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Reykjavik holidays really up the wow factor, with natural wonders and a welcoming, mellow vibe.

Reykjavik city breaks

Reykjavik may be small, but don't let that fool you – Iceland's coastal city knows how to have a good time. The world's most northerly capital's brimming with cosmopolitan hangouts, lively bars, laidback cafés and modern eateries. The music scene's great too, not to mention the dramatic landscape of volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. We've got a medley of swanky hotels muddled into the action. Plus, you can get there in a three-hour flight from London, making Reykjavik a nailed-on choice for a has-it-all city break.

A whale of a time

During the summer months, you'll have the best chance of seeing playful sea mammals in their natural habitats. Whale-watching boats leave from Reykjavik harbour to Faxafloi Bay in the North Atlantic Ocean – if you're lucky, you could get up close to resident orcas.

Bucket-list lights

Catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights isn't just about luck – though that is a big part of it. They're at their most visible during the winter when nights are long and dark. Up your chances of seeing the mystical spectacle with a night-time boat trip away from the city lights – just be sure to wrap up warm.

At a Glance

  • Keep your eyes peeled for the bewitching Northern Lights
  • Soak in the Blue Lagoon's volcano-warmed waters
  • Sample some authentic Nordic cuisine
  • Prep for your trip with our Holiday Extras

Best time to go to Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s a strong contender for Europe’s chilliest city break – temperatures in winter can plummet to as low as -10°C – although the average is closer to freezing. You’ll have to brave the cold if you fancy clapping eyes on the Northern Lights, though, so be sure to shove your biggest coat in your suitcase. As for summer, don’t expect balmy temps – average daily highs are between 10 and 15 degrees. The midnight sun’s what pulls in the punters at this time of year – it makes late-night sightseeing possible.

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Top things to see and do in Reykjavik

Kolaportið – Reykjavik’s flea market – is a magnet for bargain-hunters. It’s within dawdling distance of the harbour and the city centre, and it’s open every weekend. For the best deals, go for a rummage later in the day when prices are often marked down. Whether you’re after books, clothes or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy.

If you fancy spending an afternoon toddling around the shops and grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat, make a beeline for Laugavegur. Reykjavik’s main shopping street’s jam-packed with stores flogging everything from clothes to home accessories. Plus, it’s sprinkled with cafés, bars and restaurants.

International, big-name brands are hard to come by in Iceland. That means there’s plenty of room for local, independent designers instead. You can get your mitts on fancy pieces from the swish boutiques in the Laugavegur area and inside Smáralind shopping mall.

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If you fancy partying into the early hours, you’ll want to head to Laugavegur and the surrounding streets. There’s no shortage of open-til-late venues in this neck of the woods, and they lay on stuff like live music, DJ sets and themed events pretty much every night.

Loads of the restaurants and cafés in Reykjavik keep their doors open ‘til late, so relaxed nights out are firmly on the cards here. Tuck in to a late-night dinner, or slink away for a few drinks after a night out chasing the Northern Lights.

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There’s no better pick-me-up on a cold day than a fresh-from-the-grill hot dog – and you can get your hands on one from a food truck in the city centre. Here, the sausage will be made from lamb, and it’ll come in a warm roll slathered in ketchup and mustard, topped with raw and fried onions.

Plokkfiskur – an Icelandic fish stew – is just what you’ll need after a cold, wintery walk. The main ingredient is Atlantic cod. Potatoes, onions, flour, milk, salt and pepper make up the rest of the ingredients list – and don’t forget the chunky slice of rye bread that usually comes with it.

It doesn’t get much more Icelandic than a dark rye bread cooked underground in a wooden cask using heat from nearby hot springs. And that’s exactly what rúgbrauð is. Its slightly sweet flavour means it pairs nicely with everything from fish stews to smoked lamb.

If there’s one thing you’ll learn on a trip to Reykjavik, it’s that it’s never too cold for an ice-cream. The city’s ice-cream parlours do a roaring trade, even in winter. Soft serve is the top choice around here, and there are tonnes of flavours to pick from.

Brennivin is a local spirit knocked back in bars and restaurants all over Reykjavik. It’s strong stuff, so we recommend ordering it as a shot or in a cocktail. The alcohol content comes from fermented potatoes, and it’s flavoured with caraway seeds for an earthy kick.

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