Guidebook for Reykjavík

Maria
Guidebook for Reykjavík

Food Scene

Their food reflects flavors and styles of food that reflect our childhood memories, along with inspirations from our travels around the world and passion for street-food and food in general. Their goal is to raise the bar in quality towards street-food and soul food here in Iceland. Their menus are constantly evolving and we are not afraid to change them with short notice when the mood strikes. But you can always count on their classic dishes, while they last.
14 locals recommend
Le KocK
14 Tryggvagata
14 locals recommend
Their food reflects flavors and styles of food that reflect our childhood memories, along with inspirations from our travels around the world and passion for street-food and food in general. Their goal is to raise the bar in quality towards street-food and soul food here in Iceland. Their menus are constantly evolving and we are not afraid to change them with short notice when the mood strikes. But you can always count on their classic dishes, while they last.
Best price for sea food you can find. Not a fancy place.
104 locals recommend
Sægreifinn
104 locals recommend
Best price for sea food you can find. Not a fancy place.
One of the the best fish and chips in the city. Love the house, the view.
59 locals recommend
Kaffivagninn
10 Grandagarður
59 locals recommend
One of the the best fish and chips in the city. Love the house, the view.
Quality, price and friendly family business. Fresh and very good.
Zorbian
109 Hringbraut
Quality, price and friendly family business. Fresh and very good.
The place is a small courses bar with a large selection of exotic dishes influenced by Peru and Japan. There is a strong emphasis on a good selection of wines by the glass, especially sparkling wines from all over the world, as well as great cocktails. Nikkei cooking is the name of the cuisine that dominates the food here. It has its origins in the second half of the 19th century, when Japanese immigrants began to settle in Peru to a considerable extent. There, centuries-old cooking techniques from Japan were mixed with Peru’s varied cuisine. Nikkei cooking combines the best of each cuisine, e.g. respect for the raw material and the composition of exotic flavors. Thus, Japanese dishes were admirably linked to the tastes and cooking methods of the indigenous peoples of Peru. This blend incorporates the best of Japan’s elegant and refined food culture, as well as the exquisite fresh ingredients blended with Peruvian spice.
Monkeys Reykjavik
The place is a small courses bar with a large selection of exotic dishes influenced by Peru and Japan. There is a strong emphasis on a good selection of wines by the glass, especially sparkling wines from all over the world, as well as great cocktails. Nikkei cooking is the name of the cuisine that dominates the food here. It has its origins in the second half of the 19th century, when Japanese immigrants began to settle in Peru to a considerable extent. There, centuries-old cooking techniques from Japan were mixed with Peru’s varied cuisine. Nikkei cooking combines the best of each cuisine, e.g. respect for the raw material and the composition of exotic flavors. Thus, Japanese dishes were admirably linked to the tastes and cooking methods of the indigenous peoples of Peru. This blend incorporates the best of Japan’s elegant and refined food culture, as well as the exquisite fresh ingredients blended with Peruvian spice.
Fuison cuisine. The menu offers a variety of starters, salads, fish, steaks and desserts.
103 locals recommend
Kol Restaurant
40 Skólavörðustígur
103 locals recommend
Fuison cuisine. The menu offers a variety of starters, salads, fish, steaks and desserts.
Early until late, Slippbarinn is where you can experience Reykjavík like a local while enjoying exciting events such as live jazz, dj‘s and some even some refreshing pop-up shows. This is the perfect place to gather with old and new friends over a drink in this vibrant part of town by the Old Harbour. The drink menu has an impressive selection of cocktails and wines that will melt the heart of those who love a nice drink. Feeling hungry? Enjoy a zesty dinner, lunch or a weekend brunch. The trendy interior decor, along with a jaw-dropping view of the colorful harbour and the dry dock just outside the door - where the Icelandic fishing fleet gets a facelift - will complete the experience
136 locals recommend
Slippbarinn
2 Mýrargata
136 locals recommend
