SD › Reykjavik › Best Hotels › 101 Hotel Review
Updated: April 20, 2021
Essentials
• Location: On the corner of Hverfisgata and Ingolfsstraetti.
• Hotel website: 101hotel.is
• Hotel phone: +354 580 0101
• Check prices on Booking.com
101 features luxurious modern rooms, some with balconies, contemporary art throughout the property, an excellent Nordic restaurant, and a great basement spa with steam and jacuzzi.
101 Hotel – Chic design hotel and art gallery, just off lively Laugavegur street.
Unassuming from the outside, this chic hotel doubles as a contemporary art gallery displaying curated works by local artists, while the cozy lounge and library with an open fireplace remind one of a ski chalet. Its open-plan, immaculately appointed, sleek, and modern rooms are all slate-greys, whites, and volcanic blacks, and the basement spa features a geothermally heated jacuzzi. There is terrific Icelandic and European dining on-site at the futuristic-looking restaurant, complete with killer cocktails. A roof terrace, attentive staff, and convenient location are added bonuses of staying here.
See Also
101 Hotel – Location
- Address: Hverfisgata 10.
- Area: Half a block off Reykjavik’s main pedestrianized shopping street, Laugavegur, 101 Hotel is in a super-central location. It’s a 5-minute walk (0.3 mile) to the waterfront, ideally placed for shopping, and just a few minutes’ walk from dozens of restaurants and bars. Old Reykjavik, with its museums, bars, and restaurants, is a 2-minute stroll (0.1 mile) away, while the Old Harbour with its whale and puffin boat tours is about 9 minutes’ walk (0.4 mile).
- How to Get There: Flybus offers convenient bus/shuttle transfers from Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport to your hotel (30 miles), with shuttle drop-off at most downtown locations. It costs 3,299kr (around US$26) one way. Alternatively, 4-seater taxis from the airport cost a set fee of 15,000kr (around US$126).
- Handy to: Culture House, Hallgrímskirkja, National Gallery of Iceland.
101 Hotel – The Basics
- Ages: This hotel has an adult feel to it and guests tend to be a mix of travelers on a city break, business people, and couples on a romantic vacation. That said, children are welcome, but there are few family-friendly facilities.
- View: Rooms look out either over the Árnarhóll green space with the statue of Iceland’s first settler, Viking Ingólfur Arnarson, and the harbor beyond, or else over the short stretch of Hverfisgata and the corner of Laugavegur shopping street.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
- Laundry: In-room laundry service available (extra charge).
- Parking: Public parking is close by (extra charge).
- Extras: Turn-down service, art gallery, DVD library, events room, business center, dedicated concierge service, satellite TV and B&O Bluetooth speakers in all rooms, roof terrace.
- When to Book: Reserve around 8 months in advance for the summer high season (mid-June to late August) as well Christmas/New Year. The rest of the year, it’s still a good idea to book several months in advance since Iceland is a year-round destination.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +354 580 0101
- Email: 101hotel@101hotel.is
- Website: 101hotel.is
101 Hotel – Amenities
- Pool: No pool.
- Spa: The basement spa includes a steam bath and jacuzzi (open 24 hours) and massages can be arranged in-room.
- Fitness Center: There’s a small but well-equipped fitness center in the basement. Open 24 hours.
- For Disabled Guests: One room specially adapted for guests with limited mobility.
- For Families: Baby cots and extra beds available (extra charge).
101 Hotel – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: 101 Hotel Restaurant is a sleek, futuristic-looking restaurant serving a mix of Icelandic and international dishes (cod with almond crust, duck confit, burgers) and the lunch menu in particular is very affordable. Book ahead for dinner. $$-$$$. Open 11.30 am to midnight.
- Lounge/Bar: The long black glass bar is attached to the restaurant. You can perch on a white stool here, or else have your drink by the fireplace in the lounge. Excellent cocktails. Open 11.30 am to midnight.
- Breakfast: Not complimentary. The breakfast buffet costs 3,750kr (around US$29) and includes bagels, egg dishes cooked to order, and homemade waffles. Served 7-10.30 am weekdays, and until 11 am on weekends.
- Room Service: Available from 7 am to 10 pm.
101 Hotel – Rooms
- Room Types: Double Queen • Double King • Double Deluxe • Double with Balcony • Junior Suite • Corner Suite with Balcony • Suite with Balcony • Apartment Suite • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: 101 Hotel is 100% smoke-free.
