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If Lego had built a city, it would look like Reykjavik. Colorful roofs as far as the eye can see, the expanse of the sea, the Nordic sky above and snow-covered hills – at least most of the time. Iceland’s capital combines unspoiled nature and metropolitan flair; you feel at home here as soon as you step off the plane. Or you come from here and stay here forever. Like blogger Auður Ösp, who pays tribute to her homeland with her own blog. She would never move away, but she would travel the world. But before she does, she tells us about the city’s hotspots.
Living in Reykjavik
Hipsters stay at the Loft Hostel, one of the best located of its kind. The coolest bar in Reykjavik (with the largest selection of Icelandic beers) is one reason to visit, the great balcony another. The Icelandair Hotel Marina has the softest beds in the city, which you’ll love to fall into after a night of drinking in the famous in-house bar Slippbarinn. Those who prefer the old school can stay at Hotel Vakta in the old part of Reykjavik. Despite renovation, the Vakta has lost none of its historic charm. Each guest also has their own bicycle.
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Restaurants
The newly opened Nora Magasín downtown is rustic and lovingly decorated. Everything that is tasty is served on the wooden board, accompanied once again by a local beer. We recommend the amuse-bouche menus consisting of everything the kitchen has to offer. Grillmarkaðurinn is the place to be if you want to spend an evening feasting without having to worry about money. The chef uses only local ingredients and employs the most unusual methods of preparation. The dishes are absolutely worth every crown. The best burger in town is at Búllan. Here you can find fast food in every conceivable form: try it and come back!
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Shopping
Reykjavik is teeming with neat little stores, whose shelves are full of treasures just waiting to be found. Red Cross Store in Laugavegur, for example, has the best selection of second-hand goods that you won’t find anywhere else at such a good price. Cool fashion is available at GK Reykjavik, fresh Icelandic design at Kiosk in Laugavegur. Jör by Guðmundur Jörundsson makes fashion dreams come true – by the bar. You can get your fill of music at Lucky Records, the cool indie store with the largest selection of vinyl. An absolute must when visiting the city is the Kolaportið Flea Market: here you can find everything from funky second-hand fashion, old books and delicious food – and all under one roof.
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Party in Reykjavik
You won’t find parties of the fucked-up Mallorca variety in Reykjavik. This is where the buzz takes place in pubs and bars, where photos and Facebook are generally banned and the cool kids dance their socks off in Harlem or Dolly until sunrise. More relaxed is the Micro Bar, a small cubbyhole with comfortable armchairs and a selection of alcohol that will make even the most hard-drinking party animals sick to their stomachs. The newly opened Bravó offers colorful cocktails and a modern interior in a cozy atmosphere.
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Quarters
The town is small and therefore best explored on foot. Quartier 101 Reykjavík is home to cool designer stores and numerous addresses for a sophisticated evening out. The area around the old harbor is becoming increasingly popular, with a variety of small restaurants, trendy bars and pretty boutiques opening every month. Everything here is still a bit edgy and rustic, but of the good kind.
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Must do
Bathing has a long tradition in Iceland. A visit to one of the numerous local geothermal pools is therefore part of the standard program. There’s nothing better than splashing around in the warm water while the Northern Lights sparkle above you like diamonds. After a long swim, pay a visit to Bæjarins Beztu, a small hot dog stand. Order “eina með öllu” (once with everything) and be surprised.
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Our host in Reykjavik: Auður Ösp
is a student and blogger. loves her family and Iceland. hates spit-out chewing gum. Click here to go to her blog.
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Here you can find our insider tips for a short trip to Montecarlo.