Early until late, Slippbarinn is where you can experience Reykjavík like a local while enjoying exciting events such as live jazz, dj‘s and some even some refreshing pop-up shows. This is the perfect place to gather with old and new friends over a drink in this vibrant part of town by the Old Harbour. The drink menu has an impressive selection of cocktails and wines that will melt the heart of those who love a nice drink. Feeling hungry? Enjoy a zesty dinner, lunch or a weekend brunch. The trendy interior decor, along with a jaw-dropping view of the colorful harbour and the dry dock just outside the door - where the Icelandic fishing fleet gets a facelift - will complete the experience
A 50´s-style diner during the day and a nightclub on weekends. Used to be the oldest continuously running traditional coffeehouse on the street, but caters now to a younger clientele.
109 locals recommend
Prikið
12 Bankastræti
109 locals recommend
A 50´s-style diner during the day and a nightclub on weekends. Used to be the oldest continuously running traditional coffeehouse on the street, but caters now to a younger clientele.
At the Laundromat Cafe you can do laundry, drink a beer or excellent coffee. This kid friendly café prides itself on its tasty brunch, Sunday pot roasts, alcoholic and coffee beverages, 5000 books (that you can buy or trade), board games, and up-to-date newspapers and magazines
111 locals recommend
The Laundromat Cafe
9 Austurstræti
111 locals recommend
At the Laundromat Cafe you can do laundry, drink a beer or excellent coffee. This kid friendly café prides itself on its tasty brunch, Sunday pot roasts, alcoholic and coffee beverages, 5000 books (that you can buy or trade), board games, and up-to-date newspapers and magazines
One of my favorites restaurants, Good price for excellent quality.
75 locals recommend
Matarkjallarinn
2 Aðalstræti
75 locals recommend
One of my favorites restaurants, Good price for excellent quality.
Best Ice cream in town. Italian. Vegan ice cream. A must try.
198 locals recommend
Valdís
Grandagarður
198 locals recommend
Best Ice cream in town. Italian. Vegan ice cream. A must try.
Pizzan Hringbraut
One of the best pizzas in the city
Flatey Pizza - Hlemmur Mathöll
One of the best pizzas in the city
Where Culinary Cultures Collide: Discover the Exquisite Fusion Flavors!
Punk Restaurant
Where Culinary Cultures Collide: Discover the Exquisite Fusion Flavors!
Monday – Sunday from 11.30 – 23.00. Lunch menu is served from 11.30-14.00 and dinner menu from 17.00-22.00 Sundays to Thursdays and 17.00-23.00 on Fridays and Saturdays. We also serve selected dishes and desserts from 14.00-17.00. Afternoon Tea is served every day from 14.30-17.00. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays 11.30-14.30.
138 locals recommend
Apotek Restaurant
16 Austurstræti
138 locals recommend
Monday – Sunday from 11.30 – 23.00. Lunch menu is served from 11.30-14.00 and dinner menu from 17.00-22.00 Sundays to Thursdays and 17.00-23.00 on Fridays and Saturdays. We also serve selected dishes and desserts from 14.00-17.00. Afternoon Tea is served every day from 14.30-17.00. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays 11.30-14.30.
Brunch and happy hours
65 locals recommend
Sæta Svínið Gastropub
Hafnarstræti
65 locals recommend
Brunch and happy hours
Delicious sweets & desserts If you have a sweet tooth it is the right place. Indulgent sweets, a mix of traditional Icelandic desserts made our way with Icelandic candy and sweet things from around the world. “Þristur” chocolate cake made with Icelands favourite liquorice chocolate candy, Ferris wheel of sweets, coconut candy cake, traditional Icelandic pancake trio, deep fried Oreo…need we say more !
8 locals recommend
Fjallkonan
101 Hafnarstræti
8 locals recommend
Delicious sweets & desserts If you have a sweet tooth it is the right place. Indulgent sweets, a mix of traditional Icelandic desserts made our way with Icelandic candy and sweet things from around the world. “Þristur” chocolate cake made with Icelands favourite liquorice chocolate candy, Ferris wheel of sweets, coconut candy cake, traditional Icelandic pancake trio, deep fried Oreo…need we say more !
Duck and Rose offers authentic food with Italian influence. We are located on the corner of Austurvöllur right by the Icelandic Parliament
Duck & Rose
Duck and Rose offers authentic food with Italian influence. We are located on the corner of Austurvöllur right by the Icelandic Parliament
At EIRIKSSON BRASSERIE, you can have a drink at the wonderful bar or enjoy great food all day long Italian restaurant
Eiriksson Brasserie
77 Laugavegur
At EIRIKSSON BRASSERIE, you can have a drink at the wonderful bar or enjoy great food all day long Italian restaurant