- Best Room: While the Apartment Suite is the largest room and comes with a separate dining area, the Suite with Balcony and the Corner Suite with Balcony are more popular due to harbor views from their balconies. All suites have standalone soaking tubs in the bathrooms as well as walk-in rain showers. All rooms and suites have under-floor heating.
- For Families: No family rooms per se, but extra beds and cots for children can be accommodated in all the suites.
101 Hotel – Local Transport
- Walking: Most of Reykjavik’s attractions are within a 20-minute walking radius from the hotel, as are most restaurants and bars.
- Taxis, Uber: Taxis to the airport cost US$126. Taxi prices around town are high (around US$8.50 per km) and most visitors won’t use them much as the city is very walkable. Tipping is not required. It’s worth downloading the handy Hreyfill bæjarleiðir app if you’re going to use taxis. There’s no Uber in Iceland.
- Public Bus: A network of Stræto buses runs from the centrally located Hlemmur bus station (0.6 mile) to Reykjavik’s suburbs. Single fare is 480kr (around US$3.70) and you can buy tickets on the bus or online using the handy app (which also helps you plan your journey). If you buy the Reykjavik City Card online or from the tourist office, it includes unlimited bus travel in the Reykjavik area as well as free entry to various museums. While most of Reykjavik’s attractions are in the city center, you may use buses to get out to Reykjavik Zoo, Botanic Gardens, or the Ásmundarsaft branch of the Reykjavik Art Museum.
101 Hotel – What’s Nearby?
Recommended Nearby Tours
- Northern Lights – During the winter months, most outdoor adventure companies in town offer evening jaunts into the countryside to try and spot the eerie ribbons of the aurora borealis unfurling across the sky. Trips last around 4 hours and depart at 9 or 10 pm. Start location: Hotel pickup.
- Horseback Riding – Ride sturdy little Icelandic horses through lava fields. Several stables near Reykjavik offer horseback riding jaunts for all levels of experience, ranging from 90-minute outings to multi-day trips through the countryside. Recommended operators include Laxnes, Islenski Hesturinn, and Reykjavik Riding Center. Start location: Hotel pickup available.
- Glacier Walking and Ice Climbing – Year-round adventures on the Sólheimajökull glacier. Icelandic Mountain Guides and Arctic Adventures run popular day trips to the most accessible part of the immense Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can choose between walking on the glacier, exploring the ice cave under the Katla Volcano, or combining the two. Ice-climbing jaunts run from September to April and you need to be fit. Start location: Hotel pickup.
- Inside the Volcano – This adventure tour outfitter runs day trips inside the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano, a 3-hour ride from the city. Groups hike for an hour to the crater and then take the elevator 120m down into a 4,000-year-old magma chamber that once bubbled with lava. Over-12s only. Start location: Hotel pickup.
- Citywalk – Runs free history and culture walking tours that take in the city’s main sights, as well as pub crawls. Start location: Depends on the tour.
- Haunted Walk – Super-popular walking tours that delve into Icelandic folklore and take visitors ghost-spotting. Start location: Restaurant Reykjavik, on the corner of Aðalstræti and Vesturgata (0.3 mile).
- Reykjavik City Library – Runs the fun 90-minute Dark Deeds tour that focuses on crime fiction set in Reykjavik. Start location: 0.3 mile.
- Whale-watching and Puffin-spotting – Departing from the old harbor, numerous boat companies run whale and puffin-watching tours year-round. There are more departures during the summer months when whale sightings are more common. Recommended companies include Reykjavik Sailors and Whale Safari. Alternatively, sail in the reconstructed Viking longboat, Gaukstad, with Reykjavik Viking Adventure. Start location: 0.5 mile.
- Omnom Chocolate – Reykjavik’s gourmet chocolate factory. Come and find out how Iceland’s bean to bar chocolate is made and taste numerous unusual flavors, from sea salt to licorice, black and burnt barley, drunk raisins, and coffee. Tours take place at 2 pm on weekdays and last around an hour; book online at least 1 day in advance. Start location: 1 mile.
- Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s most famous thermal springs. Incredibly popular, the steaming teal waters of Blue Lagoon fill up with visitors who paint themselves with the mineral-rich white mud. The hot springs are an easy day trip from Reykjavik, and you can even go for a soak just before catching your flight home since it’s right near the airport. Book your slot online well ahead; evenings and early mornings are least crowded. Several pickup locations around town. (30 miles).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Apotek Kitchen & Bar – A mix of Icelandic and European cuisine using a hot Argentinian grill in a stylish space that used to be a former pharmacy. Lots of dishes designed for sharing, and there are good lunch specials and creative cocktails divided into 4 ‘medicinal’ categories. (0.2 mile).
- Grillmarkaðurinn – All volcanic rock, dark wood, and glass, the Grill Market particularly excels at meat and seafood dishes cooked over the coals of their custom-made grill. Most ingredients are sourced from local farmers and there are stellar cocktails to boot. (0.2 mile).
- Icelandic Street Food – Tiny, casual eatery serving pancakes, fish stew, and lamb and shellfish soup in a bread bowl. You can take the food into Icelandic Craft Bar, the sister establishment next door. (0.2 mile).
- Sumac – Icelandic seasonal ingredients meet Lebanese and Moroccan spices and cooking techniques at Sumac. Perch at the counter of the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work, or get assorted meze – harissa chicken wings, grilled eggplant with pomegranate, deep-fried cod cheeks with sumac aioli – for the whole table. (0.2 mile).
- Krua Thai – Informal, busy Thai restaurant with upstairs dining area, serving up some authentic Thai heat in the form of curries, soups, and stir-fries. Popular with families and good value. (0.2 mile).
- Snaps Bistro – Unpretentious French bistro, hugely popular with locals for its steak béarnaise with French fries and seafood bouillabaisse. Lunch specials are a bargain and the glassed-in porch is a top spot for brunch. (0.3 mile).
- Fiskmarkaðurinn – At ‘Fish Market’, the menu is succinct and well-executed, from lumpfish roe with fermented potatoes and bitter-lemon-glazed Arctic char to elaborate sushi rolls and tempura. The creative desserts hit the spot, the setting is stylish yet understated, and the cocktails are terrific. (0.3 mile).
- Dill – Iceland’s sole Michelin-starred restaurant, Dill embraces ‘New Nordic’ cuisine and takes Icelandic ingredients to new heights. Dine on a 5 and 7-course tasting menu at the bar overlooking the open kitchen or at a candlelit table. Reservations essential. (0.4 mile).
- Kol – Icelandic comfort food with an international twist, Kol does wonderful things with largely local ingredients. Standout dishes include lamb sirloin with honey-pickled rutabaga, Icelandic scallops with dill mayo, and beef tenderloin with black garlic. Splurge on the tasting menu and don’t miss the terrific cocktails. (0.4 mile).
- ROK – Right near the Hallgrímskirkja, this small timber house with a popular outdoor terrace specializes in high-concept small plates and sharing dishes (cured reindeer, Icelandic char, wild mushroom risotto, slow-cooked beef tacos), paired with local craft beer and a carefully chosen wine list. The tasting menus are worth the splurge and it has champagne happy hours from 4-7 pm daily. Buzzy and popular with groups, so book ahead. (0.4 mile).
Best Nearby Cafes
- Kaffitár – This Icelandic coffee roaster has 5 branches around the city and is known for its ecological practices as well as specialty coffees from around the world. Freshly made cakes and pastries also. Great place to sit with a laptop. (100m).
- The Laundromat Café – Hipster café with a “save the world” vibe and a crowd-pleasing menu that includes blueberry pancakes, acai bowls, pulled duck burgers, and club sandwiches. Wash it down with coffee, cocktails, or homemade lemonade. (0.2 mile).
- Reykjavik Roasters – This minimalist coffee shop near the Hallgrímskirkja imports its Fair Trade beans directly from Nicaragua and Colombia and roasts them on-site. Great pastries, too. (0.4 mile).
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- Kaffibarinn – Pass through the door decorated with a London Underground sign to enter one of the city’s hippest bars, part-owned by Damon from Blur. The candlelit interior, some of the longest happy hours in Reykjavik (3-8 pm), on-point DJs, and a great selection of beers, shots, and more makes this a good place for a drink anytime. (0.1 mile).
- Lebowski Bar – Fun and grungy watering hole named after the iconic movie. Order a White Russian and check out the Americana adorning the walls. (0.2 mile).
- Ölstofa – Friendly neighborhood pub and local fixture since 2002, with over 25 local and international beers to choose from, decent selection of whiskies, and a mellow atmosphere. You may even spot the odd Icelandic celeb here. No photography. (0.2 mile).
