About Reykjavik
Found on the coast of Iceland, Reykjavik is a truly beautiful city unlike any other. With crystal coastal waters, rolling hills and volcanic activity, the city offers a variety of stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring natural features. Reykjavik’s sky is no different: the northernmost capital of any sovereign state, Reykjavik’s key attraction is the Aurora Borealis, a beautiful natural lightshow. The Golden Circle—a tourist route that encircles geothermal waterfalls and geysers—is another popular attraction for visitors, and is free to explore at any time of day. The city’s most famous attraction, perhaps, is the soothing Blue Lagoon, a natural, geothermal spa that attracts more than 700,000 visitors every year—double Iceland’s population! Reykjavik has the reputation of being an expensive city, though travellers need not worry about having difficulty finding hotels in Reykjavik within their budget. Whether looking for a Reykjavik hotel at the airport, in the downtown area or along the coast, there’s always a deal somewhere.
In addition to the free things to do in Reykjavik discussed above, the city offers several great attractions within the city itself. Hallgrimskirkja Church is an astounding work of architecture that towers over the city. As the nation’s largest church, it provides excellent views of the city. Many tourists snap photos of the building, which took over 50 years to complete. A visit to Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre is another of the best things to do in Reykjavik. This iconic conference centre is host to many shows and events, and is located right along the Sculpture and Shore Walk, perfect for artsy tourists who want a taste of Icelandic culture.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Reykjavik can typically be more expensive than many other tourist destinations, and for good reason—with so many cultural attractions and natural beauty (including geothermal spas), a visit to the city is a truly luxurious experience. The frugal traveller may find cheap hotels in Reykjavik should they know where to look. Midrange hotels Reykjavik Iceland often run from €65-180. Cheap hotels in Reykjavik are available around €50, and luxury hotels Reykjavik might range from €200-430.
One of the better choices of cheap hotels in Reykjavik is the 4th Floor Hotel. This casual, laidback choice of hotels in Reykjavik downtown offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast to guests and a relaxed café. Oddsson Ho(s)tel is an affordable alternative to hotels Reykjavik Iceland, providing stylish rooms and décor to younger, budget-strapped visitors. Gestinn Guesthouse, meanwhile, provides a bed and breakfast-style accommodation with friendly service and clean, comfortable rooms. Airport Hotel Aurora Star is among the best affordable hotels near Reykjavik Airport.
Hotel Jazz is another comfortable choice of hotels near Reykjavik Airport. When it comes to luxury hotels Reykjavik, none beat Ambassade Apartments. This upscale apartment-style accommodation is one of the best hotels in Reykjavik downtown, and offers coastal views, kitchenettes and enough space for travelling families. Hotel Borg is another smart choice of luxury hotels Reykjavik and hotels in Reykjavik downtown. Northern Light Inn makes for another strong choice of hotels Reykjavik Iceland, offering sophisticated rooms for the business-savvy traveller.
Sometimes the best hotels in Reykjavik are boutique; boutique hotels Reykjavik provide trendy aesthetics that match their guests’ tastes and travel preferences, providing excellent service along the way. 101 Hotel offers an eclectic mix of antique and modern furnishings to beautiful effect, and frequently rotates artist exhibits in its common spaces. Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel offers light but warm interiors with designer furnishings made from natural materials, making it the best of boutique hotels Reykjavik for eco-friendly tourists.