If Scandinavia and Mars had a love child, it would probably look a lot like Reykjavík: romantic seascapes, progressive culture, and terrain that could erupt at any moment. Click through for can’t-miss music, fashion, and the best massage we’ve ever had (like, ever).
Hands down, Kex Hostel is the raddest backpacker joint you’ll ever plop down in. Housed in an old biscuit factory, the space has high-low amenities (dorm-style and private rooms, a cafe, Laundromat, and on-site gym) that blend old-school splendor and industrial practicality. (Editor’s note: Hit the bar before hitting the town.)
If hosteling isn’t your bag, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina’s modern lodging comes with Nordic charm. Get your fill of fresh fish soup at Slipp Bar, get a drink at the bar, then hole up by the fire pit in the book-stacked lobby.
The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre houses the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera, but festivals such as Sónar Reykjavík (February), Reykjavik Fashion Festival (March), and Iceland Airwaves (November) have earned Harpa a reputation as a worldwide music hub. Florence and the Machine and TV on the Radio are among Airwaves alumni.
Around sunset, slip upstairs to Kolabrautin, Harpa’s flagship restaurant and bar. Nurse an exotic cocktail while peering over the harbor and city or reground with a locavore-meets-Mediterranean-inspired menu.
In the heart of Reykjavík’s shopping district, you’ll find Spaksmannsspjarir, a boutique known for cooler-than-cool clothing that can be worn and styled multiple ways. Go for the conceptual fashion; stay for the resident puppy holding court in back.
You like prints? You like color? You like shops that feel like elf houses? Then Suomi Prkl Design is the next stop on your list.
On Laugavegur near Suomi Prkl Design, keep an eye out for a skate park tucked behind the shops (look for the purple sign reading, “Virðið Garðin Ykkar”). Grab a coffee at Mokka Kaffi a couple of blocks away then lounge on neon playground toys and marvel at walls covered with mythical — if occasionally Goth leaning — street art.
Hrím Hönnunarhús is a sure bet for vibrant tchotchkes and hipster staples like Lomography cameras and neon bags. Don’t miss the stairs at the back of the store: A hidden gallery showcasing local artists lies beneath.
Kraum, located in the oldest house in Reykjavík, carries jewelry, clothing, housewares, and accessories from more than 200 Icelandic designers. Wool knits by Farmers Market, fish-skin cuffs, and one-of-a-kind ceramics by designers such as Studio Subba make slick take-home gifts.
Stockpile vintage wool sweaters, ’80s relics, and furs at Sputnik, which serves Brooklyn style with a blast of Icelandic cool. Double down on secondhand scouring at the weekend Kolaportið Flea Market in the bustling Old Harbor District.
Craving good, ole American-style eats? Try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (translation: “the best hot dog in town”), which has been slinging franks in the Old Harbor since 1937.
Looking out over the city center, it’s hard to miss Hallgrímskirkja. Standing 240 feet tall, it’s the largest church in Iceland and sixth-tallest structure in the country. The lift to the top of the tower is open daily and provides 360-degree views of Reykjavík.
Fun fact: In 2011, Reykjavík was named a UNESCO City of Literature. Take a crime story walk hosted by the Reykjavík City Library or download the literary walking tour app, which hits famed locales, bookshops, and other points of interest. Recharge at The Laundromat Cafe, where you’ll find thousands of spines ripe for the reading.
Icelanders are serious about promoting local farmers and fishermen. Grillmarkadurinn proves it by serving everything from dried fish from Tálknafjörður to locally raised duck to fresh whale steaks. (Steady your taste buds. Here, minke whale is eco sanctioned, and the meat is enjoyed as a rare beef-like delicacy.)
Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s biggest tourist draws, and we know why: The scene is otherworldly, the pools’ silica mud is said to have healing properties, and massages aren’t just performed on tables — they’re given while you float atop a mat in the water.
After that, head to Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant (which is built into a lava cliff) for earth-to-table dining at its best. Fish is caught off the coast just minutes away, produce is locally grown, and dishes are prepped by chef Viktor Örn Andrésson, a member of the Icelandic culinary team.
Come dark, steal away to Lava’s rooftop deck. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis (that’s fancy talk for the northern lights).
No place does natural wonder like Iceland, so either rent a car or enlist a Luxury Adventures travel expert to guide you beyond the city limits. Reykjanes peninsula’s rugged landscapes, black sand beaches, and active hot springs are just a day trip away.
On your drive, be sure to stop at Miðlína, the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Take a lock if you have one: Lovers secure them to the bridge for good luck.
A few miles from the Blue Lagoon, you’ll find quaint fishing village Grindavík. Stop at Kaffi Bryggjan for coffee and kleina (a.k.a. Icelandic donuts). Upstairs, local fishermen gather to relax and mend nets. Ask politely, and they might let you peek at their private digs.
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