- Port 9 – Wide selection of hand-picked wines from all over Europe and the Americas, a small-plate menu, cozy seating, and an intimate atmosphere. (0.2 mile).
- Icelandic Craft Bar – This super-central bar focuses exclusively on Icelandic brews, with 6 on tap and 14 bottled beers from Börg, Einstök, Víking, and the rarer Austri from east Iceland. If you’re hungry, you can bring food here from Icelandic Street Food, its sister restaurant next door. Occasional live music in the basement. (0.2 mile).
- Dillon Whiskey Bar – Atmospheric watering hole with over 170 whiskeys to choose from around the globe. There’s live music 3-4 nights a week (no cover charge) and a beloved local DJ on Saturdays. (0.2 mile).
- Bar Ananas – This colorful, Hawaiian-themed beach bar in the heart of Reykjavik is all about tropical cocktails. There’s a tiny dance floor as well for those who want to shake it to reggae and dub beats. (0.2 mile).
- BrewDog Reykjavik – The Frakkastígur branch of the hugely popular Scottish craft beer empire that’s always experimenting and offering new creations. Their Punk AF IPA and Vagabond Pale are justifiably popular, or you can opt for their range of OverWorks Wild and Sour beers. (0.3 mile).
- Aldamót – Inside Kvosin Downtown Hotel, this classy establishment takes the study of hops, wines, and spirits seriously. Particularly renowned for its craft martinis with fresh fruit and herbs, though there are also rotating Icelandic craft brews on tap as well as carefully selected wines. (0.3 mile).
- Kolabrautin – Apart from the stellar location overlooking the harbor from the top of the Harpa Concert Hall, multi-level Kolabrautin is particularly good for exotic cocktails. The attached restaurant is terrific as well, with a short but sweet menu of Icelandic-Italian fusion dishes. (0.3 mile).
Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops
- Rammagerdin – One of the city’s best souvenir shops. Plenty of woolen goods, T-shirts with unique designs made from recycled materials, Iceland-inspired lava jewelry, lava salt, and more. Several branches around the city. (100m).
- Icewear – Locally designed outdoor gear and wool apparel, from handmade woolen sweaters to insulated waterproof jackets and Gore-tex hiking boots. (150m).
- Gullkúnst Helgu – Original jewelry by a local designer, incorporating lava into earrings, pendants, rings, and more. (0.1 mile).
- Ófeigur – Bespoke gold and silverwork. Master craftsman Björnsson designs unique silver and gold jewelry inset with lava and other natural materials. His wife is a dressmaker and you can find her creations and accessories here as well. (0.1 mile).
- Mál og Menning – Terrific independent bookshop. 3-story Icelandic institution, with an excellent selection of English-language books on Iceland’s history, nature, and culture. Also, international titles covering all major genres. (0.2 mile).
- Orrifinn – Unique, Icelandic-themed jewelry. Inspired by Iceland’s landscape and history, this jeweler specializes in delicate pendants and rings involving axes, keys, serpents, anchors, and more. (0.2 mile).
- Geysir – Icelandic woolen goodies and more. Come here for traditional Icelandic sweaters and blankets as well as more contemporary designs. Also sells men’s and women’s shoes and accessories. (0.2 mile).
- Smekkleysa – Legendary record store and infamous record label. “Bad Taste” is all about punk rock and other alternative music, and singer Björk is one of the label’s founders. Music aside, Smekkleysa sells poetry, novels, and offbeat greeting cards. (0.2 mile).
- 12 Tónar – Independent record store. Come to this 2-story shop and independent record label for a complimentary espresso, a chat with local musicians, and a browse through stacks of Icelandic and international vinyl. (0.2 mile).
- Aftur – Eco-aware local designer. Sleek, urban designer apparel for men and women, with an emphasis on recycling and upcycling. Current owner also handpicks clothing and accessories by labels that share her aesthetics. (0.3 mile).
- Epal Icelandic Design – Quirky Icelandic gifts. Apart from the obligatory collection of woolen sweaters, lava salt shakers, and mint candy that promises to “make you sing like Björk”, Epal stocks Icelandic black humor by local cartoonist Dagsson and various other unusual gifts. (0.3 mile).
- Tulipop – Characters from an Icelandic fantasy world appear here in the form of toys, collectibles, and other merchandise. Quirky, unique gifts. (0.4 mile).
