Reykjavik is the largest city and capital of Iceland. The city is spread out and has sprawling suburbs; however, its centre is small and characterised by colourful houses and good shopping, drinking and dining areas.
Other than staying at the only campsite in the city, there is not too much in the way of cheaper accommodation options, especially if travelling with children. There are, however, numerous more expensive hotels to choose from.
Top Attractions in Reykjavik
A significant part of the culture of Iceland involves outdoor geo-thermal swimming pools. The Laugardalslaug, Sundlaugarveg is the largest water park in the city, with a waterslide, steam bath, seawater bath and two large pools to relax in. Visitors can watch the setting sun and enjoy views of the centre of the city.
Tjornin or The Pond is a lake in the middle of Reykjavik where locals feed the resident ducks.
The whale-watching season runs from the end of March to the end of October.
Arts and Entertainment
Festivals in Reykjavik include Culture Night, which is held on the third Saturday during August. The day starts off with the popular Reykjavik Marathon and as it progresses there are cultural activities that culminate in concerts and firework displays by the harbour. Around 100,000 people attend this event, which is followed, in early August, by the Gay Pride festival. A procession comprising of outrageous floats winds its way through Reykjavik, ending with a big outdoor concert.
Reykjavik Hotels
Reykjavik accommodation tends to be on the more expensive side. Cheap hotels in Reykjavik typically involve hostels with reasonably priced dorms that are found around the centre of the city. Offering single or double bedrooms, this is the fastest growing type of cheap lodging available in Reykjavik, though there are also some small guesthouses that offer rooms for similar prices. There are many more expensive hotels in Reykjavik and visitors will be spoilt for choice.