Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús

Your guide to navigating day trips in western Iceland from Reykjavik by car without a commitment to camping.

Iceland, a land of fire and ice, beckons the adventurous traveler. This island nation, dramatically perched atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, boasts a raw, otherworldly beauty. Here, glaciers creep over volcanic peaks, waterfalls cascade into turquoise fjords, and geothermal pools bubble beneath the earth's crust. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (photo spots, museums and cultural venues, parks and gardens, open squares and others) - restaurants (portuguese food and international cuisines) - coffee and brunch places - places for beer and drinks - places for a night out Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It’s also the northernmost capital in the world. The city, on the southwest coast of the island nation, is home to less than 150,000 people (that’s 60% of the total population). It’s by no means sleepy, though. It has a thriving art scene (music festivals, independent record stores, pop-up exhibits) and foodie scene (Michelin restaurants, organic wine bars, coffee culture). A grand church towers over the city. Candy-colored houses line the streets. Thermal swimming pools are gathering spots for most neighborhoods. Northern lights sightings are a real possibility (seasonally, of course). It’s also the jumping-off point for exciting adventures all around the Land of Fire and Ice. Pack for all seasons, as the weather changes frequently throughout the day--no matter what time of year it is. And be prepared to fall in love. This detailed guide includes: Places: islands, neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, restaurants Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars Shop: beauty products, bookstores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products Do: art museums, churches, concert venues, history museums, lakes, memorials, parks, peace stones, roads, sculptures, sports venues, squares, streets Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries Note: I travel to Reykjavík quite frequently, so this guide is updated often.