is located in the center of the plant and herb collections in the Botanical gardens of Reykjavík. Our restaurant is strongly inspired by the location. In our garden and greenhouse we grow a large portion of the raw material used in the kitchen, lettuce, herbs and flowers, all organic. That way our guests can learn about plants and herbs in their journey around the garden and enjoy healthy and delicious food made from them in the gazebo. This opening hours is to protect plants that are in the restaurant. Flóran will close 2nd of September.
66 locals recommend
Flóran Garden Bistro
Grasagarðinum
66 locals recommend
is located in the center of the plant and herb collections in the Botanical gardens of Reykjavík. Our restaurant is strongly inspired by the location. In our garden and greenhouse we grow a large portion of the raw material used in the kitchen, lettuce, herbs and flowers, all organic. That way our guests can learn about plants and herbs in their journey around the garden and enjoy healthy and delicious food made from them in the gazebo. This opening hours is to protect plants that are in the restaurant. Flóran will close 2nd of September.
Forréttabarinn opened in 2011 and is now owned and run by head chef Róbert Ólafsson. He has extensive experience dating back to 1994 and has worked in hotels and restaurants all over the world, including Iceland, Germany, USA and France. Forréttabarinn offers a range of appetisers and desserts of various sizes. The menu focuses on fresh, Icelandic ingredients with a Southern European influence. It also offers a range of vegetarian dishes and a choice of four-course set meals. The bar offers a good range of beers, locally brewed along with international brands. Wine is offered by the glass and the colourful cocktail selection is carefully crafted by their skilled bartenders. Don’t miss the happy hour every day at the stated time with special offers on draft beers and the house wines. The space that now houses Forréttabarinn was built in 1939 and was previously a space for industrial workshops and warehouses. Later, the Association of Icelandic Artists rented the house and furnished the upper floors of the house under artists’ studios. In late 2011, Forréttabarinn opened on half of the ground floor and 2 years later, a new bar space was added. The restaurant’s interior is modern with a minimal Scandinavian influence. It is decorated with artworks, high ceilings and an open kitchen. The main bar is crafted from timber from the old harbour. The downtown location, close to the harbour, galleries and artisan workshops, makes a great backdrop to the vibrant vibrant, funky feel, Forréttabarinn is so well known for.
142 locals recommend
Forettabarinn
14 Nýlendugata
142 locals recommend
Forréttabarinn opened in 2011 and is now owned and run by head chef Róbert Ólafsson. He has extensive experience dating back to 1994 and has worked in hotels and restaurants all over the world, including Iceland, Germany, USA and France. Forréttabarinn offers a range of appetisers and desserts of various sizes. The menu focuses on fresh, Icelandic ingredients with a Southern European influence. It also offers a range of vegetarian dishes and a choice of four-course set meals. The bar offers a good range of beers, locally brewed along with international brands. Wine is offered by the glass and the colourful cocktail selection is carefully crafted by their skilled bartenders. Don’t miss the happy hour every day at the stated time with special offers on draft beers and the house wines. The space that now houses Forréttabarinn was built in 1939 and was previously a space for industrial workshops and warehouses. Later, the Association of Icelandic Artists rented the house and furnished the upper floors of the house under artists’ studios. In late 2011, Forréttabarinn opened on half of the ground floor and 2 years later, a new bar space was added. The restaurant’s interior is modern with a minimal Scandinavian influence. It is decorated with artworks, high ceilings and an open kitchen. The main bar is crafted from timber from the old harbour. The downtown location, close to the harbour, galleries and artisan workshops, makes a great backdrop to the vibrant vibrant, funky feel, Forréttabarinn is so well known for.
lovely local coffee shop
218 locals recommend
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
20 Melhagi
218 locals recommend
lovely local coffee shop
lactose free products. Family atmosphere.
12 locals recommend
Arna Ís og Kaffi
15 Eiðistorg
12 locals recommend
lactose free products. Family atmosphere.

