Reykjavik — Five-Day Local Itinerary

The local gold standard for coffee; most creative locals are found here with a book or laptop.

💡 Try the oat milk flat white.

While a 'landmark', it's truly the soul of the city's skyline and the best orientation point.

💡 Tower elevator costs extra, but the ground floor is free.

One of the few places downtown that serves 'Grandma-style' traditional Icelandic food at sensible prices.

💡 Order the Plokkfiskur or the rye bread ice cream.

The 'biggest bread soup in the world' (as locals call it). It's where Icelanders go for a stroll to feed ducks.

💡 Walk the entire loop around the water.

The oldest and most beautiful pool in the city. Hidden behind high walls, it's a neighborhood sanctuary.

💡 Try the upstairs outdoor hot tubs for a view of the city roofs.

A historic bookstore that has morphed into a live music venue/bar. Pure Reykjavik creative energy.

💡 Great place to hide from the rain.

The only place where you can find used Sagas, cheap harðfiskur (dried fish), and locals hunting for bargains.

💡 Weekends only! Go to the food section in the back for samples.

Established in 1937, it's the national snack. All social classes meet in this line.

💡 Ask for 'Ein með öllu'.

Locals flock here for the cinnamon rolls. This branch is less touristy than the 101 one.

💡 Grab a roll and walk to the pool nearby.

The end of the city. A place for reflection, bird-watching, and northern lights (in winter).

💡 Check tide tables before crossing the path to the lighthouse.

Once a gritty bus station, now where the local office workers and hipsters meet for lunch and natural wine.

💡 Try the Icelandic lamb soup or the local tacos.

Unlike the souvenir shops, this is a co-op where real locals sell their hand-knitted woolens.

💡 The smell of wool inside is unforgettable.