Curator’s statement
Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city, is a wonderful winter destination for families. With its stunning scenery, unique culture and abundance of child-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. I created this itinerary for my clients traveling to Reykavik in December with their two kids ages nine and five with the perfect amount of adventure and relaxation ideal for adults and kids.
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Things to do in Reykjavik
Perlan Museum: This museum and observation deck offers stunning views of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. It also features interactive exhibits on Icelandic culture, nature and history.
Árbær Open Air Museum: This museum is a living history village that showcases traditional Icelandic culture and architecture. Visitors can see how Icelanders lived in the past, try traditional Icelandic food and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Whale and Puffin Watching: Discover adorable puffins on a cruise from the Old Harbor and see local whales on a boat from Reykjavík to Faxaflói Bay.
Discover Golden Circle with Geothermal Bakery and Tomato Farm Lunch: Discover Iceland's three most-important natural landmarks - the thundering waterfall of Gullfoss waterfalls, the geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. Enjoy a lunch stop at Friðheimar tomato farm and snacks at a Geothermal Bakery.
See the Northern Lights: Head out of the city away from any light pollution to see the Aurora Borealis. Some tours include professional photography to capture this special moment and homemade hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls to enjoy under the beauty of the Northern Lights.
Relax at the Blue Lagoon and end with dinner at Lava: Visit the world-renowned Blue Lagoon set in a black lava field. Bathe in the lagoon and enjoy a sauna with lagoon views, or a cozy steam-bath caved into a lava cave. After a much deserved relaxation, dine at Lava, showcasing savory highlights of Icelandic cuisine with lagoon views.
Places to eat & drink in Reykjavik
Tides (in The Reykjavik Edition): International menu touched with Icelandic ingredients like 1,000-day-aged feykir cheese and Arctic thyme.
Mat Bar (Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavik): Small chef-driven restaurant in the heart of Reykjavik, serving seasonal and sustainable Icelandic ingredients.
Messinn (Lækjargata 6, 101 Reykjavík): Small seafood restaurant famous for fish pans served with butter fried potatoes and vegetables
Lava (at the Blue Lagoon): Built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall and the view overlooks the lagoon, adding to its uniqueness. The chefs take pride in using fresh Icelandic ingredients and the lunch and evening menus range from light dishes to gourmet meals. Try the catch of the day, which is the freshest fish available from the near fishing village Grindavík.
Baka Baka (Bankastræti 2 101, 101 Reykjavík): Two-level bakery and restaurant in 2022. Icelandic stone-milled flours are used for pastries and sourdough breads that can be bought at the door and carried out, though the restaurant also serves full brunches and wood-fired pizzas, paired with natural wines in the evenings.
Anna Jona (Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík): Eclectic menu includes things like poached eggs with seaweed caviar and fluffy Japanese pancakes, alongside all-day breakfast items.
Sweet Aurora (Bergstaðastræti 14, 101 Reykjavík): Fine French patisserie that infuses things like choux, macarons, and cakes with seasonal Icelandic herbs and flowers.
Need to know
Travel Advisor
Ann Tan
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Ultimate Guide to Napa Valley. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Reykjavik.