We will have a stopover in Iceland in March. Traveling from Scotland to the US. Flight arrives late afternoon and leaves next day around 5(?). We wanted more time but couldn’t swing it this trip.
Reading comments, it sounds like spending the day in Reykjavik is the best choice.
My questions are about hotel and food. We can stay at a hotel near the airport using points and either rent a car or taxi into Reykjavik. It seems less expensive to do that because of prices for stays in town and we would need the transportation anyway. What are your thoughts?
Are there places to eat near the international airport that are local?
What are your favorite places to get local and traditional food in Reykjavik? Less expensive or mid price if possible. And we love trying local foods. Thank you!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2798 posts
March weather is still winter, so take that into consideration if you are thinking of renting a car. If you do not rent a car, you can take a taxi (about $150 each way) or the Flybus, which is about $35 pp each way but that makes a stop at the central bus terminal and you have to change to a small bus to get to your hotel so it takes more time.
Arriving late afternoon, I would head into Reykjavik and either do the food tour (excellent!!!) or make reservations for dinner and then wander. There is so much to see right in town, and in the early evening it is even more beautiful, IMO. If you are interested in any lagoons/etc you could do a local pool right in town, or go to Sky Lagoon which is in town, but sort of on the outskirts so a taxi or bus is the way to get there.
The next day you could either just wander Reykjavik, or do a short half day tour. There are not many of these, and most of them are private, but that is something to consider.
There is not much right by the airport, but there is the Aurora Hotel right next to it. They have a restaurant, but we have not eaten at it so I can't comment. I would eat in Reykjavik anyway as there are so many great options.
In Reykjavik itself, take a look at Messinn (my favorite restaurant in town), The Sea Baron, Sjavargrillid, Forrettabarinn, Islenski Barinn, and Skal! Definitely make reservations, whichever you choose.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you! We are used to ice storms, wind and winter weather and will have 4 adults traveling. That’s why we were thinking of renting a car. I will look into the bus and taxi service again. That would be easier.
We love your idea to do a food tour and the local lagoon! I will also check out your restaurant recommendations.
Thank you again.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2798 posts
The Flybus is about $35 per person each way. A Taxi runs about $150 each way. A rental car will be more for just that short time, so it may be a wash with a taxi and car, in which case I would do a taxi just since they know exactly where they are going.
Posted by
DC Metro Area
13 posts
@wanderer1122: We just got back from a 6 day trip to Iceland, mostly in Reykjavik. Seconding what mikliz97 said, there are many great restaurants in Reykjavik, so you can't go wrong with any of them. In addition to mikliz97's suggestions, we really liked Grillmarkadurinn, Fiskurfeliged, Old Iceland, Apotek, and Loki. Besides Loki and Old Iceland (both of which are close to Hallgrimskirkja), the rest of the restaurants are within a few blocks of the Icelandic Parliament in the city center. If you get the chance, check out Dill and Matur og Drykkr. Make reservations wherever you go.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you all!
Update: We’ve booked a room in Reykjavik and are going to do a food tour that night. And then explore the town the next morning before heading to the airport (arriving at airport 3 hrs before flight time).
What food tour would you recommend? I researched and found one I wanted but sadly forgot to bookmark it.
And one of our group is on a college dance team that performs traditional dances and would love to connect with some local traditional dancers. I’ve read about Icelandic dance. Does anyone know if there’s a group or troupe in Reykjavik? I found one in another town.
Thank you again.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2798 posts
This is who we have used for the food tour. It is the original one, and very good.
https://wakeupreykjavik.com/tour/the-reykjavik-food-tour which is a group of locals and they are the same company as The Reykjavik Food Walk, just two different ways they market themselves. So you can book on either platform.
I have no idea about the dancing, so if you book the food tour you may want to just email them and ask that general question since they are all locals and they may have a suggestion for you.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2820 posts
Just a note it takes 40-50 minutes to get from the airport to the bus station where the Flybus drops you off, then there are smaller busses that get you closer to hotels. Factor that in to your reservation time for the food tour and your return plans to the airport, especially if the weather is uncooperative.
I took this food tour and enjoyed it. You won't need to make separate dinner reservations, plenty of food. There are multiple departure times but 5 p.m. seems to be the latest during the week. https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/tour/reykjavik-food-lovers-tour/
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks the links for the food tours! These were the two I’d found. I also like the idea of asking them after booking if they know of any dancers.
Posted by
Upstate New York
102 posts
Friend and I did the food tour last summer, with “Your Friend in Reykjavík”. It was very enjoyable. Highly recommended. Guide was knowledgeable, friendly, with a good sense of humor. A lot of fun. As previous post seems to suggest, you won’t need a dinner reservation after the tour. At least we didn’t. Plenty of food. And the food tour really also offers a nice tour of the city. The tour lasted, if I recall correctly, just shy of three hours.
Posted by
Chicago
3317 posts
I just watched this video that might be helpful--How to Spend 24 Hours in Iceland (Winter Edition)