Many believe that a beach with golden sands, a beautiful coastline complete with a Pina Colada cocktail, is the definition of “paradise”. But for a girl who’s travelled far and wide, the perfect place is actually quite the opposite. Read this guide on Reykjavik travel by the author of The Smart Girl’s Budget Travel Guide and discover Iceland’s most wonderful secret; the seventh heaven if there ever was one.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s quiet and slow-moving capital. It’s beautiful any time of year but in winter, the elements of a romantic winter wonderland really come to life – and it’s exactly this that made me fall in love with the cold, arctic city. The incredible landscape of volcanic rock, craters, fjords, glaciers, geysers and waterfalls will make your journey worth every minute.
A Quick Guide to Reykjavik
If you want a change from the commercialised Christmas found in so many European cities today, the festive season is a great time to travel to Reykjavik. Or if you want to enjoy the Icelandic winter without the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers and tourists, January and February are prime times to visit.
Before you book your flights to Iceland, be sure to read this quick Reykjavik city guide for travel tips and ideas on things to do:
Seeing the sights of Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a sleepy city with a quiet dignity made up by its luxurious jewellery shops, sophisticated bars and cafes and of course, the stunning view of the ocean. In the day, it’s a refined playground of winter discovery and interesting walks, and at night, it becomes an elegantly lit city for music lovers and foodies. Must-do activities within the city include the historic Videy Island, visiting the breathtaking Hallgrimskirkja Church, seeing the interesting Perlan landmark and whale watching.
The city is made for the curious traveller but don’t forget to venture out on tours and excursions to experience the geysers, glaciers and other miracles of nature.
Tours and excursions
Tours and excursions are available from most hotels, and a trip to Iceland is not complete without a few excursions to see the world’s most spectacular landscapes. The Golden Circle is a very popular tour which covers various natural attractions such as the fascinating geysers and the Gullfoss waterfalls. Between October and April, the Northern Lights can be seen and so if you’re there at the right time of year, don’t miss a chance of a lifetime.
The glaciers are worth every shiver and every chatter of your teeth, and you can’t forget to finish your trip to Reykjavik with a visit to the Blue Lagoon natural spa.
Wining and Dining
Iceland is a very expensive place to eat and drink, but find the right places and you’ll enter into an interesting culinary tour of a somewhat comatose land in terms of vegetation. Fish lovers will benefit from the close proximity to the ocean; the menu boards of Reykjavik’s decadent seafood restaurants will have you drooling as you walk by. If you’re on a budget, don’t miss the hotdog stands which serve up Bill Clinton’s favourite fast food, the famous Pylsur hotdog.
I hope you find my guide to Reykjavik and Iceland useful. And don’t forget, no trip is complete without a day of relaxation at the Blue Lagoon. I told you this was paradise…
Love,
Mags from The Smart Girl’s Travel Guide
Leave a Reply