Old Harbour

Reykjavik, Iceland

Working harbor turned tourist draw with whale watching, excellent seafood, and harbor views.

Places in Old Harbour

Grillmarkadurinn Popular restaurant grilling fresh Icelandic seafood and lamb over open flames
Sundhöllin Café Casual café with good coffee, views and location in historic thermal bathing house

Best time to visit: June–August brings midnight sun, warm weather and peak season with highest prices. September–October offers Northern Lights potential and lower crowds. December–February is dark but magical with ice formations and possible aurora. May and September shoulder seasons offer good value with decent weather.
Getting around: The city is compact and walkable, with most attractions within reach on foot. Buses connect neighbourhoods and excursions. A car is essential for exploring Iceland's interior and famous routes (Golden Circle, South Coast). Ride-sharing apps available. Walking tours offer excellent orientation.
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). Cards accepted everywhere—cash rarely needed.
Language: Icelandic. English universally spoken.
Timezone: GMT (UTC+0) year-round—no daylight saving.
Current trends: New Nordic cuisine reaches peak sophistication with geothermal cooking and foraged ingredients. Sustainable tourism emphasising respect for fragile landscapes. Geothermal pools and wellness tourism expand. Adventure tourism toward responsible experiential travel. Vegan and plant-based dining options increase significantly.

101 Reykjavik — The downtown postal code that contains most attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Iceland starts here.
South Coast (Day Trip) — Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier tongues, and the Vík village. Iceland's most dramatic single-day drive.
Old Harbour (Höfði) — Historic waterfront with museums, restaurants and character
Downtown (Miðborg) — Central area with shopping, galleries and main cultural institutions
Perlan — Landmark area with museum and 360° views of city and surroundings
Laugavegur District — Shopping and bohemian neighbourhood with independent stores and cafés