Metropolis split (noun): a small holiday expended in a city, this kind of as when on small business travel.
Ahead of there was bleisure vacation, there was the metropolis break—the quick place of leisure time that grants you entry to the cultural and culinary features that big metropolitan areas present. In this collection from TripIt, we investigate some of the world’s finest towns for preparing a rapid getaway or extending a do the job journey.
Below are our ideas for making the most of your city crack in Reykjavík.
Where to fly in
Reykjavík is served by Keflavik Worldwide Airport (KEF), the most important worldwide airport for all of Iceland. It’s situated 30 miles from Reykjavík.
When on the floor, tourists have a couple ground transportation options to get to their remaining spot. If you desire to vacation by bus, reserve a experience with Airport Immediate or Flybus. The previous runs on a fixed agenda, whereas the latter has no fastened schedule, and will hold out for you if your flight is delayed. Both of those journeys acquire about 45 minutes to get to the city center.
There is also a general public bus services, called Strætó, that operates regular routes to and from the airport. Taxis are also accessible from KEF. Nevertheless, rideshares, this kind of as Uber and Lyft, are not obtainable in Iceland.
Choose to get about on your individual accord? Your most effective guess is to lease a motor vehicle. Company desks are situated within the arrivals corridor.
Where to keep through your metropolis crack
If you favor centrally positioned lodging with a touch of luxury, look no further more than The Reykjavík Version (pictured previously mentioned), which offers views of the harbor nearby, as perfectly as Mount Esja and Snæfellsjökull glacier in the length. The resort is also residence to myriad eating and enjoyment venues, like Tides—a seafood-concentrated restaurant from Michelin-star chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason.
Seeking for much more spending budget-pleasant digs? KEX Hostel, also positioned just minutes from the harbor, is a occurring put. Aside from featuring a spot to lay your head, KEX has cultivated one thing distinctive: an effortless vibe that attracts locals and travelers alike. Even if you are not scheduling to book a space, you will want to spend some time there. Seize a bite at Flatus, purchase a beer or cocktail at DRINX, or peruse the spines of Text. No right away continue to be wanted.
Want to remain someplace that falls in between 5 stars and shared spaces with strangers? I get that! Right here are a couple to think about:
- The three-star Metropolis Center Resort is true to its title, found appropriate in downtown Reykjavík and just a several minutes walk to key attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Storm Resort, also a a few-star resort, is in fact a welcome shelter from the infamous Icelandic weather. Considerate structure and at ease lodging make this a intelligent selection for your town crack it’s also centrally positioned and walking length to most metropolis sights.
- Four-star Fosshotel Reykjavík is Iceland’s premier hotel, that includes 16 flooring and 320 rooms—many with spectacular sights of the metropolis, harbor, and over and above. If you are in Reykjavík on business, this is also a great place to host a conference or conferences the latter can be held on the top ground of the resort.
Family vacation rentals, like people booked as a result of Airbnb, are also accessible in Reykjavík.
How to get about
Component of Reykjavík’s appeal is its quick walkability—yes, even in inclement temperature. The town has invested in an underground geothermal heating system for its sidewalks and streets, conserving the streets from damaging snow plowing, whilst also conserving pedestrians from slipping on slippery surfaces.
If strolling is not possible or appealing, Reykjavík’s town buses will consider you to and from lots of of the city’s sights and points of interest. Pay back for bus fare, system your route, and see exactly where buses are in actual time with the Klappid application. Bus fare can also be paid for through Klapp card or Klapp 10 (a 10-pack of tickets). If you want to purchase a card, you can do so at these retailers in Reykjavík.
As for your micromobility choices, you can lease electric powered scooters through Hopp. Down load the app to get started out. At the time of publication, it fees just 100 Icelandic króna (ISK) to unlock an e-scooter, and then it’s 33 ISK for each moment to trip.
Taxis are also obtainable for journeys in Reykjavík.
Whilst renting a vehicle isn’t seriously important if you’re organizing to remain in the metropolis limitations, you will want a person if you plan to take a look at far more of Iceland throughout your journey. (And you surely must, if you have the time!)
