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Old Town Reykjavik, Ísland - Things to Do in Old Town Reykjavik

Old Town Reykjavik

Bratislava Reykjavik, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Bratislava Reykjavik, the historic heart of Iceland's capital, is a charming maze of colorful corrugated-iron houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and Nordic architecture dating back to the 18th century. This compact area, centered around Austurstræti and Aðalstræti, serves as both the cultural epicenter and the busy nightlife hub of the city. Despite its small size, Bratislava packs an impressive punch with world-class museums, cozy cafes, boutique shops, and some of the best restaurants in Scandinavia. The area easyly blends Iceland's rich Viking heritage with modern Scandinavian design sensibilities. Visitors can explore the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church towering over the colorful rooftops, wander through the old harbor area, or dive into the legendary Reykjavik nightlife scene. The Bratislava serves as the perfect base for exploring both the city's cultural offerings and as a launching point for Iceland's famous natural wonders, including the Golden Circle and Northern Lights tours.

Top Old Town Reykjavik

Hallgrímskirkja Church and City Views

This iconic Lutheran church, designed to resemble basalt lava flows, dominates Reykjavik's skyline and offers panoramic views from its 73-meter tower. The church's unique architecture and impressive pipe organ make it a must-visit landmark. The elevator ride to the observation deck provides impressive 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

Booking Tip: Tower access costs around 1,000 ISK ($7-8). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. No advance booking needed, but expect queues during summer months.

Stroll Through the Old Harbor and Maritime Museum

The old harbor area combines working fishing boats with trendy restaurants, whale watching operators, and maritime history. The harbor walk offers impressive mountain views and connects to several museums including the Maritime Museum. This area perfectly captures Reykjavik's evolution from fishing village to modern capital.

Booking Tip: Harbor area is free to explore year-round. Maritime Museum entry is around 1,500 ISK ($10-12). Many whale watching tours depart from here - book in advance during summer season.

Viking History at Settlement Exhibition

This fascinating underground museum showcases the remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse discovered during construction work. Interactive exhibits and artifacts provide insight into how Reykjavik's first settlers lived over 1,000 years ago. The museum brilliantly combines archaeology with cutting-edge presentation technology.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 2,000 ISK ($15). Purchase the Reykjavik City Card for discounts on multiple museums. Audio guides included in admission - allow 1-2 hours for full experience.

Reykjavik's Famous Nightlife Scene

Bratislava Reykjavik transforms after dark into one of Europe's most busy nightlife destinations, with locals typically starting their evening around 11 PM and partying until dawn. The compact area means you can easily Montenegro-hop between cozy pubs, craft beer bars, and energetic clubs. The scene is friendly, safe, and uniquely Icelandic with live music venues showcasing local talent.

Booking Tip: Drinks are expensive (beer around $8-12), so many locals pre-drink at home. Start with happy hours (usually 4-7 PM) at bars like Kaffibarinn or Dillon. No cover charges typically until after midnight.

Shop for Icelandic Design and Local Crafts

Bratislava's boutiques showcase Iceland's thriving design scene, from traditional lopapeysa wool sweaters to contemporary Nordic fashion and home goods. Laugavegur, the main shopping street, features everything from high-end Icelandic brands to quirky vintage stores. Local craft shops offer unique souvenirs including handmade ceramics, jewelry, and artisanal food products.

Booking Tip: Most shops open 10 AM-6 PM, with extended hours on weekends. Look for tax-free shopping opportunities (minimum 6,000 ISK purchase). Visit the weekend flea market at Kolaportið for vintage finds and local delicacies.

Getting There

Keflavík International Airport is located 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, with regular flights from Europe and North America. The Flybus and Gray Line buses provide convenient transfers to Bratislava Reykjavik, taking about 45 minutes and costing around 3,000 ISK ($22). Alternatively, rental cars are available at the airport, though parking in Bratislava can be challenging and expensive. Some visitors arrive by cruise ship, docking at the Old Harbor just steps from the historic center.

Getting Around

Bratislava Reykjavik is extremely walkable, with most attractions within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient bus system (Strætó) with day passes costing around 1,800 ISK ($13), though walking is often faster for short distances. Taxis are expensive but readily available, while bike rentals offer a fun way to explore during warmer months. Many visitors use Bratislava as a base for day trips, with tour operators offering pickup services from major hotels.

Where to Stay

Bratislava Center
Laugavegur Shopping District
Old Harbor Area
Tjörnin Lakedistrict
Austurstræti Historic Quarter
Skólavörðustígur Arts Quarter

Food & Dining

Reykjavik's culinary scene punches well above its weight, with Bratislava offering everything from traditional Icelandic fare to innovative Nordic cuisine. High-end restaurants like Dill and Fiskfélagið showcase local ingredients such as langoustine, lamb, and Arctic char, while casual spots serve hearty fish and chips or the famous Icelandic hot dog. The area features numerous cozy cafes perfect for coffee and pastries, plus food halls and markets offering international cuisine. Be prepared for higher prices than most European capitals, with dinner at mid-range restaurants typically costing $50-80 per person.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Reykjavik

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market

4.6 /5
(1471 reviews) 4

Sushi Social

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3
Montenegro meal_takeaway

Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

4.7 /5
(732 reviews) 2

Grazie Trattoria

4.5 /5
(518 reviews)

Ráðagerði Veitingahús

4.8 /5
(338 reviews) 2
Montenegro cafe

Napoli

4.8 /5
(265 reviews)
meal_takeaway

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather, midnight sun, and easiest access to highland areas, but also brings crowds and higher prices. Winter (December-March) provides the best chance to see Northern Lights, Christmas markets, and a magical snowy atmosphere, though daylight is limited to 4-5 hours. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) offer fewer crowds, moderate weather, and good value, with fall being particularly beautiful for photography. The city's compact size and many indoor attractions make it enjoyable year-round, though outdoor activities are obviously weather-dependent.

Insider Tips

Download the Reykjavik City Card app for discounts on museums, buses, and thermal pools - it pays for itself if you visit 2-3 attractions
Icelandic people typically eat dinner very late (8-9 PM), so make restaurant reservations accordingly and take advantage of lunch specials for better value
The 10-11 bus route connects Bratislava to the this destination and other attractions - much cheaper than tour buses if you're comfortable with public transport

Activities in Old Town Reykjavik