Reykjavik: Worlds Northernmost Capital Reykjavik: Rich with history and culture set against a dramatic landscape They are must-see attractions, for sure. But to really have a peek under the skin of this vibrant city, you should experience it as a local!
For this guide, we will take you on a walk through a day in the life of a Reykjavik local and give our best tips and recommendation around the city. From enjoying a scrumptious authentic Icelandic breakfast to taking dip in geothermal pools to spying the offbeat wonders, get set to unearth as you will get under the skin of Reykjavik.
Come on, let us explore the daily rhythms of Reykjavik and learn how to travel through the city as if you were a local!
Morning in Reykjavik: Starting the Day the Local Way
The locals in Reykjavik love the outdoors and a hearty breakfast! An example of routine a morning includes walking or jogging across the picturesque coastline, getting a delectable breakfast at the nearby bakery or café (in-case you like to feel your day with sweet treats soon as it breaks)
Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day
If you enjoy breakfast, Reykjavik is a great place for it as there are big number of possibilities to choose that would meet any taste. You have the option to go traditional with an Icelandic spread or choose a more continental-style breakfast.
- Sandholt Bakery — Beloved Reykjavik institution serving freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes. Try from the cinnamon rolls and croissants, and relaxing ambience to begin your day.
- Icelandic Skyr, Licorice & Berries: Skyr — a rich and creamy Icelandic yogurt, is ubiquitous to the morning skies of Reykjavik. It is protein-rich and low in fat which makes it healthy and filling to eat. Serve this with some fresh berries, granola or a touch of honey for a healthy and tasty breakfast!
- Coffee Culture — Reykjavik has a great coffee culture with so many establishments offering great brewed coffee in a trendy setting. Sit yourself inside, have a latte or cappuccino and some sort of baked goodie as the city wakes up.
- Eat at Your Accommodation: Guesthouses or apartment rentals allow you to make your own breakfast. This can be a more affordable way to enjoy a relaxed dining experience in your own surroundings.
Wherever you decide to eat your breakfast, allow yourself the time to enjoy it and bask in its finest ambient. That is why Reykjavik locals mean serious business when it comes to their mornings and breakfast, a time to relax, socialize and get ready for the day ahead.
Activities: Embrace the Icelandic Spirit
Reykjavik residents are known for their active way of life and strong connection to nature. The early hours may be filled with outdoor activities, ranging from a quick swim in one of the geothermal pools to a walk around the local lake or a hike in the mountains. Local swimming pool. Icelanders are passionate swimmers, and Reykjavik has several geothermal pools with slightly different atmospheres. The swimming pools and hot tubs are powered by the hot water from the geothermal sources and open at different times, but residents like to start their day with a swim and a chat. This is an excellent way not only to experience the local culture but also to meet some locals. Tjörnin Lake.
Tjörnin, another body of water located in the center of Reykjavik, is frequented by early-morning walkers and runners. The walking paths around the lake offer a delightful view of the city and the mountains beyond, as well as people watching and bird watching. Also, Above Reykjavik, there are several geothermal springs waiting to be explored. These natural pools are heated by hot water bubbling up from the center of the Earth and allow guests to bathe in the warm water while enjoying the amazing nature. You’ll have the hot baths and the stunning Icelandic landscape to yourself at this time of day. Hike up Mount Esja. For a more active start to your day, consider a hike up Mount Esja.
Here are a few to get you started….
That spirit is called the Icelandic outdoors! Connecting with nature is just a way of life in Reykjavik, whether you are swimming or hiking through mountains, even if you’re just taking a leisurely stroll.
Afternoon in Reykjavik: Exploring the City’s Charm
The afternoons are generally set aside for exploring the rich local culture, strolling leisurely through the city, and sampling one of Reykjavik’s many fine restaurants. During the day, you will find others works walking around getting in some museum time or checking out the unique shops that line the pedestrian area or just sipping a coffee from a café.
Lunch: Savoring Local Flavors
Reykjavik has a very vibrant culinary scene that combines traditional Icelandic cuisine with international influences. You can terrace-pick the ones which you like for your lunch from casual cafes to cozy restaurants, food trucks and street vendors.
Traditional Icelandic Food: For those who wish to have a taste of Iceland genuinely, here are few local specialties.
- Plokkfiskur (Icelandic Fish Stew) is a deliciously thick and creamy fish stew — made with white fish such as cod, potatoes, onions in a rich béchamel sauce.
- Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup) — a hearty and warming soup made with tender lamb, root vegetables and herbs.
- Kjötsúpa: A traditional meat soup mixing lamb and beef with vegetables and barley.
- International Food: In Reykjavik, there are also numerous international food options including Italian pizzas, sushi restaurants, Thai curry houses and even a few American style burger joints as well.