Nearby Attractions
- Culture House – Across the street from the hotel, this 1908 building hosts a terrific exhibition on Iceland’s cultural and artistic heritage, from early settlement to the present day. Look out for priceless 14th-century manuscripts and the skeleton of the now-extinct great auk. Changing contemporary art exhibitions, too. (50m).
- Harpa Concert Hall – Award-winning music venue. With its many facets glistening on the waterfront, Harpa combines striking modern architecture with terrific acoustics. It is home to the Icelandic Opera and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and hosts numerous music festivals such as Dark Music Days, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, and Reykjavik Midsummer Music. Even if you don’t attend a concert, it’s well worth taking one of the daily guided tours of the building. (0.3 mile).
- Reykjavik Art Museum – Contemporary Icelandic art. Spread over 3 locations, this terrific museum presents the best of contemporary Icelandic talent, from installations and abstract sculptures to paintings, photos, and videos. The Hafnarhús – a soaring steel and concrete exhibition space – is the most central of the three. (0.3 mile).
- National Gallery of Iceland – The most comprehensive collection of Icelandic art. The bright marble galleries display some of the museum’s 10,000 pieces on rotation and there are frequent special exhibitions by the likes of Sigurjón Ólafsson, Jóhannes Kjarval, and other prominent Icelandic artists. (0.4 mile).
- Einar Jónsson Museum – Works by Iceland’s first sculptor. Drawing inspiration from Icelandic folklore, Jónsson was particularly renowned for his intense symbolist works, some of which are scattered around central Reykjavik. Look out for Outlaws, The Birth of Psyche, and Fate. Don’t miss the sculpture garden out back. (0.4 mile).
- Hallgrímskirkja – Reykjavik’s iconic church. Built between 1945 and 1986, this striking white-concrete church dominates the hilltop in central Reykjavik. Inside, this Lutheran church is rather austere but worth a peek for its impressive 5,275-pipe organ. Take the elevator up the 74.5m-high tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city. (0.5 mile).
- Sun Voyager – Head for the waterfront to check out the Sun Voyager, Reykjavik’s iconic sculpture, an almost ethereal Viking longboat by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The artist’s intention was to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, freedom, and hope. It’s also a favorite spot for sunset-watching, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. (0.5 mile).
- Saga Museum – Icelandic history comes to life here. Walk your way through centuries of Iceland’s turbulent history since its first settlement by Norsemen in the 9th century AD. Key moments, including the devastation wreaked by the Black Death, are brought to life by the realistic-looking tableaux of mannequins, and visitors can play dress-up too. (0.7 mile).
- Reykjavik City Museum – Beautifully presented archaeological museum centered on a 10th-century Viking longhouse. Digital technology is used to bring the past to life and interactive multimedia tables put artifacts such as fish-oil lamps and iron axes into context. (0.8 mile).
- Reykjavik Maritime Museum – Iceland’s seafaring heritage. This former fish-freezing factory celebrates Iceland’s centuries-old relationship with the sea, from Viking voyages to the country’s lifeblood – it’s fishing industry. Learn about piracy and daring coastguard rescues, and check out the dried cod. Occasional guided tours aboard the coastguard ship Óðinn. (0.8 mile).
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Kolaportid Flea Market – Enormous flea and food market. Held on weekends in a massive industrial building by the waterfront, this market has numerous stalls selling vintage clothing, old toys, and assorted bric-à-brac. The food stalls are a good place to sample such traditional delicacies as rúgbrauð (geothermally-baked rye bread) and hákarl (fermented shark). (0.3 mile).
- Bónus – Handy small supermarket along Laugavegur street. (0.4 mile).
101 Hotel – The Hotel
101 Hotel is housed inside an understated slate-grey building half a block from the Laugavegur pedestrian shopping street.
Opposite the reception area there’s a cozy guest lounge with a working fireplace.
The hotel doubles as a contemporary art gallery, with one of the sculptures standing sentinel at the entrance to the bar and dining area.
Kitchen & Wine restaurant, where guests have their breakfast, is popular with non-guests for its mix of Icelandic and European dishes.
The hotel’s iconic bar, attached to the Kitchen & Wine restaurant, is locally renowned for its cocktails.
The basement spa is open 24/7 and features a steam bath and jacuzzi.
All rooms, including this Queen room, have monochrome decor, underfloor heating, polished wooden floors, and plenty of high-tech gadgets. Queen rooms have street views.
