Reykjavik, Iceland — Things to Do
Shopping in Reykjavik
Travelers planning a shopping trip in Reykjavik should head straight for Laugavegur, in the downtown area, Reykjavik's primary commercial artery and one of the city's oldest shopping streets where boutiques, designer labels, arts and crafts galleries and jewelry design studios can be found. But be prepared to max out your credit card as this is definitely not one of the cheapest areas to shop. The Kringlan shopping mall located in the new city center is where most people head and although it may be slightly generic, it's full of good affordable stores selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and home wares. If you plan on doing any souvenir shopping here, you need look no further than Íslandia, where one can find Icelandic souvenirs such as woolen goods, known for their warmth and comfort, and Norse and Viking trinkets such as key-rings and pendants. Another good buy is the fiery local spirit Brennivín. The flea market on Laugardalur is a good place to pick up bargains and souvenirs as well as local and fresh Icelandic produce and is open every Saturday and Sunday. Shopping hours in Reykjavik are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm while on Saturdays most shops are open from 10am - 2pm. Visitors can also look into getting the Norden Voyager Card which costs $19.95 for 6 months of use and provides discounts of up to 20% off restaurants, sights, hotels, car rentals, clothing, music and books in Iceland.
Reykjavik Nightlife
There may be limited sunlight in the northern city of Reykjavik, but the locals here really know how to make good use of those long, cold, dark winter nights. Be blown away by the bright lights of the bars and clubs that line the streets and heat things up on the dance floor. Due to the high cost of alcohol, the nightlife only gets going very late as most Icelanders tend to have a few drinks at home before hitting the town. Travelers arriving in Reykjavik by air should not pass up the opportunity to buy cheap alcohol in the duty free store at the airport - a secret Icelandic tip! Some local Icelandic drinks, such as Brennivín, which when translated literally means 'Black Death', are extremely high in alcohol content - you have been warned! Once sufficiently warmed up for the night, head to trendy Laugavegur where most of Reykjavik's 100 or so bars and clubs are centered round the strip and its side streets. On pumping Friday and Saturday nights it's not uncommon for the street to be filled with people all night long. It's also not uncommon for some of the beautiful Icelandic women drinking in the bars to turn out to be escorts who will then demand payment for any time spent chatting them up. Many of Reykjavik's cafés turn into bars after 6pm and turn into bustling bars, perfect for starting the night out with a few cold ones. Party the night away at NASA on Austurvollur where three dance floors playing anything from house to pop attract revelers, while older party goers looking for something a little more sophisticated should visit Rex on Austurstraeti for a good night out. Live music your thing? Many clubs offer live music early in the evening, such as NASA and Kaffi Rosenberg on Klapparstigur are your best bet. The Norden Voyager Card grants tourists discounts of up to 20% off restaurants, sights, hotels, car rentals, clothing and music in Iceland. During the winter months it costs $19.95 for 6 months' use. Definitely worth it for those planning on experiencing all Reykjavik has to offer.
