My husband and I will be in Reykjavik for about 2 1/2 days in the middle of June, 2013. He would particularly like to see a volcano, and the Rift. We are considering renting a car - what do you think? We really like to "do our own thing" though we would certainly consider a tour. We have a place to stay but would be interested in also seeing non-tourist sites. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Places to eat? We're novice tourists - any suggestions? Thanks. Carol
Posted by
Rosemount, MN, USA
76 posts
We'll be there this July for 3 days and we will rent a car. 1st day will be visiting the blue lagoon and the museums in Reykjavik. 2nd day will be the Golden Circle tour. 3rd day is either driving to Snaefellsness Peninsula or staying closer to Reykjavik and visiting more museums and/or exploring nearby Reykjanes Peninsula. Do an "Iceland" search on this site and Trip Advisor for more suggestions from people who have already been there. Also obtain a few travel guides. I liked the little Insight Guide with color pictures with brief explanations, a very quick reference guide. I also liked the Rough Guide. Frommers, Lonely Planet and Bradt also have good guidebooks to review. Do your research so you know what there is to do. Only you can decide what things are worthwhile to visit. From what I have read there are many good places to eat but one place repeatedly keeps coming up and that is a hot dog stand where Bill Clinton once ate.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Yep! The hot dogs there are pretty good - made with lamb. We did the Circle Tour with a guided bus tour and we really liked the experience. This tour covers a lot of ground/distance, so it was very pleasant not to drive that day. You will enjoy the Blue Lagoon. Also try one of the geothermal public pools in Reykjavik. Our flight arrived very early in the morning, so we dropped off our bags at the hotel and went straight to the Laugardalur pool (it opens very early). It's very cheap. We had a bite to eat for breakfast there and a great soak in the "hot pots". We also enjoyed the National Museum and just walking around in downtown Reykjavik. You can consider renting a car just for one day and head south towards the volcanoes, waterfalls and Vik on your own. This one would be easy, as it's just one major road all the way. It's also offered as a guided bus tour as well.