Nine Fun Experiences in Reykjavík

This 14-year-old knows all the best stuff to see and do

Words: Magnús Sigurður Jónasson Images: Art Bicnick

So you’re new to Reykjavík and you’re not sure where to eat, what to see or places to go?

Maggi’s got you covered. Here are his top picks for an amazing time in Iceland’s only city.

Arabian Taste

It’s some of if not the best place to get food in Reykjavík. It is Syrian cuisine and has some amazing dishes. It’s open long into the night too so if you are coming straight from a flight you could probably catch a bite there. Personal favourites are the falafel wraps and arayes chicken.

Improv Ísland

A comedy event in Reykjavík held at þjóðleikhúsið every Wednesday. Iceland’s up and coming comedians come together to improvise funny sketches. Every show is completely improvised so you can go as many times as you want.

Sundhöllin

This is the best swimming pool in Reykjavík. It has a cosy indoor pool with a high diving platform, though I should note that the diving platform isn’t always open. The pool also has four different hot tubs, a sauna and a cold tub. The outdoor pool is great too.

Grjótaþorp

One of the most beautiful places in the city is Grjótaþorp. Located just above Reykjavík’s city centre, it’s an extremely cosy and fun area to walk around. The houses are colourful and there is greenery everywhere. It is an amazing place for a photo op and to get a feel of Reykjavík’s past. Grjótaþorp is located just above Reykjavík city centre.

Bíó Paradís

Do you ever get the itch to watch a classic film or see an exciting foreign film that might not be shown in most cinemas. Bíó Paradís is the perfect place for you. They hold film festivals a couple times a year, like German days, Stockfish and RIFF.

Öskjuhlíð

This forested area of Reykjavík is known for its war remains and Perlan. Perlan is one of Iceland’s premiere landmarks as it is a dome built on top of a bunch of drained out water tanks. Perlan currently hosts a nature museum, which is a must see.

Nauthólsvík

This is Reykjavík’s only beach. It is quite cosy and you can either go into the heated ocean area or run into the ice cold water beside the beach area. It can also be the perfect end to a visit to Öskjuhlíð.

FlyOver Iceland

This is a 4d cinema experience where you get to feel what it’s like to be on a plane flying over Iceland. As a disclaimer the ride opens with 15 minutes of some cliché Viking guy and a troll, but otherwise this is a must see experience.

Hamborgarafabrikkan

Also commonly known as “Hamborgarapaprikan,” this is a restaurant in Reykjavík commonly visited on birthdays as they give ice cream to those celebrating. The hamburgers are very tasty and the skyrterta is amazing and a must try.

QUICK PICKS