Iceland Travel: The Best Of Reykjavík
First, let's get a few things out on the table. Yes, Reykjavik is in Iceland, which is, in fact, an icy island about half the year. And, yes, Iceland was the culprit in 2010's volcanic eruption fiasco. But, what you might not know is that in the cold, long winter, Icelanders warm up in this capital's geothermal spas; and away from the city lights, they can drink in the beauty of the aurora borealis. In the summer, the weather is divine and the days are long – some days see 20 hours of sunlight. And volcanoes, like the notorious Eyjafjallajökull, are just one part of Iceland's dramatic and ethereal landscape. There are also gushing waterfalls, awe-inspiring geysers, expansive glaciers and wide-open spaces filled with Icelandic horses and sheep. Plus, Reykjavik boasts a raging nightlife scene and a surprisingly good handful of museums and local shops.
The best time to visit Reykjavik is from June to August. Not only can you enjoy the balmy temps (for Iceland, at least), but you'll also experience long days (think: up to 21 hours of sunlight ... a phenomenon dubbed midnight sun). If you're looking to save some Icelandic króna, you'll be able to do so in the winter; but those who wrestle with seasonal affective disorder might reconsider: the sun only peeks out for four or five hours between December and February.
Avoid eating at restaurants for every meal Sitting down for multiple meals daily can quickly add up. To keep your food costs low, grab a pylsur (or hot dog) from one of downtown's carts or buy grab-and-go pastries, sandwiches and snacks from a local grocery store.
Choose your spa experience wisely Blue Lagoon offers an amazing experience, but a much more cost-effective alternative is to soak in one of Reykjavik's local geothermal pools or hot pots.
Purchase a Reykjavík City Card Each Reykjavík City Card costs 1,500 to 3,300 Icelandic króna (or $14.50 to $32) and includes 24, 48 or 72 hours of complimentary access to the National Museum of Iceland and city museums like The Settlement Exhibition and the Árbaer Open Air Museum, plus unlimited rides on the city's Straetó buses.
The best ways to get around Reykjavik are by foot, car and tour bus. Although rates are often higher for organized tours, traveling by tour bus comes without the headaches of driving on unfamiliar and sometimes icy roads. If you'd rather keep your travel expenses low and roam freely without sticking to a set schedule, car hires are likely your best option. Neither, however, is suggested for exploring central Reykjavik, which is small and walkable. Taxis and public transportation are available as well but are generally more expensive. To travel between the city center and Keflavik International Airport (KEF), consider using a local tour bus operator like Gray Line Iceland and Reykjavik Excursions.
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