Reykjavík
Food scene
Hlemmur Food Hall is Reykjavík’s first food hall, inspired by the great European food markets. Here, a handful of ambitious vendors provide a sample of some of the best food Iceland has to offer.
366 locals recommend
Hlemmur Mathöll
107 LaugavegurHlemmur Food Hall is Reykjavík’s first food hall, inspired by the great European food markets. Here, a handful of ambitious vendors provide a sample of some of the best food Iceland has to offer.
My absolute go to lunch during weekends is their Poor Man’s offer which is a topped bagel, donut and coffee/soda. (Veg friendly)
21 locals recommend
DEIG workshop
14 TryggvagataMy absolute go to lunch during weekends is their Poor Man’s offer which is a topped bagel, donut and coffee/soda. (Veg friendly)
One of Iceland’s oldest cafés, I recommend their Belgian waffle, the recipe is a family secret. (Veg friendly)
75 locals recommend
Mokka Kaffi
3A SkólavörðustígurOne of Iceland’s oldest cafés, I recommend their Belgian waffle, the recipe is a family secret. (Veg friendly)
Family run, street food style restaurant with amazing food made from scratch, including kombucha. (Veg friendly)
11 locals recommend
Chickpea
1 HallveigarstigurFamily run, street food style restaurant with amazing food made from scratch, including kombucha. (Veg friendly)
Sushi Social
5 ÞingholtsstrætiTrendy restaurant serving Japanese & South American sushi & grills.
One of the best steakhouses in Reykjavik. You can even order whale, horse, reindeer and puffin here. Or just stick with beef.
336 locals recommend
Grillmarkaðurinn
2a LækjargataOne of the best steakhouses in Reykjavik. You can even order whale, horse, reindeer and puffin here. Or just stick with beef.
Known for their amazing seafood courses. Ask for a table next to the window to enjoy the view of the harbor while dining.
70 locals recommend
Kopar
3 GeirsgataKnown for their amazing seafood courses. Ask for a table next to the window to enjoy the view of the harbor while dining.
It’s a classic, world-famous hot dog stand that’s been running since 1937 (Bill Clinton has eaten there).
190 locals recommend
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
1 TryggvagataIt’s a classic, world-famous hot dog stand that’s been running since 1937 (Bill Clinton has eaten there).
Japanese-Icelandic handmade Ramen with local fresh ingredients (Veg friendly)
20 locals recommend
Ramen Momo
16 TryggvagataJapanese-Icelandic handmade Ramen with local fresh ingredients (Veg friendly)
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
Geirsgötu 1 GeirsgataSimple classic burgers that don’t miss. (Veg friendly)
Down-to-earth eatery serving breakfast staples, sandwiches & pastries, plus coffee & organic wines.
146 locals recommend
Sandholt
36 LaugavegurDown-to-earth eatery serving breakfast staples, sandwiches & pastries, plus coffee & organic wines.
Sightseeing
Part of the culture since the earliest settlements, the pools in Iceland are more than a place to go for a swim. They are a part of life for Icelanders of all ages. No matter the time of year, or how small or remote the town is, you can almost guarantee you will find a local pool to enjoy. A visit to the swimming pools is a great way to experience the local culture.
484 locals recommend
Sundhöllin
45a BarónsstígurPart of the culture since the earliest settlements, the pools in Iceland are more than a place to go for a swim. They are a part of life for Icelanders of all ages. No matter the time of year, or how small or remote the town is, you can almost guarantee you will find a local pool to enjoy. A visit to the swimming pools is a great way to experience the local culture.
Hallgrim's church in English. It's the second largest building in Iceland. The tower was made so high to outshine the tower of the catholic church. It took 42 years to build.
743 locals recommend
Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrim's church in English. It's the second largest building in Iceland. The tower was made so high to outshine the tower of the catholic church. It took 42 years to build.
This unique building houses The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera. The event schedule is at https://www.harpa.is/en/whats-on
535 locals recommend
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 AusturbakkiThis unique building houses The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera. The event schedule is at https://www.harpa.is/en/whats-on
Kolaportið is Iceland's only flea market. Only open on weekends. You can taste test weird traditional Icelandic food there.
183 locals recommend
Kolaportid
Kolaportið is Iceland's only flea market. Only open on weekends. You can taste test weird traditional Icelandic food there.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Airport Transfer
I recommend taking a shuttle bus with Reykjavik excursions (https://www.re.is/tour/flybus) from KEF airport to Bus stop 10: Hlemmur square. The apartment is a 3 min walk from there.
Customs and culture
Traditional Icelandic food
If you want to try some Icelandic traditional food, don't buy it overpriced at a tourist trap restaurant. Look for this in the supermarket: Harðfiskur (fish jerky), Hangikjöt (smoked lamb), Hákarl (fermented shark), Skyr (high protein yogurt), Sviðasulta (sheep's head jam).
Getting around
Central bus station/tour pick up
Hlemmur is the central bus station in Reykjavik and is 3 mins walking distance from the apartment. This is regular pick up location of many tour companies.