Reykjavik holidays

The words Iceland and bargain aren’t often in the same sentence together, but when it comes to shopping in Reykjavik, there are definitely some deals to be had. Kolaportið is the city’s only flea market, where you can get your hands on everything from old books to vintage clothes. It’s only open over the weekend, and we recommend heading over later in the day, when prices tend to be reduced.

Laugavegur – Reykjavik’s main shopping street – is the place to go if you fancy a spot of good old retail therapy. Clothes, accessories, books and homewares are just some of the goodies on offer in the independent stores around here. Plus, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat.

You’re unlikely to find international designer brands in Iceland. Instead, the capital’s boutiques are stocked up with high-quality pieces by local fashion designers. You’ll find a few tucked away inside Smáralind shopping mall, while others have stores along Laugavegur and the surrounding streets.

Reykjavik’s got plenty of party venues to show off, but if you fancy something a little more laidback, you won’t be disappointed. Loads of the city’s restaurants and cafés stay open until late, so you can unwind with a hearty dinner and a few glasses of wine after a long day of sightseeing.

If it’s buzzy bars you’re after, make a beeline for Reykjavik’s main shopping street – Laugavegur. From dance clubs to bars with live DJs, there really is something to suit everyone around here. Best of all, they’re all open until the early hours and you’ll rarely see queues to get in.

Lamb hot dogs – known locally as pylsur – make a great a cheap-and-cheerful snack in Reykjavik. You can grab one from a hot dog stand near the city’s harbour. The sausage is served on a bun with raw onion, fried onion, ketchup and two types of mustard.

Plokkfiskur is the national stew of Iceland, and it’s a top choice if you’re after a warm, hearty dinner. It’s cooked with Atlantic cod, flour, milk, potatoes and onions, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. And lots of restaurants serve it with a slice of rye bread on the side.

This dark, crustless rye bread is sold in grocery stores and restaurants all over Iceland. It’s traditionally cooked in wooden casks which are buried underground close to hot springs. As for the taste, it’s fairly sweet, and goes well with everything from fish stew to smoked lamb.

Icelandic people love their ice-cream – even in the depths of winter, you’ll have no trouble getting your hands on a few scoops. Soft-serve ice-cream’s a popular snack after a soak in a hot spring. And if you fancy pushing the boat out, you can ask for it to be dipped in chocolate and covered with sprinkles.

Brennivin is a strong Icelandic spirit that’s most often served as a chilled shot. The alcohol content comes from fermented potatoes flavoured with caraway seeds, giving the drink a different taste to your usual vodka or gin.