Reykjavik City Travel Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information

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Reykjavik sightseeing Reykjavik attractions Reykjavik history Reykjavik restaurants Reykjavik nightlife Reykjavik accommodation - hotels apartments and Reykjavik weather

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Reykjavik History

 

Sightseeing & Attractions In Reykjavik

The Family & Domestic Animals Garden Garden though only open from June to September. The small family fun garden with a paddling pool for young children and adults who are still happy to be alive. Further info and news about special programmes in the Family Garden please phone 00 354 553 7700.

The Domestic Animals Garden features both wild and domestic animals found in Iceland. Its theme is very green combining the preservation of animal and the natural environment. Further info and news about special programmes in the Domestic Garden please phone 00 354 575 7800

Reykjavik's Culture House built in 1809 and first used to archive Icelandic records and natural history items is these days a popular venue for short-term and ongoing exhibitions. It also has meeting rooms conference facilities and a book/art shop and cafe. The Reykjavik Open Air History Museum at Arbaer offers visitors an insight into the past lifestyles of the city's citizens.

Situated in the grounds of the City History Museum the open air exhibition features old wooden houses farms and work places that have been carefully moved from other parts of Reykjavik and reassembled. Only open to tourists in the summer. Korpulfsstadir built in 1922 was a former manor farm for 50 years - with 40 rooms it has a touch of nobility.

Perplan The Pearl built in 1991 has become one of Reykjavik's modern sights. This distinct 30 metre high glass dome construction supplies electricity heating and water to nearly 75% of Iceland's population. It has six floors high and offers an amazing all round view of Reykjavik and its neighbouring rural areas. There is also a very hi tech revolving restaurant. Beneath is a cafeteria offering amongst other thing original Italian ice cream.

Underneath this are the Winter Gardens which often host exhibitions and cultural events. This building is one of Europe's most versatile buildings and aesthetically ok as well.

Not so fascinating but far more subtle is the Reykjavik City Hall built in 1992 on the edge of Lake Tjornin. Apart from being the home local government in Reykjavik it is a venue for many artistic and cultural events.

The Domkirkjan Lutheran Cathedral was founded in 1788 but had to have its roof replaced 4 years later due to poor workmanship. It was consecrated in 1796, but few Icelanders worshipped there as it damp and not weather tight. By 1815 the church had been condemned by the local authorities and once again it was restored. Between 1838 and 1839 it was given first a font by sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and then an organ. Several years later it was restored again but by the 1870s it was in need of further repair. In 1879 it was fully restored again this time successfully. In 1999 it was restored again.

The Cabinet House (Stjornarrad) presently the offices of the Primeminister began its life in the mid eighteenth century as a prison. Under subscribed for its intended purpose the ruling Danish authorities converted it in the 1820s as the official home for the Danish Governor. In 1904 It was renamed the Cabinet House when Iceland was given Home Rule under the Danish Crown.

Restaurants In Reykjavik

Editorial Note: Every year Icelanders celebrate ' Sprengidagur' which translates as Bursting Day and is their name for Shrove Tuesday. In 2008 its on February 5th and visitors to any restaurant may need to make reservations as the traditional way of celebrating this day is to eat salted meat until you are at bursting point.!

Tveir Fiskar Geirsgata 9 Tel: 511 3474 - easily found on the quay side in the harbour is regarded in many quarters as the best seafood restaurant in Reykjavik. One doubts whether you could find any fresher fish in the city but that said the fare which includes dolphin carpaccio, smoked puffin and whale steak is very imaginative as are the garnishes and accompaniments. Very expensive but out on its own in many ways and subject of numerous credits. website

Its quite difficult to find vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavik but one we did come across by accident was the A Naestu Grosum at Laugarvegur 20b I101. Fare not extensive but the emphasis here is on quality rather than quantity included a Thai meal (that apparently alternates with a curry) plus a couple of other main choices choices including pasta. There was a greater choice of deserts than main courses. Beers were available but we were happily tempted by the organic wine. Refreshingly this was one restaurant in Reykjavik which was not expensive. Telephone 552 8410. The Vid Tjornina at Templarasund 3 Reykjavik, 101 is a very small homely fish restaurant including Sashmi Cod and Shark dishes all seemingly equally well prepared.

