Neighbourhoods and where to stay
101 postcode is downtown — Laugavegur shopping street, Hallgrimskirkja church, Harpa concert hall. Sleep here (Kvosin Hotel ISK 38074, Alda Hotel ISK 31933) if you don’t have a car. Vesturbaer to the west is quieter, walkable to Grotta lighthouse, and near the university. Grandi harbour district has the whale museum, Marshall House art space and Fish Market restaurants — Reykjavik Marina (ISK 29477) is the best hotel here. Laugardalur east is greener with the botanic garden and the biggest public pool.
What to actually do
Sundhollin or Vesturbaejarlaug pool (ISK 983), a Kolaportid flea market Saturday morning (ISK 0), coffee at Reykjavik Roasters (ISK 676), a walking tour of the Settlement Exhibition (ISK 2702), sunset from the Perlan observation deck (ISK 3685 including planetarium), dinner at Matur og Drykkur (ISK 7369 pp) or Grandi Mathol food hall (ISK 3071). That's the honest hit list — Reykjavik is a small city and pretending otherwise wastes your Iceland time.
Good to know
Questions, answered
How many days for Reykjavik?
One and a half. Two if you want a spa half-day at Sky Lagoon.
Is it walkable?
The 101 district completely. Anything east of Hlemmur benefits from the bus (Straeto, ISK 614 single) or a taxi.
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