New York times article: "36 Hours in Reykjavik" by Ingrid K. Williams
and it got me to thinking how hard it must be to write a generic "ideal" itinerary, especially for a short stop-over because it really depends on when you arrive, how much energy you have, your budget, and what you like to do. Then, last night, I was listening to the Dinner Party Show podcast and Christopher Rice and Eric Shaw Quinn were sharing some of their favourite things, and it got me thinking that I have not shared any of my favourite places yet.
So, because I always travel on a budget, my recommendations are based on my own personal experiences and are budget conscious. If you want reviews of five star dining, I am not the one to give it to you.
Here are some of my favourites...
Coffee and Beer
"C" is for Cookie is my absolute favourite place for coffee and... you guessed it, cookies. They also prepare delicious soups and lunch food. The staff are friendly and are patient when you practice your Icelandic phrases. The vibe of the place is comfortable, and in good weather it is a lovely spot to sit outside, slightly removed from the busy main streets. Located at Týsgata 8 it is about half way between the central plaza and Hallgrímskirkja, just off one of the main roads.
Café Loki is also a neat spot, directly across from Hallgrímskirkja. The ground floor is a small café with wifi and the upstairs is a small restaurant with many traditional food options, as well as coffee and other beverages. The captivating mural featured in the upper floor is also noteworthy and worth the visit.
Hressó ... full name: Hressingarskálinn, but it is far easier to just say Hressó. This place is a café-restaurant-bar. It reminds me of The Only in Peterborough Ontario, or either The Red Room or the Java Hut in Toronto Ontario ... the food is good, but the service is neither fast nor overly friendly. When I visited Iceland in 2014 it was a great place to watch the World Cup for football. They also have excellent live music. There is no faster way to win over the heart of a Canadian Girl than by playing Bryan Adams - Summer of ´69 when she walks in!
Den Danske Kro was also a hopping spot during the World Cup, with live music every night, often playing American music. With a fair selection of beer and a laid-back atmosphere, it was a refreshing feel like many small town bars that I love, without being overly "Canadian" or "American". I like a good beer, a nice patio, and being able to have a conversation at the bar. This place provided all that. And the name "Danish Krown" hit a soft spot for me.
