Iceland review - 2004, Síða 60

ICELAND REVIEW SUPPLEMENT / 58
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Reykjavík is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The world’s northernmost capi-
tal boasts around 200 bars and restaurants. No wonder it seems as though
every time you walk the downtown streets there’s a hip new pub and eatery
to experience. A whole range of restaurants serving international fare
exists, everything from French, Italian, Japanese and Mexican to popular US
burger joints. Design plays a large role at many of the recent venues, such
as the Apótek and Vox restaurants. Check out the hip bar and brasserie at
the 101 hotel, as well.
After dinner, step out for a drink or two. Where? Follow the queues to the
upscale Thorvaldsen’s bar or to the arty Kaffibarinn and Sirkus. Ölstöfan is
also a popular option for drinks and chit-chat all nights of the week. Dance
to a heavy beat at Kapital and pull out all the glamour-stops at Pravda.
Nightclubs stay open late so your nocturnal crawl can last all through the
endless summer night.
SHOPPING HAVEN
Despite the lack of huge crowds one usually finds in
a thriving capital city, Reykjavík offers diversity to
shoppers at a friendly pace and price, with quaint,
chic shops dotting the historic downtown area.
The best downtown shopping strategy is to start at
the top of Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main commercial
street, and walk down the hill to Hafnarstræti or up
the adjacent street, Skólavördustígur. You’ll find
everything from designer clothes, galleries, sou-
venirs, jewellery, delis, bookstores and edgy Icelandic
designs. Reykjavík’s largest shopping malls are
Kringlan, a 10-minute drive from downtown
Reykjavík, and Smáralind, in the suburb of
Kópavogur. Both feature a range of high-street
chains, entertainment and eateries. But regardless of
where you go, shopping in Iceland won’t burst your
wallet. A recent survey shows that Iceland is less
expensive for luxury goods than cities such as New
York. Prices tumble further when tax concessions
available to visitors are taken into account.
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