City Break (noun): A short vacation spent in a city, such as business travel. Before there was leisure travel, there was city break – the short space of leisure time that gives you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world’s best cities for planning a quick vacation or extended business trip. Here are our tips for making the most of your city vacation in Reykjavik. Where to fly in Reykjavik is served by Keflavik International Airport (KEF), which is the main international airport for all of Iceland. It lies 30 miles from Reykjavik. Once on land, travelers have a few ground transportation options to reach their final destination. If you prefer to travel by bus, book a flight with Airport Direct or Flybus. The former operates on a set schedule, while the latter has no set schedule and will wait for you if your flight is delayed. Both flights take about 45 minutes to reach the city center. There is also a public bus service, called Strætó, that runs on regular routes to and from the airport. Taxis are also available from KEF. However, ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not available in Iceland. Would you rather walk around on your own? Your best bet is to rent a car. Service desks are located inside the arrival hall. Where to Stay During Your City Break If you prefer centrally located accommodations with a touch of luxury, look no further than The Reykjavík EDITION (pictured above), which features views of the nearby harbor, as well as Mount Esja and Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance. . The hotel is also home to countless dining and entertainment venues, including Tides – a seafood-focused restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason. Looking for more budget-friendly digs? KEX Hostel is also just minutes away from the port, which is a happening place. Besides providing a place to lay your head, KEX has developed something unique: an effortless atmosphere that appeals to locals and travelers alike. Even if you don’t plan to book a room, you’ll want to spend some time there. Grab a bite at Flatus, order a beer or cocktail at DRINX, or check out our TEXT forks. No need to stay overnight. Do you want to stay in a place that is between five stars and shared spaces with strangers? Understood! Here are a few things to consider: The three-star City Center Hotel is true to its name, located right in downtown Reykjavik and only a few minutes’ walk from major attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The Storm Hotel, also a three-star hotel, is indeed a welcome refuge from the infamous Icelandic weather. Thoughtful design and comfortable accommodations make it a smart choice for your city vacation; It is also centrally located and within walking distance of most of the city’s attractions. The four-star Fosshotel Reykjavík is Iceland’s largest hotel, with 16 floors and 320 rooms – many with stunning views of the city, harbor and beyond. If you are in Reykjavik for business, this is also a great place to host a conference or meetings; The latter can be accommodated on the top floor of the hotel. Vacation rentals, such as those booked via Airbnb, are also available in Reykjavik. How to Get Around Part of Reykjavik’s charm is its ease of walking – yes, even in inclement weather. The city has invested in a geothermal underfloor heating system for sidewalks and streets, saving roads from devastating snowfall, while also saving pedestrians from falling on slippery surfaces. If walking is not possible or desirable, Reykjavik city buses will take you to and from many of the city’s sights and attractions. Pay bus fare, plan your route, and see where buses are in real time with the Klappid app. The bus fare can also be paid with a Klapp card or Klapp ten (pack of 10 tickets). If you want to buy a card, you can do so at these stores in Reykjavik. For smaller commuting options, you can rent electric scooters through Hopp. Download the app to get started. At the time of publication, the cost to open the e-scooter is ISK 100 (ISK), then ride ISK 33 per minute. Taxis are also available for trips in Reykjavik. While renting a car is not really necessary if you plan to stay within the city limits, you will need one if you plan to explore more of Iceland during your trip. (And you definitely should, if you have the time!) Pro tip: Use TripIt’s Navigator feature to research your transportation options. It will show you the estimated costs and travel times for each option, so you can select the best option. For example, if you add a restaurant reservation to your itinerary (more on where to eat below), Navigator also helps you find the best transportation options to get to your table. You can find Navigator under your plan’s detail screens. Where to eat If you only have time for one meal in Reykjavik, dine at Snaps Bistro (pictured above). The dishes are delicious, the wine list is impressive, and for a town that often has short daylight, you’ll appreciate the atmosphere of greenhouse dining. You will need a reservation, so book one as soon as possible. Do you spend a few meals in the capital? Do you like seafood? Put the tides (mentioned above) and the fish market on your itinerary. Likewise, you will need a reservation for both. Prefer more casual dining options? The Flatus Restaurant at KEX Hostel (mentioned above) is great for pizza and other casual fare. Icelandic street food is another great place for casual dining. Do you just want something you can take and go (especially after the pub)? Try “Europe’s Best Hot Dog” at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – open late (late!) of the night, particularly since 1937. Speaking of pub culture, in Iceland, a ban on beer (but not wine or spirits) was in effect Effective until 1989—and microbreweries have made up for lost time since. You can try local craft beer in many of the city’s bars and pubs, including Microbar, Reykjavik’s first handcrafted beer bar; Caldi Bar; and Skúli – Craft Bar. Tip: Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, so extend the krona into the happy hours. Many pubs and bars offer discounted rates. Check their social media accounts for deals and hours. Less night owl, more early riser? For breakfast, head to Brau & Co for fresh baked goods, or Café Babal for sweet and savory crepes. The colorful exterior of the latter is hard to miss, and the café is also one of the best places for a cup of coffee in the city. Other options for a cup of coffee include Reykjavík Roasters, Mokka Kaffi, and Kaffibrennslan. What to do on your city break If you only have a short time in Reykjavik, be sure to check the boxes at some of the city’s most impressive sights, including Hallgrimskirkja (Tip: Climb to the top of the tower to catch this token pic a flag of colorful buildings spread below); the runaway, the city’s glass-panelled concert hall and conference center; and Sun Voyager pictured above. For a dose of the country’s history, head to Perlan, which is a museum – and operating facility for geothermal water storage; It is well worth a visit. The fourth floor features a 360-degree observation deck located at the top of the hot water tanks, providing a unique view of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. Want to reach your Nordic style? Head to Laugavegur, one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets and main shopping district, for the myriad shops featuring everything from high-end boutiques, vintage clothing stores, home décor, cozy cafés, and more. Planning to explore more of Iceland during your trip? Many of the country’s most beautiful attractions, including the Blue Lagoon, Silfra (where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates) in Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (waterfall), Strokkur (geyser), Reynisfjara (black sand beach), Skógarfoss (waterfall), The Seljalandsfoss (waterfall) is just a few hours’ drive away. Note: With destinations around the world reopening, be sure to consult and adhere to all local guidelines and travel restrictions, as they vary widely and will continue to change. One way to stay on top of guiding changes is to refer to the COVID-19 Travel Advice feature on the TripIt app for destination-specific information, including testing and vaccination requirements, current infection rates, quarantine rules on arrival, and other information you need to know before visiting the area.