- Cafe/Bakery: There are many coffee in or bakery where you can eat a light lunch or something sweet, too some of those lines in Reykjavik. There are freshly baked bread and pastries, cakes, a full range of coffee and tea.
- Lunch Specials: This is a shout out to lunch specials that many restaurants have on their menus making it cheaper than before to try traditional Icelandic food and international flavours.
I guarantee you will find something to your preference and budget in Reykjavik.
Cultural Exploration
The home of frigid history and chic art, visiting Reykjavik is an experience like an adventure.
- Museums and Galleries: Not to be missed is the museums and galleries of Reykjavik, presenting history, artwork, as well as tradition. Some popular options include:
- The National Museum of Iceland — Home to a wide array of collections and exhibits that document the history of Iceland from the Viking Age through modern day.
- Reykjavik Art Museum: There are three halls in this museum where different kinds of Icelandic and international contemporary art have been displayed.
- The Icelandic Philological Museum: This unusual museum is home to an extensive mammalian phallus collection and gives you a glimpse into the world of animal anatomy in a fun, approachable way.
- One-of-a-kind Cultural Experiences: In addition to traditional museums, Reykjavik has several cultural experiences to offer.
- Harpa Concert Hall – A famous glass building which houses the Iceland Symphony Orchestra as well as performances and events all year round.
- The Settlement Exhibition: An archaeological museum made up of the remains of one of Iceland´s earliest Viking settlements.
- Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum: Go see this living museum of turf and farm houses from the earlier times in Iceland.
Guided walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with other interesting parts of Reykjavik such as the history, architecture and culture. Some company run free walking tours, some do this kind of tours on certain themes or areas
Discover Reykjavik´s cultural life When you explore the culture of Reykjavik you acquire a greater understanding for how much heritage and artistic vibrancy this city really has as its core.
So I just went shopping and strolling!
Spend some time shopping while visiting Reykjavik It is the perfect combination of small specialty shops, unique boutiques and lively markets whereby you will feel invited to explore and participate in a bit of retail therapy or simply enjoy a relaxing walk.
- Laugavegur – Laugavegur is a high-end shopping street where you can pop in and out of all kinds of speciality shops to find everything from Icelandic knitwear like sweaters and hats to handcrafted jewellery, local art and design items. Laugavegur — it carries items that epitomize the essence of Iceland and makes for some unique souvenirs/ gifts.
- Kolaportið Flea Market: Kolaportið flea market, which you can visit every weekend on the harbor and kolhozi. This is where you can get a steal on second hand clothes, antiques and records with a side of quirkiness.
- Grandi Harbor Area: Over the past few years entrepreneurs have transformed this once dilapidated harbor district into meeting point for hip shops, design studios and galleries. From Icelandic labels to innovative workspaces inside silent atmosphere, converted warehouses have abundance of confined surprises to offer.
- Walk Around the Neighborhoods: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of Reykjavik, filled with colored houses, graffiti works and peculiar buildings. There will be hidden cafes, and there might be some local shops along the way that are a surprise.
Even if you’re not a big fan of shopping, it’s possible for you to spend a few minutes here and there, browsing from store to store in Reykjavik. Ride at leisure, enjoy the ambiance and unpatronised good places that you would find in every nook and corner.
When the sun goes down By late afternoon, however, it is time for dinner and to enjoy some of Reykjavik’s wild nightlife.
Evening in Reykjavik: Embracing the Nightlife
Reykjavik, like its ancient name suggests (the bay of smokes) is a place that comes alive when the sun goes down, and everywhere you turn nightlife is happening — from laid-back to leather-clad. Icelandic capital has to offer, and wherever you prefer a cuddly pub, a statement bar or pulsating club you will definitely not spend the evening at home.
Dinner: A Culinary Adventure
Reykjavik is a city where the dining scene reflects the landscapes — rugged yet beautiful in its diversity and packed with options to please every palate. Whether exploring the tastes of classic Icelandic plates, take a culinary journey with international flavors to find something seductive for your taste buds.
Culinary traditions: Experience the authentic culture from traditional Icelandic cuisine, sample some of the local favorites :
- Great items for meat lovers, a must-try is Icelandic Lamb — softest texture and milder flavor of delicious lamb.
- Right from fish and cudfish to salmon, lobster, etc., Reykjavik has you loaded with multiple pleas of comforting seafood dishes.
- Skyr — Icelandic yogurt is thick and creamy, delicious as a treat or snack combined with berries or honey.
- Dive into International Flavors: Reykjavik is also home to a dizzying array of international dining options ranging from Indian and Italian to Brazilian. Flavors range from Italian, to Asian, to Mexican and many more.
