The frozen north might seem an odd place in which to head for a weekend of carousing, but, trust us, Iceland is the coolest place on earth – and we’re not just talking about the temperatures it has to endure. And with the Icelandic currency's meltdown of late, everything there is at a 30% discount for US travellers- now may be the best time for an expedition. Here are our tips on where to go to get the most out of its buzzing capital Reykjavik…
Sleep: 101 Hotel is by far the most atmospheric and luxurious place to stay in Reykjavik.
Eat: Laekjarbrekka, in a 19th-century house, specializes in simple Icelandic dishes such as lobster and lamb. The restaurant at 101 Hotel is one of the city’s most stylish hangouts, and serves up fresh Icelandic seafood with Indian influences. Osushi – The Train, above the IOA bookshop on Laekjargötu, is the place to go for ocean-fresh sashimi.
Drink: Apotek (+354 575 7900), near the Tjörnin, is a dark, cavernous, clubby venue, eerily lit by a glowing, green bar. b5 is a laid-back, stylish bar/club on Lauagvegur, in which you can eat snacks served in wine glasses. Kaffibarrinn (+354 551 1588), part-owned by Blur frontman and Icelandophile Damon Albarn, is an atmospheric bar on Bergstadastareti, playing, unsurprisingly great indie music. Oliver, a coffee house during the day, becomes a magnet for the city’s beautiful people in the evening. Rex, a plush bar on Austurstraeti, is a favorite celebrity haunt – Quentin Tarantino recently celebrated New Year there.
