A mention of Iceland conjures images of a Sugarcube turned elfish singer/occasional thespian and darkness. You'll often find both in the country's capital, Reykjavik. You'll also find a vibrant city filled with fantastic music, killer bars, and gorgeous sites.
My introduction to the city came via the underrated film 101 Reykjavík, which follows a hapless man-boy as he falls into ennui-taunting escapades in and around 101 (i.e. downtown); watch it before arriving as it introduces one of the city's best bars, Kaffibarinn, and the urban mountain, Esjan.
Reykjavik is a strange amalgamation of nature and urbanity. Nearby sits the gorgeous double waterfall, Gullfoss, and the world-renowned geothermal spa, Blue Lagoon. Thus, you can spend the days exploring volcanic deposits and glaciers and the nights getting soused with the scruffy but well-dressed locals.
Along with the aforementioned pixy, Reykjavik brims with musical attractions. The birthplace of Sigur Rós and múm, indie ambience reigns supreme, but myriad genres are represented within the relatively small city. If you're there in October, be sure to catch the annual Iceland Airwaves Festival which floods every bar, club, and performance space with domestic and international acts.
During the winter the city gets only four hours of daylight and the summer nights are almost as bright as the days. Try to go sometime in between and dress warmly: Iceland isn't just a clever name.
Restaurants in Reykjavik
Nightclubs in Reykjavik
Hotels in Reykjavik
Shopping in Reykjavik
Spas in Reykjavik
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