Iceland review - 2007, Blaðsíða 89
Pure energy 8786 Pure energy
so much to do
Reykjavík CITy CeNTeR
Reykjavík’s compact city center has plenty to keep you occupied. The
downtown area is clean and safe and ideal for strolling around. Find the
perfect souvenir enjoy a gourmet meal or lose track of time in a modern
gallery.
culture & museums
Reykjavík has more museums, galleries and cultural events than other cities
of its size. In addition to a national symphony, opera, theater and dance
company, which all hold regular performances, the city hosts various artistic
and culture festivals throughout the year. These events, like the Reykjavík
Arts Festival, Culture Night, Winter Lights Festival and the Iceland Airwaves
music festival, showcase the best of Icelandic and international talent, and
are popular with locals and visitors alike.
The city center has a broad array of museums and galleries that are
open year-round. They vary from displays of national historic treasures and
texts to small eclectic galleries of the latest works on a local artist. Many
have free admission one day a week and the Reykjavík Tourist Card provides
free access to them and many other sites in the city.
design & shoPPing
Reykjavíkers are known for their innovative design style. Walk up Laugavegur
or Skólavördustígur, the city’s main shopping streets, and you’ll spot arts
and crafts galleries, music and bookstores, jewelry shops with one-of-a-
kind Icelandic designs that often incorporate local semi-precious stones
or pieces of lava rock, and locally created fashion like a handbag made of
fish skin or a delicate woolen top. Reykjavík’s oldest building on Adalstraeti
10, newly renovated, houses the city’s Crafts and Design Center and an
Icelandic design shop. Familiar luxury brand names are also comparatively
well priced, especially when a visitor’s tax-free discount is factored in.
In 2007, it is even easier to spot the latest unique designers. Look out
for the specially identified shops, restaurants and galleries that have been
marked as part of the city’s new “Design District” (designdistrict.is). There
you can be assured of finding the latest in Icelandic creativity. Don’t forget
you can claim back the value-added tax (VAT) on any items you purchase
over ISK 4000.
restaurants, caFÉs & nightliFe
The city’s cafés are the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and
shopping. Virtually all have free wireless internet access and many have a
generous supply of English-language newspapers and magazines, giving
you lots to do while you curl up on a comfy sofa with your latte.
Downtown also has a great selection of restaurants. Icelandic chefs
have garnered numerous prestigious cooking awards in recent years and
this is showcased in the various fine dining locations in the city. There are
many places with that famous fresh seafood and lamb, or you can try some
international cuisine, like Indian, Japanese or French. Many of the city’s
coffee shops and bistros serve excellent meals too.
Reykjavík is already famous for its thriving nightlife. On summertime
weekends the streets of downtown are just as bright and busy at 3 a.m.
as they are at 3 p.m.! There are dimly lit bars, cozy cocktail lounges, trendy
nightclubs and loud dance or live music venues to suit every taste.