So you’ve decided to get acquainted with Reykjavik through our Hop On – Hop Off bus. Well done, we commend you for your good judgement. Here’s a short guide to what you might want to check out around stop 2.

The Old Harbour

This is a colourful and busy area with restaurants, shops and cafés. This is also the right spot to pick a boating tour. You can’t come all this way without meeting at least a puffin, preferably a whale too! Check out the mix of old and new locales and make sure to walk down the harbour and admire the boats and the amazing views over Mt. Esja and Harpa Concert Hall.

Sægreifinn

In the lowrise blue buildings that line this area, you’ll find former fishermen’s huts and current edgy cafés and shops. And then there’s this old-time gem. If you’re hungry and in the mood for something very local, head straight to Sægreifinn restaurant and fishmonger. Eat some soup and do some peoplewatching in this most authentic of all businesses in the area.

Tommi’s Burger Joint

The quaint-looking building on the corner by the old harbour is a tiny house with a huge history. It was originally a fish packing and weighing building that doubled as a café for harbour workers but now houses Iceland’s own fast food chain. Tommi’s has been making burgers since 1981 so they know what they’re doing and they’ve brought their skills and joints to the UK, Germany, Denmark and Italy. So, if you get hooked, you might find a Tommi’s Joint in your hometown.

HAF Store

An architect firm and design shop, there are very few things ugly or unwelcome in this place. Drink in the abundance of beauty and form and daydream about a home filled with these goods.

The Slipway

There isn’t much need to point out the slipway in the harbour, just look for a huge ship in a drydock. There’s just something about a ship on dry land that puts everything into a new perspective and here, it’s definitely the right perspective.

Landakot

Cross the street and head up the hill through a charming old neighbourhood of Reykjavik. At the top of the hill you’ll find Landakot church, school and hospital. It is a serene place of worship and quiet, nestled in downtown Reykjavik. If you’re into the introvert aspect of this area, just head a little further south and you’ll find the old cemetery, a favourite quite place among locals and their many cats of course.