Drinks & Nightlife

Opens at 07:00 and have a lovely breakfast buffet until 10:00. Best burgers in town. They bake their own bread.
14 locals recommend
Le KocK
14 Tryggvagata
14 locals recommend
Opens at 07:00 and have a lovely breakfast buffet until 10:00. Best burgers in town. They bake their own bread.
The Green Room is a new Piano Cocktail Club located in the heart of Reykjavík. Owned by 3 professional local musicians, there is always a chance you'll meet the artists. The Green Room serves a wide range of some of the best Cocktail you can find in Reykjavík combined with the best quality music.
17 locals recommend
Græna Herbergið / The Green Room
6A Lækjargata
17 locals recommend
The Green Room is a new Piano Cocktail Club located in the heart of Reykjavík. Owned by 3 professional local musicians, there is always a chance you'll meet the artists. The Green Room serves a wide range of some of the best Cocktail you can find in Reykjavík combined with the best quality music.
Café Rosenberg is a jazzy little joint in downtown Reykjavik, and one of the city's most popular live music venues. There's something happening there every single night. The interior is beautifully decorated with warm colors, paintings and lots of wood, very reminiscent of the 20'th century jazz clubs. It's not all jazz, you will find all kinds of concerts in any genre and other events at Café Rosenberg.
35 locals recommend
Rosenberg
27 Klapparstígur
35 locals recommend
Café Rosenberg is a jazzy little joint in downtown Reykjavik, and one of the city's most popular live music venues. There's something happening there every single night. The interior is beautifully decorated with warm colors, paintings and lots of wood, very reminiscent of the 20'th century jazz clubs. It's not all jazz, you will find all kinds of concerts in any genre and other events at Café Rosenberg.
Ölstofan is one of those rare neighborhood atmosphere pubs located in the center of Reykjavík. It first opened its door in 2002 and has been a landmark in the Icelandic social scene ever since. For those who enjoy a fine beer or spirit over memorable conversations, there really is no other place like it. Focusing primarily on beer Ölstofan offers quality names both Icelandic and imported. Ranging from 25-30 brands at any given time you can be sure to find something to suit your taste. For the beer enthusiast the household beer Bríó is a must and for those who prefer fine spirits the range of quality whiskey, gin and vodka are impressive.
82 locals recommend
Ölstofa
Vegamótastígur
82 locals recommend
Ölstofan is one of those rare neighborhood atmosphere pubs located in the center of Reykjavík. It first opened its door in 2002 and has been a landmark in the Icelandic social scene ever since. For those who enjoy a fine beer or spirit over memorable conversations, there really is no other place like it. Focusing primarily on beer Ölstofan offers quality names both Icelandic and imported. Ranging from 25-30 brands at any given time you can be sure to find something to suit your taste. For the beer enthusiast the household beer Bríó is a must and for those who prefer fine spirits the range of quality whiskey, gin and vodka are impressive.
A hip bar with a bohemian atmosphere, featured in the film 101 Reykjavík.
240 locals recommend
Kaffibarinn
240 locals recommend
A hip bar with a bohemian atmosphere, featured in the film 101 Reykjavík.
Great for dancing.
45 locals recommend
Kíkí Queer Bar
45 locals recommend
Great for dancing.
Easy casual place with locals
23 locals recommend
Nostra
59 Laugavegur
23 locals recommend
Easy casual place with locals
