March 2017:

Overview:

Stay:

Alda hotel – Reasonably priced luxury in a perfect central location.

Eat:

Best Bakery/ Breakfast/ Brunch:

SANDHOLT – I put this in capitals because it was my favourite in town. Get there before 10.30am for their delishous breakfast menu.

Braud & Co – Go for their warm signature ‘snudurs’ – cinnamon glazed rolls.

The best view: Norræna húsið AKA NORDIC HOUSE – We walked from our hotel, it took around 30 minutes. It’s situated next to the University which is designed by Architect Guðjón Samúelsson’s – the same guy who designed the Cathedral. The house is designed by acclaimed Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. It was built to foster and support cultural connections between Iceland and the other Nordic countries by means of art and concerts. Go to the AALTO restaurant for a modern take on Icelandic food and stunning views over the city and bird watching wet lands.

Best Icelandic food: Icelandic Bar – We ate all the specialities here, highlights were, the cured puffin with blueberrys and skyr, lobster ‘dog’, cured lamb and a traditional fish pie with smocked salmon. Delish. I loved their eclectic sound track as I was eating.

Best Veggie: Búllan – Cozy, gorgeous and welcoming burger joint.

Best Pizza: Hverfisgata 12 – “Nameless pizza Place” cool vibes with unusual pizza toppings!

Best bar:

Mikeller and Friends – We went to check out the famous pizza but there was a 2 hour wait! However, there are three floors of bars in one of the oldest building in the city, which created such a buzz of atmosphere. The top floor is like a circus tent, definitely worth a visit.

Kex hostel – I was recommended this a few times and I can see why. Based in an old buiscuit factory it’s a rare wide open space with lots of atmosphere from a young crowd and reasonable prices.

The best Coffee Houses:

Reykjavik Roasters – This place is much more than a traditional coffee house. The retro furniture, window seating and coffee grinder in the middle of the cafe gives the best people watching in the square. No skinny lattes served here.

Kaffihús Vesturbæjar – Great coffee, macaroons and friendly service.

CHEAPEST COFFEE – Bordid – New kids in the block are serving a coffee for 295 ISK!!

Shops:

Farmers Market – flagship store & design studio

Kirsuberjatred – local artists, beautiful ceramics

See:

Hallgrimskirkja – Pay 900 ISK to get the list to the top of the church tower.  It’s worth the wait and the view.