Reykjavik is unlike any other European capital: a small, walkable city of colourful corrugated-iron houses built on a volcanic peninsula, powered entirely by geothermal energy, with a mountain backdrop visible from almost every street. The Hallgrímskirkja church rises above the rooftops like an abstract basalt column; the Harpa concert hall glitters on the harbour with its honeycomb glass façade. Old town restaurants have developed some of the most distinctive cooking in Europe, drawing on exceptional lamb, Arctic char, and skyr. The bar scene on Laugavegur goes until 5am on weekends. Above all, Reykjavik is a base: for the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, glacier hikes, and in winter, the Northern Lights beginning just beyond the city limits.
- Suggested duration: 2–3 days in the city, 3–5 days for day trips across Iceland
- Best time to visit: June–August for the midnight sun and warmest weather. October–February for Northern Lights. May and September offer fewer crowds with good conditions.