Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.
Best Place To Take The Kids
Winner: Hljómskálagarðurinn
Fríkirkjuvegur
For something fun and active, there’s nowhere better to take the kids than Hljomskálagarðurinn. There are some rope pyramids for climbing, outdoor barbecues to grill food, and things to do for all different age groups—a sandbox for toddlers, a big playing field for sports and games, and a trampoline. As well as being wholesome fun, it’s free, and there are no queues to worry about.
Runner Up: Húsdýragarðurinn
Múlavegur 2
Another firm favourite is Húsdýragarðurinn, which translates to “farm animal zoo.” It’s a petting zoo with sheep, horses, goats, pigs, and some wild animals like foxes and reindeer. There’s a walking bridge that takes you to the Fjölskyldugarðurinn, (e. Family Garden), which has fairground rides and a boating lake.
Runner Up: Nauthólsvík
Nauthólsvegur
The fact that Reykjavík has a beach is amusing to some—the sand was brought there specifically to make the beach, and the cold seawater is mixed with geothermally heated groundwater to make it bearable for swimming. There’s a hot pot and a snack stand, and on a sunny day, it can be a blissful place to go.
Previous Winners:
2015: Húsdýragarðurinn
2014: Húsdýragarðurinn
2013: Fjölskyldugarðurinn
2012: Lynghagaróló Playground
2011: –
Read more of our Best of 2016 lists here.
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