One of Reykjavik's most impressive restaurants is Laekjarbrekka at Laekargata Bankastraeti 2 Tel: 551 4430. Its fare is traditional Icelandic food in a real 19th century atmosphere which includes Tiffany lamps, tapestries mounted on its walls and a grandfather clock that occasionally interrupts the piano music playing in the background. The fare is first class with lobster being as suggested the house specialty but the lamb and accompaniments were memorable. Expensive but given the quality & service justified. see website.

The Seafood Cellar at Aðalstræti 2 Tel: 511 1212. has become renowned for its success in the imaginative preparation of fish and seafood, combined with more traditional fares such as lamb. It also has a limited choice of vegetarian food. They also have a wine for all dishes. Expensive but supported by good service. website.

One restaurant that is regarded as a prestigious place to east is the The Pearl Restaurant in the Perlan building at Perlan, Oskjuhlith Tel: 562 0200. (see also sightseeing and attractions in adjacent column). Not open at lunch time it is a very popular venue for Business dinners and offers diners a panoramic overview of Reykjavik as it revolves 360 degrees in a two hour cycle. The food is very good and cosmopolitan / European but overpriced if you take away the view. website.

The Rauðara Steakhouse at Rauðararstigur 37 Tel: 562 6766. offers two menus. Traditional Icelandic seasonal food including fish horsemeat puffin reindeer and whale. This food though acclaimed by some is expensive. For those on a budget or less adventurous there is a very affordable touristy menu. Either way this is a restaurant that will give you a warm welcome.website.

 

Reykjavik Night Life - Nightclubs Music Dance
european clubbing & nightlife
european stag & hen weekends

Reykjavik nightclubs and bars during the week close at 1am but the popular venues stay open till 5am Fridays and Saturdays. This times may seem a little early compared with other European cities but this is a city where beer was illegal until 1989! Dress code is fairly conservative with smart casual being the minimum requirement and even then some night clubs may refuse entry to those wearing jeans and / or trainers. At weekends some clubs are quiet until the around 12pm but then can be can become very busy so don't leave it to late. Entrance fees are often charged especially where bands are performing live. Hotel Ísland's Broadway at Armuli 9. is known as the largest disco club in Iceland, but its a little unpredictable - it will sometimes offer mainstream music but it has a reputation for hosting American style dance shows. Check what's on offer before going in. Attracts all ages. The Hverfisbarinn at Hverfisgötu 20. during the week is a trendy bar during the week becomes a disco club at. weekends. Noted for reasonable prices and attracts a younger crowd.

Club Bohem at Grensásvegi 7 Tel. +354 517 3530 is widely promoted as an exclusive night club but it mainly caters for single men looking for female company. 22 at Laugavegur 22. is a cosy little mainstream disco club, tends to be quiet during the week but popular after midnight at weekends. Gaukur á Ston at Tryggvagata 22. seems to be open every night and always offers live bands. Music tends to be a little retro here every night of the week but this club established for nearly 20 years is well respected. Kapital at Hafnarstraeti 17 playing techno is a favourite haunt of young clubbers. Also popular with Gays at weekends.  Thorvaldsen Bar at Austurstræti 8. though serving as a bar weekdays is known for its mix of music from the late 70s to the present at weekends. Very crowded. Pravda, at Austurstræti 22. plays only contemporary music to a crowd of young posers. Very strict dress code.

Irish Bar - The Dubliner

Every city should have one and this establishment epitomises the traditional Irish bar with its wooden tables Sadly a pint of Guinness is about 7€ but its decent.

 

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