Helena Rut's Guidebook
Food scene
DEIG workshop
14 TryggvagataA mini supermarket, stuffed with all of the local’s favorite foods and treats — with lits of locally produced products too!
202 locals recommend
Melabúðin
A mini supermarket, stuffed with all of the local’s favorite foods and treats — with lits of locally produced products too!
The Coocoo's Nest
23 GrandagarðurMy favorite place for lunch and brunch!
Ramen Momo
16 TryggvagataGreat for takeaway!
Mai Thai Market and Bistro
116 Laugavegur
Lamb street food
Luna Flórens
Flatey Pizza
11 Grandagarður
Kjötborg
19 Ásvallagata
Sumac Grill + Drinks
28, 101 LaugavegurOur favorite place for a special occasion!
Things to do
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataOur favorite swimming pool in the area!
Going up with the elevator to the tower will give you unique views of Reykjavík!
743 locals recommend
Hallgrimskirkja
Going up with the elevator to the tower will give you unique views of Reykjavík!
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 Austurbakki
Sundhöllin
45a BarónsstígurThe most historic swimming pool in Reykjavík.
The Settlement Exhibition
16 Aðalstræti
Kolaportid
There is a restaurant, huge light art installation and amazing views of Reykjavík. Would recommend going in the evening!
64 locals recommend
Videy
There is a restaurant, huge light art installation and amazing views of Reykjavík. Would recommend going in the evening!
A fun stop for families with children, just remember to bring bread for the ducks and swans (and seaguls). You’ll also find very charming views of Reykjavík, and sometimes glimpses of northern lights too!
140 locals recommend
Tjörnin
A fun stop for families with children, just remember to bring bread for the ducks and swans (and seaguls). You’ll also find very charming views of Reykjavík, and sometimes glimpses of northern lights too!
Neighbourhoods
This is our home neighbourhood! A very safe, family-friendly and quite area full of beautiful houses and charming streets. It’s one of the very oldests and most historic parts of Reykjavík, and at the heart of the city center!
Old West Side
This is our home neighbourhood! A very safe, family-friendly and quite area full of beautiful houses and charming streets. It’s one of the very oldests and most historic parts of Reykjavík, and at the heart of the city center!
Traveler advice
Ways to save
All tap water in Iceland is 100% clean natural spring water.
The water in Iceland is completely safe, clean and tastes great. So nothing will give you away with being a tourist more than buying water in bulk at supermarkets ;)
Customs and culture
There is no need to tip at restaurants.
Tipping at restaurants is never expected in Iceland, and is already included in the price of a meal.
Getting around
Always check the weather before driving in the countryside.
Check the weather (www.en.vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) before driving longer dinstances or in the countryside — the weather can change quickly and be dangerous.
Don't miss
Go to a swimming pool in the evening!
Nothing is as grounding as going for a cold swim, soak in the hot tub and sauna before going to sleep! A local tradition is to go around 20:00 and change straight into pyjamas afterwards.