík
Holtavegi, 104 Reykjavík
Faxafeni 14, 108 Reykjavík
www.bonus.is
23 locals recommend
Bónus
14 FaxafenLow priced grocery store
Not good quality of fresh food but otherwise the cheapest on the market in small quantity items.
Closest to Alfheimar are:
Skútuvogi 13, 104 Reykjavík
Holtavegi, 104 Reykjavík
Faxafeni 14, 108 Reykjavík
www.bonus.is
Relatively cheap and handy if you forgot to buy something
Location on the end of the Alfheimar Street where we live.
Semi-low price store, open 24/7
Iceland
37 ÁlfheimarRelatively cheap and handy if you forgot to buy something
Location on the end of the Alfheimar Street where we live.
Semi-low price store, open 24/7
Svanhvít
113 LangholtsvegurDry cleaning
Open from 08:00-18:00
The government sells wine and spirits in special stores called Vínbúðin. You can´t buy it anywhere else except restaurants and bars.
http://www.vinbudin.is
26 locals recommend
Vínbúðin
5 SkeifanThe government sells wine and spirits in special stores called Vínbúðin. You can´t buy it anywhere else except restaurants and bars.
http://www.vinbudin.is
The store is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Has a wide range of groceries, cosmetics and clothes.
Similar to Real Canadian Superstore or WalMart.
Can be expensive but nice to visit in the late hours of the evening or even the middle of the night. Has a popular candy bar that gives 50% discount on Saturdays
www.hagkaup.is
Skeifunni 15, 108 Reykjavík
107 locals recommend
Hagkaup
15 FaxafenThe store is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Has a wide range of groceries, cosmetics and clothes.
Similar to Real Canadian Superstore or WalMart.
Can be expensive but nice to visit in the late hours of the evening or even the middle of the night. Has a popular candy bar that gives 50% discount on Saturdays
www.hagkaup.is
Skeifunni 15, 108 Reykjavík
Krónan
50 ReykjavikurvegurA good middle priced grocery store.
www.kronan.is for locations
If you break your leg, you go here to the emergency room at the city hospital.
6 locals recommend
Borgarspítalinn
BústaðavegurIf you break your leg, you go here to the emergency room at the city hospital.
For off hours medical assistance in Reykjavik there is Læknavaktin (Doctors on call)
Open from 17:00-23:30 on weekdays and from 09:00-23:30 on weekends
Háaleitisbraut 68, 2nd floor
103 Reykjavík
Phonenumber: 1770
https://goo.gl/maps/isgFTxSBA3s
9 locals recommend
Læknavaktin
HáaleitisbrautFor off hours medical assistance in Reykjavik there is Læknavaktin (Doctors on call)
Open from 17:00-23:30 on weekdays and from 09:00-23:30 on weekends
Háaleitisbraut 68, 2nd floor
103 Reykjavík
Phonenumber: 1770
https://goo.gl/maps/isgFTxSBA3s
Lyfja Pharmacy is open until midnight.
There are also 2 pharmacies in Glæsibær, in walking distance from the apartment
18 locals recommend
Lyfja
5, 105 LágmúliLyfja Pharmacy is open until midnight.
There are also 2 pharmacies in Glæsibær, in walking distance from the apartment
Very nice gym with open classes for yoga, spinning, weight lifting. Can buy a day pass.
17 locals recommend
Hreyfing Heilsulind
74 ÁlfheimarVery nice gym with open classes for yoga, spinning, weight lifting. Can buy a day pass.
Entertainment & Activities
Best value for money there is, get access to good facilities, warm water, slides, hot tubs. Opens early until late in the evenings. Best when it rains or snows.
511 locals recommend
Laugardalslaug
105 SundlaugavegurBest value for money there is, get access to good facilities, warm water, slides, hot tubs. Opens early until late in the evenings. Best when it rains or snows.
Laugarásbíó
Close and good seats
Blue Lagoon
A must in Iceland
Need to prebook
A large tree castle for kids. Nice to park the car and let kids run around for an hour.
9 locals recommend
Gufunes
GufunesvegurA large tree castle for kids. Nice to park the car and let kids run around for an hour.
Nauthólsvík is the mecca for sea-swimmers in Reykjavík. Locker-rooms stand right by the shore, as well as a steam bath and a hot tub to warm up after a dip in the cold Atlantic Ocean. However, on summer days the place is transformed into Reykjavík’s go-to sunbathing spot. The small lagoon is geothermally heated, making it ideal for paddling and cooling off.
434 locals recommend
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Nauthólsvík is the mecca for sea-swimmers in Reykjavík. Locker-rooms stand right by the shore, as well as a steam bath and a hot tub to warm up after a dip in the cold Atlantic Ocean. However, on summer days the place is transformed into Reykjavík’s go-to sunbathing spot. The small lagoon is geothermally heated, making it ideal for paddling and cooling off.