On January 22nd 2009, The Icelandic Bar was conceived, more precisely the idea of it, and only a few days later the bar had taken form. That day was special for the fact that it was when tear gas was used to control the crowd protesting in front of the parliament building only a few steps away. Hundreds fled the gas, seeking shelter at a bar that was about to transform after this day. As staff and guests helped those fleeing the gas, an epiphany struck the bar owner, the place should be a shelter to a shocked nation. The best things that emerged out of the panic were the helpfulness and caring, it was the fake world that collapsed and what grew out of the ashes was the old way of thinking.
77 locals recommend
Íslenski barinn
1a Ingólfsstræti
77 locals recommend
On January 22nd 2009, The Icelandic Bar was conceived, more precisely the idea of it, and only a few days later the bar had taken form. That day was special for the fact that it was when tear gas was used to control the crowd protesting in front of the parliament building only a few steps away. Hundreds fled the gas, seeking shelter at a bar that was about to transform after this day. As staff and guests helped those fleeing the gas, an epiphany struck the bar owner, the place should be a shelter to a shocked nation. The best things that emerged out of the panic were the helpfulness and caring, it was the fake world that collapsed and what grew out of the ashes was the old way of thinking.
Den Danske Kro is a traditional Danish bar and looks so authentic that it would fit just as well in the middle of Copenhagen as it does in downtown Reykjavík. The decor is in line with the concept, the furniture is warm and modest, pictures of danish themed things hang on the walls, and the danish flag is proudly presented all over. Den Danske Kro has an excellent outdoor seating area where you can take your drink and smoke in peace if you please, or you can just enjoy the sun and hang with your friends. There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours.
40 locals recommend
Den Danske Kro ( Danska Kráin )
3 Ingólfsstræti
40 locals recommend
Den Danske Kro is a traditional Danish bar and looks so authentic that it would fit just as well in the middle of Copenhagen as it does in downtown Reykjavík. The decor is in line with the concept, the furniture is warm and modest, pictures of danish themed things hang on the walls, and the danish flag is proudly presented all over. Den Danske Kro has an excellent outdoor seating area where you can take your drink and smoke in peace if you please, or you can just enjoy the sun and hang with your friends. There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours.
Young people's most popular dancing club.
HAX Nightclub
Young people's most popular dancing club.
Live music and more.
LÚX Nightclub
Live music and more.
Great music, fun atmo and the best crowd!
45 locals recommend
Kíkí Queer Bar
45 locals recommend
Great music, fun atmo and the best crowd!
Very popular among the young people.
17 locals recommend
Röntgen Bar
17 locals recommend
Very popular among the young people.
Super popular among Icelandic people.
30 locals recommend
American Bar
8 Austurstræti
30 locals recommend
Super popular among Icelandic people.
One of the oldest and most popular places in downtown.
240 locals recommend
Kaffibarinn
240 locals recommend
One of the oldest and most popular places in downtown.
An old and popular.
90 locals recommend
Lebowski Bar
90 locals recommend
An old and popular.
rooftop bar.
67 locals recommend
Petersen svítan
67 locals recommend
rooftop bar.

Parks & Nature

165 locals recommend
Grasagardur Botanical Garden
105 Hverfisgata
165 locals recommend
Unique
434 locals recommend
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
434 locals recommend
Unique
The neighbor geothermal outside swimming pool.
458 locals recommend
Vesturbæjarlaug
Hofsvallagata
458 locals recommend
The neighbor geothermal outside swimming pool.

