Swimming
The local swimming pools are great. This is a special one. The oldest and very charming. Great for swimming - and even better for lounging in the hot pots or sauna.
458 locals recommend
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataThe local swimming pools are great. This is a special one. The oldest and very charming. Great for swimming - and even better for lounging in the hot pots or sauna.
Yes, - geothermal sea water. Hot water poured into the lagoon. If you are into sea swimming at a northerly latitude, this is the place. Great hot pool and the pool house a piece of great architecture.
434 locals recommend
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Yes, - geothermal sea water. Hot water poured into the lagoon. If you are into sea swimming at a northerly latitude, this is the place. Great hot pool and the pool house a piece of great architecture.
Neighbourhoods
Old part of town, built in 19th C and early 20th C, neighbouring the city centre and the old port. Nearest cafe´s at Hygge, Brikk and Kaffivest.
12 locals recommend
Vesturbær
Old part of town, built in 19th C and early 20th C, neighbouring the city centre and the old port. Nearest cafe´s at Hygge, Brikk and Kaffivest.
Grótta lighthouse, the westernmost tip of Reykjavík area, beautiful coastline, great sunsets. 25 min walk from apartment.
Sightseeing
Ægissíða
Ægissíða - the south shore of Vesturbær neighbourhood. Great coastline and amazing sunsets. 15 min walk from flat.
7 locals recommend
Seltjarnarnes
Grótta lighthouse, the westernmost tip of Reykjavík area, beautiful coastline, great sunsets. 25 min walk from apartment.
Sightseeing
Ægissíða
Ægissíða - the south shore of Vesturbær neighbourhood. Great coastline and amazing sunsets. 15 min walk from flat.
Food scene
Good for brunch or dinner, coffee or happy hour, solo or in a group.
218 locals recommend
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
20 MelhagiGood for brunch or dinner, coffee or happy hour, solo or in a group.
Snaps Bistro
1 ÞórsgataFun locale, good food in a nice location of Reykajvík
Flatey Pizza
11 GrandagarðurGood pizza in Grandi, a happening part of the old harbour area.
Hosiló
12, 101 HverfisgataGreat food, great locale. Exceptional.
Great art, great architecture, great food, great walk - along the old harbour. Three independent galleries. La Primavera restaurant top quality.
37 locals recommend
Marshallhúsið
20 GrandagarðurGreat art, great architecture, great food, great walk - along the old harbour. Three independent galleries. La Primavera restaurant top quality.
Art and Architecture
Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhus
17 TryggvagataGreat art, great architecture.
Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir
24 FlókagataGreat art, great architecture
Interesting architecture, concerts, conferences, restaurant and café.
535 locals recommend
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 AusturbakkiInteresting architecture, concerts, conferences, restaurant and café.
Sightseeing
Ægissíða
Traveler advice
Getting around
The house is well located for travel.
If driving, the main road leading out of town is around the corner. If travelling by bus, 10 min walk to main bus terminal, BSÍ - Bus Terminal Reykjavík (but tour operators also arrange pick ups around town - so close by).
There is a 50 min drive to airport.
What to pack
Bring a swimsuit - and a towel.
Neighbourhood swimming pools are a must. The oldest and nicest one is 7 min walk away, Vesturbæjarlaug. They are cheap and offer hot jacuzzis and saunas in addition to a swimming pool. Many are open until 10 PM. If interested in spas, a bus (10 min walk from flat) will take you to Blue Lagoon, but be prepared to pay MUCH more. Another option for a lagoon experience is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík. But, keep in mind, wherever you travel to in Iceland - there is a local swimming pool that is also well worth a visit!
Traveling with kids
Interesting visits for kids.
Interesting places to take kids:
Fjölskyldu - and húsdýragarðurinn (Reykjavík Family part and zoo)
https://visitreykjavik.is/service/reykjavik-family-park-and-zoo
Whale Museum
https://www.whalesoficeland.is/
Perlan Nature Exhibitions
https://www.perlan.is/en-gb
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/reykjavik-maritime-museum?_ga=2.87433816.1146432234.1649097563-1959046916.1649097563
Reykjavík Settlement Exhibition
https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/the-settlement-exhibition
Árbær Open Air Museum
https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/arbaer-open-air-museum
Customs and culture
Water is safe to drink!
No need to buy bottled water. All tap water is fresh for drinking.
Ways to save
Alcholic beverages!
Off licences / liquor stores are few and far between - and very expensive. Icelanders stock up in duty free at airport. If you like a cool beer at the end of day - or a glass of wine with dinner, I suggest you pick up a bottle or two at the airport. If not, closest liquor stores are in Austurstræti in centre of town and at Eiðistorg shopping mall open most days from 11 AM - 18 PM, closed on Sundays.
Ways to save
Shopping and supermarkets
There is a great delicatessen close to Vesturbæjar swimming pool 7 min walk away, Melabúðin (https://www.melabudin.is/) great for fresh meat and cheese, but is expensive.
At Grandi, there are many supermarkets to choose from,
Bonus - bonus.is open 10AM - 20 PM
Netto - netto.is is open 24 hours.
Kronan - kronan.is 10 AM - 20 PM
Pharmacy
Lyfja Grandi (https://www.lyfja.is/um-lyfju/opnunartimar/grandi)
open 8 AM - 12 PM