- 4pm — Cosy cafes or bars: For a cosy evening, pop into one of Reykjavik’s many quirky cafes or laid-back bars. You can sit with your friends or some locals and enjoy a Hot bev. / Light meal along with conversations on topics of interest.getMinimize.
- For a special occasion or an upscale night out, check out one of the many fine dining options in Reykjavik. From their award winning gastronomy to extraordinary customer service, you won’t be left wanting.
Nightlife: Making Music and Memories
There has to be something in the air in Reykjavik as nowhere else has been able to replicate its ferociously awesome nightlife where locals and visitors bleed into one nondescript blob of bodies frolicking across dance floors throughout the city. Be it live music performances, quiet little pubs, or hip and happening bars; you name it!
Live Music: Reykjavik is famous for their vibrant music scene, with live performances in many of the bars and clubs around town. Whether it is in the familiarity of an acoustic set or the energy of a rock concert, there is always an opportunity to find new talent and enjoy the beat of Icelandic Music.
Icelandic Pubs and Breweries: Icelandic pubs and breweries are great places to sip on local craft beers, meet some locals, and witness the cities friendly social scene.
Seasonal Festivals and Events Reykjavik throws a wide range of festivals and events to their hats around the year, which helps in adding an extra layer to the nightlife. The city plays host to everything from music festivals and cultural celebrations to food fairs and art exhibitions.
Whether it be for the night owls or gentle souls, Reykjavik nightlife will never leave you sitting bored at home. So, soak up the city and join the buzz: chat to locals, make amazing memories that will last forever.
Insider Tips for Experiencing Reykjavik Like a Local
A guide to getting beyond the Reykjavik that tourists know, and seeing, feeling and experiencing it as a resident would. And so, we present a few ‘local secrets’ to make sure you can fit right in and uncover areas only locals are familiar with.
Knowing that English is well known in Iceland, we have at least to learn a few Icelandic words to show them some respect of their language and culture. Just by saying “Halló” (hello) and “Takk” (thank you), you will start on a nice foot and probably get to have some interesting conversations with locals.
- A side of Coffee with your Waterfall: Reykjavik is a city full of cafes, and if you can bear the trauma to try a coffee here definitely do it as some of the most incredible filter coffees come from such cozy little cafe establishments in the dead center. Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy a leisurely “kaffi” (coffee) and live the local lifestyle by immersing yourself in the moment while the rhythm of the city plays out around you.
- Go to Local Swimming Pools — Icelandic pools are a social institution and where people go to hang out, relax, exercise, talk and meet up with friends or family. Almost every neighborhood has its own pool and each comes with a special charm and character. This favorite Icelandic pastimes is warm enough to take a dip in and you can hop between hot tubs.
- Go Beyond the City Jaces: While Reykjavik is nice, but this city, too, there are many beautiful natural surroundings. Hit the road and leave the city borders to discover some of Iceland’s most magnificent landscapes. Do More On Land Hike across lava fields, gaze at the crashing waterfalls, or bathe in natural hot springs to get the full experience.
- Feel the Locals: Iceland is a small but densely populated country, making tourism a major industry. Feel free to chat with the locals over coffee or a drink or walking about the city. You may even find something that helps you really connect with someone else, or vice-versa.
- Slow Down: Compared to other European capitals, the knife counterpart makes a leisurely holiday of Reykjavik. Allow yourself to settle into this slowness, take your time to see what is around you and taste each experience truly.
With these awesome insider tips, you will be able to break the chains of tourism and experience Reykjavik as only locals do. You will find unique treasures, mingle with this vivacious city over lore, life and drams…all this while collecting stories that you can take home with you.
Conclusion – A Day in the Life of a Reykjavik Local
A city that perfectly combines the urbane with the natural, there are many Reykjavik experiences to be savored by the discerning traveler. We have got to admit that its famous historic sites and must-visit tourist attractions are indeed mesmerwising, but stepping away from the crowd and embracing the life of a local will definitely make you discover more interesting things when it comes to their place.
Taking a well-rounded approach through its punchy rhythms, Reykjavik Becomes The Texture may leave you mesmerized by the culture and vitality of this beautiful part of earth. Slowing down for traditional Icelandic breakfasts, visiting local secrets and locals alike will make your Reykjavik trip rich with memories.
I’m just thinking, other then all those places to visit — seeing Reykjavik as a local is also about living as unique population lives, relaxing with it surrounding environment and communicating with its friendly people.
Therefore, if Reykjavik is on your list (for the first or 10th time), allow this guide to encourage you to take a step out of the typical tourist comfort zone into the city’s best-kept secrets. By adhering to these insider suggestions and guidelines, you will enjoy a well-rounded adventure that is sure to have you yearning for a return trip back to the heart of this enchanting Icelandic city.