Arts & Culture

From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way. The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium. Visitors are guided through the museum with an audio-guide available in English, French, German, Swedish or Icelandic.
61 locals recommend
Saga Museum
61 locals recommend
From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way. The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium. Visitors are guided through the museum with an audio-guide available in English, French, German, Swedish or Icelandic.
The National Museum of Iceland's permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders' past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new
393 locals recommend
National Museum of Iceland
41 Suðurgata
393 locals recommend
The National Museum of Iceland's permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders' past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new
In 2001 archaeological remains were excavated in Adalstraeti, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík, with some of the fragments found dating to before 871 AD. During the excavation, a longhouse from the tenth century was also discovered. The hall and a wall fragment are now both carefully preserved at their original location and form the focal point of The Settlement Exhibition a fascinating exhibition about life in Viking times. As part of the exhibition, the construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and enhanced with computer technology to provide an insight of what life was like at the time of the first settler
86 locals recommend
The Settlement Exhibition
16 Aðalstræti
86 locals recommend
In 2001 archaeological remains were excavated in Adalstraeti, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík, with some of the fragments found dating to before 871 AD. During the excavation, a longhouse from the tenth century was also discovered. The hall and a wall fragment are now both carefully preserved at their original location and form the focal point of The Settlement Exhibition a fascinating exhibition about life in Viking times. As part of the exhibition, the construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and enhanced with computer technology to provide an insight of what life was like at the time of the first settler
A must visit to see how locals enjoy a library. One of my favorites places. The City Library has six branches throughout Reykjavik as well as the bookmobile called ‘the Chief ‘(bókabíllinn Höfðingi), and the story mobile, named ‘the Jester’ (Æringi). The bookmobile visits nearly forty locations and the story mobile visits preschools and afterschool day-care centers.
27 locals recommend
Borgarbókasafnið | Menningarhús Grófinni
15 Tryggvagata
27 locals recommend
A must visit to see how locals enjoy a library. One of my favorites places. The City Library has six branches throughout Reykjavik as well as the bookmobile called ‘the Chief ‘(bókabíllinn Höfðingi), and the story mobile, named ‘the Jester’ (Æringi). The bookmobile visits nearly forty locations and the story mobile visits preschools and afterschool day-care centers.
You will learn everything about Northern Lights.
32 locals recommend
Aurora Reykjavik
2 Grandagarður
32 locals recommend
You will learn everything about Northern Lights.
A must visit. Super cool museum.
455 locals recommend
Perlan
455 locals recommend
A must visit. Super cool museum.
Iceland history. I love this museum.
70 locals recommend
Reykjavik Maritime Museum
8 Grandagarður
70 locals recommend
Iceland history. I love this museum.
LIFE-SIZED WHALES The Whales of Iceland museum consists of 23 life sized models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters. Inside, we have an amazing blue whale, a spectacular sperm whale, the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and many more! Short of strapping into scuba gear, this is the closest most will get to these majestic creatures. Each whale was modeled after an actual individual in the wild and features their personal markings and characteristics. The models are soft, squishy and fun to touch! With interactive information stands and videos, surrounded by soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting, Whales of Iceland is a dreamy, underwater adventure for the whole family.
169 locals recommend
Whales of Iceland
169 locals recommend
LIFE-SIZED WHALES The Whales of Iceland museum consists of 23 life sized models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters. Inside, we have an amazing blue whale, a spectacular sperm whale, the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and many more! Short of strapping into scuba gear, this is the closest most will get to these majestic creatures. Each whale was modeled after an actual individual in the wild and features their personal markings and characteristics. The models are soft, squishy and fun to touch! With interactive information stands and videos, surrounded by soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting, Whales of Iceland is a dreamy, underwater adventure for the whole family.

Grocery store

Krónan
Bónus
Hagkaup
96 locals recommend
Nettó
3 Fiskislóð
96 locals recommend

City advice

Getting around

icelandairporttaxi. is most affordable services

Scooters all around the city, also hoop electro cars and buses 15 and 13 in our neighbourhood.