I'm taking my husband to Reykjavik for the weekend on Friday. What should we do while we're there?

Question

We're going to do the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle tour but what else mustn't we miss? Also we need to know of any reasonably priced eating places. We're staying in the Hotel Klopp if you know where it is (it's quite central I believe). Where should we go in the evenings for instance? We haven't been to a club for eons but we're willing to give it a try! We are both in our 40s though, so bear that in mind! Also we're thinking of taking some wine in our suitcases - is that allowed? Only 3/4 bottles, not an off-licence full or anything! Any advice will be very welcome. We want to make the absolute most of our stay. Thanks guys!

Answer 1

I recommoned trying out Icelandic swimming pools. The Blue Lagoon is special of course, but I recommend trying a pool in Reykjavík too, there are great pools. You'll be surprised to see what a cultural place those pools are. People meet there and sit in the hot pools and chat while relaxing. The water in the pools is warm and they're open in the evenings too, so it can be a nice way to relax after a busy day of travelling for example.

There is a lot of clubs and bars in the center of Reykjavík. I'm sure you'll easily find one that you like if you walk around a little. A lot of tourists seem to like the Dubliner.

Restaurants are most expensive in the center of the city. If you can go a bit out of the centre you'll find more reasonably priced restaurants (although I must warn you that they'll still be more expensive than what you're used to in your home country).

As for the amount of alcohol you can bring with you to Iceland duty-free, you can bring:

- 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine or
- 1 litre spirits and 6 litres beer or
- 1 litre wines and 6 litres beer or
- 2.25 litres wines

(Spirits comprise alcoholic beverages having 22% alcoholic content or more; wines comprise alcoholic beverages, other than beer, having less alcohol content.)

If you bring with you more than any of those options you must pay customs. If you need more information about what you can/can't bring with you, see this website: http://www.tollstjori.is/displayer.asp?cat_id=300

Enjoy your trip! :)

Answer 2

When I was there I had a great time at the "Dubliner" in town. All it is though is a local pub that is older and has a lot of flair! If you are only going for a weekend you really don't have that much time. I would just use the time to relax and have fun instead of trying to plan it all.

If you are offered a shot of Brennivan be careful this in Icelandic means "Black Death" It is a type of Schnapps that is extremely high in alcohol content and if you want to try it just to experience it (I did and it was awful tasting but I had to at least try) then only have 1 any more and you will not feel so good most likely even if you have a high tolerance because this is almost pure alcohol. I say this because for some locals it is humorous for them to offer to buy you a shot, and then see your face after you take it. Most will take it, because well it's a free shot!

Iceland is extremely expensive because they have to import everything there. As far as reasonable places to eat, I'm sorry I don't remember names of the place I ate at. When in doubt ask the locals which is most reasonable. For a beer for example you will pay approx. 7 dollars depending on the pub you go to.

We walked to this mall where they had the Hard Rock Cafe inside, which of course are always expensive, but we had a great time!

Iceland is one of the safest countries though and it is just lovely! Extremely low crime rate here. With cabs if you say call for one from the hotel keep in mind several will charge 10 dollars to start if you make them wait even for a few sec. Some charge that even if you don't make them wait at all. Have a Great Holiday to Reykjavik!

Answer 3

Reykjavík is often dubbed "the nightlife capital of the north"[citation needed]. It is famous for its nightlife during the weekends. Icelanders tend to go out late so bars that look rather quiet can fill up suddenly, usually around midnight on a weekend. In fact, the entire town center often fills up rather suddenly after midnight.

One of the main causes for this is that alcohol is very expensive at bars, so people tend to drink at home before going out. Beer was banned in Iceland until 1 March 1989, but has since become Icelanders' drink of choice [citation needed]. However, like other alcoholic beverages, it is still quite expensive; a pint (actually a half litre) of beer in an Icelandic bar can cost between 350 and 800 Icelandic Króna, or from 4 to 9 Euros. To this end, some people show up late and are already drunk when they arrive at the bars downtown.

There are over 100 different bars and clubs in Reykjavík; most of them are located on Laugavegur and its side streets. It is very common for an establishment that is a café before dinner to turn into a bar in the evening. Closing time is usually around 3-7AM on weekends and 1AM during the week.

Answer 4

National Museum
museum

Suðurgata 41 101
Tel: [phone] (info)
Tel: [phone] (info)



If you need more Viking in your Iceland, the National Museum has a huge collection of artefacts from Norse and Icelandic history. Among the more interesting items here are the Valþjófs-staður church door, which dates from around 1200 and is carved with Norse battle scenes, and a spooky ancient wooden mask.

The museum was founded 140 years ago and shifted to its current location - across the large roundabout from Tjörn - in 1950. The museum's main exhibits are religious artefacts and tools from the Age of Settlement (late 9th to early 10th centuries) and later-era agricultural and nautical implements (both originals and well-worked models).



Hours: May-mid-Sep: 10:00am-5:00pm; mid-Sep-Apr: Tue-Sun 11:00am-5:00pm; 1st Thu of month to 9:00pm


I found it very intresting but might not be so good if thats not you thing

look at link below for some good advice + you can take any amount of wine in and out as the EU borders are open so no trouble there and go to travel agents and ask for a cash converter chart as its quit dear there i was paying around £7.50 a pint last year

Answer 5

Just ensure you enjoy your stay and have fun. Get in touch with the local tourist attraction department for the country and ask them to direct you for the things that one must do, then prioritise as you are only there for the weekend. Above all make sure you enjoy and have quality time with the husband.

Answer 6

Best place in Reykjavik is the geothermal pool at Laugerdal.
Best value food is at the (long distance) bus station cafe.

Answer 7

Icelandic people are very proud of what they have - which is nothing.....
You will eat Herring for breakfast, lunch and dinner - look out for it!
and waterfalls - they have loads of them. The hot water in hotels is natural and comes from underground - so the bathrooms don't smell too good, but have a good time. Take lots of money its expensive

Answer 8

Do you know what? You have to Kiss. Sounds obvious but I mean a very romantic kiss. Start with his ankles, to his amblical, chest, his ears, eye bows, his neck and make be end with lips.
David
Uganda