Pro tip: Use TripIt’s Navigator function to look for transportation alternatives readily available to you. It will demonstrate you the believed fees and travel instances for each possibility, so you can make a decision which is effective greatest. For example, if you include a cafe reservation to your itinerary (additional on in which to take in, under), Navigator also helps you discover the most effective transportation options for acquiring to your desk. You can obtain Navigator in just your plan aspects screens.
The place to take in
If you only have time for one particular food in Reykjavík, dine at Snaps Bistro (pictured previously mentioned). The dishes are delectable, the wine checklist is spectacular, and for a city that is frequently quick on daylight, you are going to recognize the dining-in-a-greenhouse vibes. You will need a reservation, so reserve a person as early as you can.
Paying a several meals in the cash city? Really like seafood? Place Tides (mentioned previously mentioned) and Fish Marketplace on your eating itinerary. Also, you are going to require a reservation for each.
Choose additional relaxed eating solutions? KEX Hostel’s cafe Flatus (also pointed out earlier mentioned) is a terrific spot for pizzas and other everyday fare. Icelandic Street Food stuff is another good place for informal eats. Just want something you can seize and go (primarily soon after the pub)? Check out “the best hotdog in Europe” at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur—open late (late!) night time, and notably, due to the fact 1937.
Talking of pub tradition, in Iceland, Prohibition on beer (but not wine or spirits) was in effect right up until 1989—and microbreweries have been building up for dropped time ever considering the fact that. You can attempt neighborhood craft beers at lots of of the city’s bars and pubs, such as Microbar, Reykjavík’s very first craft beer bar Kaldi Bar and Skúli – Craft Bar.
Suggestion: Alcohol is high-priced in Iceland, so stretch your króna at joyful hour(s). Quite a few pubs and bars provide discounted selling prices. Look at out their social media accounts for discounts and several hours.
Considerably less night owl, far more early riser? For breakfast, head to Brauð & Co for freshly baked goods, or Café Babalú for sweet and savory crepes. The latter’s vibrant exterior is tough to skip, and the cafe is also one of the greatest locations for a cup of coffee in the city. Other choices for a cup of joe consist of Reykjavík Roasters, Mokka Kaffi, and Kaffibrennslan.
What to do on your city break
If you only have a small total of time in Reykjavík, be guaranteed to tick the bins on some of the city’s most impressive sights, like Hallgrimskirkja (suggestion: climb to the major of the tower to snap that iconic pic of the colorful structures fanning out underneath) Harpa, the city’s glass-windowed concert hall and conference centre and the Sunlight Voyager, pictured over.
For a dose of the country’s background, head to the Perlan, a museum—and an operating geothermal water storage facility it is perfectly value a visit. The fourth flooring functions a 360° observation deck that lies on the leading of the very hot water tanks, and provides a 1-of-a-form look at of Reykjavík and the encompassing spot.
Want to up your Nordic style? Head to Laugavegur, one particular of Reykjavík’s oldest streets and its most important purchasing district, to peruse the myriad shops showcasing every little thing from higher-end boutiques, classic outfits shops, residence decor, cozy cafes, and significantly far more.
Preparing to investigate much more of Iceland all through your journey? Lots of of the country’s most beautiful points of interest, together with the Blue Lagoon, Silfra (in which you can snorkel concerning two tectonic plates) in Thingvellir Countrywide Park, Gullfoss (waterfall), Strokkur (geyser), Reynisfjara (black sand seaside), Skógarfoss (waterfall), and Seljalandsfoss (waterfall) are inside of a couple of hours travel.
Note: As places reopen all-around the earth, be guaranteed to consult and adhere to all nearby suggestions and travel limitations, as they vary broadly and will proceed to improve. One way to stay on top of altering pointers is to seek the advice of the COVID-19 journey guidance element in the TripIt app for place-unique info, which includes testing and vaccination needs, present an infection costs, quarantine principles upon arrival, and other data you need to know before viewing the place.
