Reykjavik holidays

Hallgrímskirkja Church, Reykjavik, Iceland

Popular holidays

Holidays to Reykjavik put one of Europe's most of-the-moment cities in the palm of your hand. Plus they give you easy access to Iceland's spectacular countryside.

City breaks to Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital city, and seamlessly blends a traditional Nordic atmosphere with a modern, forward-thinking attitude. Here, unassuming congregated iron houses sit just metres from a multi-million-pound concert hall and space age church, and busy streets play host to both laid-back cafes and oh-so-cool cocktail lounges. Our hotel line-up here's sprinkled across the city centre, including by the bar-back waterfront and near picture-perfect parks. Regardless of which one you opt for, each one has all the main ingredients for a culture-filled city break to remember.

Outdoor adventures

Reykjavik is a great springboard to the rest of the country. You can head out to sea on whale and puffin-watching tours from the harbour, and sign up for day-long trips around the well-known Golden Circle route. Iceland’s number one attraction, the geothermal Blue Lagoon, is also less than an hour’s drive away.

The Northern Lights

Head just a little way out of the city, and you’re in Northern Lights territory. The countryside surrounding Reykjavik provides a great chance of seeing the elusive Aurora Borealis, and some TUI package holidays to Iceland include a trip out to try to catch them lighting up the night sky.

Popular hotels in Reykjavik

Top things to see and do in Reykjavik

Shopping

Bargain buys

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.

Mid-range buys

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.

Designer buys

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.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

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.

Lively evenings

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.

Food & drink

Lamb hot dogs

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

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.

Rúgbrauð

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.

Ice-cream

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

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.