King rooms have the same amenities as Queen rooms, but come with larger living areas, and some have views of the harbor.
The Deluxe King rooms are the same size as the King rooms, but they come with free-standing tubs in the bathrooms.
The Corner Suite with Balcony is one of the most popular rooms – it’s spacious and has a 2-way view of the city and the harbor.
It is one of three rooms which has its own private terrace, a boon during the warmer months.
Just behind the hotel is Árnarhóll green space, a favorite with sunbathing locals on a fine day.
Across the street is Culture House, with a terrific exhibition on Iceland’s cultural and artistic heritage from early settlement to the present day.
If you follow the street north from Culture House towards the waterfront and cross the main Lækjargata thoroughfare, you reach the Harpa Concert Hall, an award-winning music venue with an excellent bar and restaurant, Kolabrautin, which overlooks the harbor and occupies several levels.
Further east along the waterfront is the iconic Sun Voyager monument.
If you head east of Culture House along Hverfisgata for 4 blocks, you come to the Reykjavik branch of BrewDog, the Icelandic outpost of the creative Scottish brewhouse.
One block south of BrewDog and along Frakkastígur street is the middle of the pedestrianized Laugavegur shopping street, complete with street art.
Half a block east along Laugavegur is Dill, Reykjavik’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Book well ahead for the tasting menus.
Another block east is Epal Icelandic Design, your 1-stop shop for quirky Icelandic gifts.
If you head uphill along Frakkastígur from Laugavegur street, you shortly reach Reykjavik Roasters, a minimalist coffee shop with its own on-site roastery.
A little further uphill is ROK, a trendy bistro inside a small timber house, specializing in small plates coupled with a carefully chosen wine list.
On top of the hill is the Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic white-concrete church. Take the elevator up the 74.5m-high tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Across the street from the church is the Einar Jónsson Museum, showcasing the works of Iceland’s most famous sculptor.
Don’t miss the sculpture garden round the back.
From here, you can head back down to Laugavegur street along the partially pedestrianized Skólavörðustígir street which is also lined with shops.
Right nearby is Tulipop, where characters from an Icelandic fantasy world appear in the form of toys, collectibles, and other merchandise.
A couple of blocks downhill is Krua Thai, an unpretentious and authentic Thai restaurant, serving generous portions of curries and stir-fries.
Across the street is a branch of Rammagerdin, one of the city’s best souvenir shops for woolly goodies, lava jewelry, and more.
A couple of short blocks west is Snaps Bistro, an unpretentious French bistro hugely popular with locals for its steak bearnaise with French fries and seafood bouillabaisse.
From the bottom of Skólavörðustígir street, it’s 2 block east along Laugavegur street to Kaffibarinn, one of the city’s hippest bars.
Another block east and you reach the grungy Lebowski Bar, named after the iconic movie; it’s a great spot for a White Russian.
Another half a block brings you to Sumac, a smart restaurant serving Lebanese and Icelandic dishes and exotic cocktails.
Almost next door is Dillon Whiskey Bar, with over 170 whiskeys to choose from.
If you head west along Laugavegur from the hotel, a 2-block walk brings you to the main Lækjargata thoroughfare. Cross it and head south and you hit Icelandic Craft Bar, a homey bar that focuses exclusively on brews from local microbreweries.
Almost next door is a branch of Icelandic Street Food, where you can tuck into pancakes, fish stew, and lamb soup.
Further down the road is the National Gallery of Iceland, the country’s most comprehensive collection of Icelandic art.
Across the road is Tjörnin lake, with lakeside paths popular with local walkers. At the north end of the lake, a pedestrian bridge leads to the Reykjavik City Hall.
Alternatively, cross the main Lækjargata thoroughfare; a block west is Apotek Kitchen & Bar, a pharmacy-themed restaurant serving imaginative Icelandic dishes and creative ‘medicinal’ cocktails.
Right in front of Apotek Kitchen & Bar is Austurvöllur square, one of the green spaces in Old Reykjavik.
If you cut across the square and walk another block west, you reach the Settlement Exhibition, centered on the excavation of a 10th-century Viking longhouse.
Just up the street is a branch of Te & Kaffi, a micro-roastery specializing in small batch coffees.
Across the street is Fismarkaðurinn, a stylish restaurant serving exceptional seafood and sushi along with killer cocktails.
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