Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.12.2016, Page 46

The R
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So you want to see a bit of Ice-
land but also be able to afford
your ticket back home? No,
that’s not the most dramatic
request we’ve ever heard. Here’s
our guide for what do in Reyk-
javík that won’t break the bank.
Einar Jónsson’s Sculpture
Garden (Eiríksgata 3)
What better way to start
your day than with the early
20th-century Icelandic sculptor
Einar Jónsson? Stroll through
his sculpture garden and admire
the 26 bronze casts of Einar’s
monumental work at no cost.
Hallgrímskirkja
Upon exiting the garden, you’ll
be right next to Hallgrímskirk-
ja, arguably Reykjavík’s most
recognizable landmark. Take a
moment to walk inside Iceland’s
largest church—you can even
take the elevator up to the ob-
servation tower for a gorgeous
360-degree view over the city.
(Tower admission is 900 ISK.)
Ekkisens
(Bergstaðastræti 25B) or
Harbinger Art Gallery
(Freyjugata 1)
If you’re feeling particularly
artistic, make your way to the
Ekkisens or Harbinger art gal-
leries. These artist-run spaces
mainly showcase up-and-com-
ers in the art world and the ex-
hibitions are free!
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
(Tryggvagata)
You need sustenance for your
Icelandic odyssey, and just be-
cause you can’t drop stacks on
stacks doesn’t mean you have
to starve. Grab lunch at this Ice-
landic staple. Listen, if their hot
dogs are good enough for Bill
Clinton and Kim Kardashian,
they’re good enough for you.
Tjörnin
With hot dog in hand, walk past
Parliament (and potentially
some Icelandic protesters) on
your way to Tjörnin, the pond at
the city’s center. Enjoy the clas-
sic Icelandic homes and build-
ings that surround the pond
(but try not to wonder about
their price tags—just thinking
such thoughts will make money
disappear from your wallet)
.
Nauthólsvík Beach
If you fancy a swim, hop on the
bus to Nauthólsvík. It’s a quick
fifteen-minute ride to the geo-
thermal sand beach, which
boasts hot tubs looking out onto
the water and a lagoon in which
hot geothermal water combines
with the cool sea waves, creating
pleasant ocean temperatures.
(And, brace yourselves lads, this
too has no entrance fee!)
Appy Hour
Doesn’t a nice glass of some-
thing sound divine right about
now? Use The Grapevine’s very
own Appy Hour app to track
down the best deals for Happy
Hour and get your drink on.
Dinner Options
Depending how much you want
to spend and how good a job
you’ve done at saving through-
out the day, we’ve got a few op-
tions for you.
Mandi (Veltusund 3B) is great to
snag a quick and relatively (this
is the operative word in Iceland)
cheap kebab on the go.
Lemon (Laugavegur 56) is best
option for inexpensive, healthy
food and smoothies. Just be-
cause we’re trying to pinch our
pennies doesn’t mean we have
to be heathens here, people!
Café Loki (Lokastígur 28) gives
you good portions of classic Ice-
landic dishes, allowing you to
sample the local cuisine.
Grótta Lighthouse and
Geothermal Foot Bath
(Seltjarnarnes)
Use the last bit of sunlight to
walk along the coast to the Grót-
ta lighthouse. Then take a selfie
with the fantastic sunset while
soaking your feet in the small
geothermal pool on the coast. Is
there any better way to end a day?
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The Penny-
Pincher's Guide
A DAY IN REYKJAVÍK -
Words by KELLEY REES
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