Eat

The Icelandic Bar

Serves delicious traditional Icelandic food at reasonable prices, the lamb shank in particular is a must try as is the simple but extremely tasty skyr dessert. Set menus are available from around 4000 kr for a three-course meal. The restaurant is lovely with outside tables available overlooking the small park across the road and catching the afternoon sun.

outdoors

Getting there: by Austurvöllur
Price: 2,000-4,000 kr
Website: icelandicbar.is (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Reykjavík, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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See
Austurvöllur
A small park (or square, depending on definitions) in the heart of Reykjavík. It's many locals' favorite place to spend sunny days, either at one of the cafés lining the north of the square or simply having a picnic on the grass. The parliament and the national cathedral both stand by Austurvöllur.
Eat
Messinn
Generous portions of beautifully cooked fresh fish served in a friendly, warm atmosphere.
11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 daily
See
Alþingi
On the southern edge of Austurvöllur is a small building of hewn stone, but don't let its size fool you. This is the building of the Icelandic parliament, known as Alþingi. The institution has in fact long since outgrown the building which was built in 1881 for a nation of a little over 60,000. Today the upper floors of most houses on the north and west sides of the park also house parliamentary offices. The Alþingi building today houses only the debating chamber of the unicameral institution and the party meeting rooms. When Alþingi is in session it is possible to go up to the viewing platforms and watch the debates, otherwise only groups affiliated with educational institutions are permitted to tour the inside of the building.
Drink
The English Pub
Very popular English-style pub in the heart of the city, with a wide range of beers and a wheel of fortune. Beware troubadours in the weekends, though (they're very bad)!