Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Supermarkets

The Icelandic supermarket will be your best friend if you really want to keep your food costs down. Bonus is a discount chain that can feed you for just a few dollars a day, and there is one right in the heart of the city at Laugavegur 59 Kjörgarður.

If your hotel or hostel has kitchen facilities, consider at least a few meals that you can cook yourself, and then you’ll have a little extra left over for the nights you do want to go out. Shopping at the supermarket lets you taste local Icelandic specialties like fish and lamb without shelling out a small fortune. And don’t leave the market without picking up a few types of licorice candy, the local sweet treat that everyone loves!

Reykjavik cheap eats

The prices at restaurants and bars in Reykjavik can add up quickly, but here are some budget options:

• For a delicious local delicacy at a good price, try a bowl of lobster soup at Saegreifinn
  
• For a hearty and healthy lunch along the main drag in Reykjavik, Sandholt, a bakery that has been making homemade bread for over 100 years,  serves up sandwiches and salads in their cafe space.
• Food halls offer a fun, affordable way to eat out in Reykjavik. You’ll find everything from fish and chips to lamb burgers at Grandi Matholl and Hlemmer Matholl (a renovated bus station).
• Pop into Brauð & co for delicious (and affordable) organic pastries that are so good they usually sell out before the end of the day.
• The student cafe, Háma, at the University of Iceland is a good spot for lunch with daily specials for under $10.
• Coffee shops we like include Reykjavik Roasters and the classic Mokka that’s been serving espresso since 1958.
• For a hot dog, try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a very popular stand in the center of town that has been open for decades.

Pastries from Brauð & Co and coffee from Reykjavik Roasters. Photo: Craig Nelson

Happy Hours

Iceland is famous for consuming large quantities of beer — and the even larger price tags that come with those pints. Taxes on alcohol are off the charts, and a beer can easily set you back $10. However, there are several excellent happy hour deals around town. If you love good beer, check out Skúli Craft Bar during happy hour where you can sip local brews at the outdoor picnic tables or head to Kex Hostel for one of the cheapest beers in town (800 kr). There’s also an app, Appy Hour Reykjavik, that you can download to find the nearest (and cheapest) cocktail, although during COVID they have not been updating the information on a regular basis.

Kaffibarinn is a popular bar in Reykjavik. Photo: halighalie

Nightlife

Even though Iceland is tiny (about 350,000 population), the music scene has produced an impressive number of world-famous acts from Björk to Sigur Rós and GDRN. The nightlife scene is hopping with dance clubs with DJs, bars that get packed on the weekend (like Kaffibarinn), and plenty of live music venues as well as numerous festivals throughout the year like Iceland Airwaves that draw fans from around the world.

The Reykjavik Grapevine offers detailed listings for movies, music, performing arts, and much more. You can pick up a copy around town or check their website before you hit the town.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik

The post Reykjavik cheap eats: Save on restaurants, cafes and bars appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With its stunning scenery, from majestic waterfalls and the Northern Lights, to its vibrant urban culture and world-class music in Reyjkavik, it’s well worth some budget planning to visit Iceland. While visiting this spectacular country can quickly bust your budget if you’re not careful, there are easy ways to save on each leg of your journey from booking the right tour to finding cheap accommodations.

If you want to opt for the helicopter tour that lands on a glacier as you drink Champagne, by all means, do! But you won’t find many Cheapos along for that ride. You can also bring a backpack and try your luck on the hitchhiking circuit across Iceland.

Iceland is a country that has something for all kinds of travelers. Whichever kind of trip to Iceland you’re planning, we have some tips on ways to save on every aspect of the journey.

EuroCheapo’s Iceland budget travel guide

Our guide to saving in Iceland is made up of the following seven articles:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US

• When to go to Iceland

• Budget hotels in Reykjavik

• Renting a car in Iceland

• Bus tours from Reykjavik

• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik

• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

Your tips!

Everyone has their own secrets to visiting Reykjavik. Let us know your favorite ways to save on a trip to Iceland.

The post Budget Travel Iceland: How to save in Reykjavik and beyond appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Reykjavik budget travel tips

There’s nothing quite like Iceland’s capital. You can spend your time popping into cool record stores, hanging out at local cafes, and window shopping along Laugavegur, the main pedestrian route through downtown.

Culture also abounds, and you can visit the cheeky (and unfortunately pricey!) Saga Museum to learn about Viking lore or soak up the full story of this hearty nation at the National Museum of Iceland.

But how can you save? Simple — follow these tips:

Getting around Reykjavik

You won’t find commuter trains or a subway system in the city (the population is only 130,000!), but you can ride public buses for about $2.50. Pay your fare in exact change on board or use the app to purchase tickets on your smartphone. Note that your fare comes with a free transfer. Read more about public transportation in Reykjavik and download the handy bus app.

If you want to see the city by bike, you can rent two-wheelers or book a bike tour at Reykjavik Bike Tours with prices starting at $40 for a 24-hour period.

Strolling through colorful Reykjavik is fun and free. Photo: Craig Nelson

Free Attractions in Reykjavik

Some of the city’s most fascinating attractions are free to enjoy, including:

Hallgrímskirkja
This striking church towers over the city and is one of its most visible landmarks. If you pay to go up to the tower (entry fee about $8), you will be rewarded with one of the best views in Reykjavik. Hallgrímskirkja is open every day with services at 11 am on Sundays.

Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden
The museum dedicated to Iceland’s most famous sculptor charges an entry fee, but the sculpture garden bearing his beautiful and sometimes bizarre artwork is always free.

Harpa
Dramatically perched right along the harbor, this cutting-edge concert hall is open to the public during the day. Harpa has shops and restaurants, but it also has seating and lots of interesting nooks and crannies to explore.

Free Walking Tour Reykjavik
This 80-minute tour takes you through the highlights of the city and is a great introduction to Reykjavik. Led by locals, the Free Walking Tour Reykjavik is indeed free of charge, although you are encouraged to tip the guide if you enjoy the experience.

The Icelandic prime minister’s office in Reykjavik on a summer night. Photo: Craig Nelson

Other ways to save on attractions

Reykjavik City Card
If you plan on cramming as many attractions as possible during your time in the capital city, think about picking up a Reykjavik City Card. It includes admission to major museums, unlimited travel on the public bus system, discounts on select tours, and even admission to public pools (see below). A pass costs $30 for 24 hours, $41 for 48 hours, and $48 for 72 hours.

The Blue Lagoon and public pools
Many visitors stop at the Blue Lagoon on their way into Reykjavik. Floating in the geothermal pools right after getting off the plane is a soothing experience, but just make sure you get your tickets in advance because you must pre-book. However, if you want to enjoy an afternoon at the spa without all of the tourists, you might want to visit one of the several public pools in Reykjavik. You can reach all of the pools by public bus, and for about $7, you can spend an entire day relaxing in hot pools, swimming laps, or even riding down water slides!

Save on shopping

Flea markets and secondhand stores

Downtown Reykjavik is filled with shops selling stylish and costly Nordic fashions, homewares, and souvenirs. It’s fun to browse through the cozy sweaters and blankets, but even with tax-free perks for visitors, bringing them home might still cost a small fortune.

As an alternative, Cheapos should check out the flea market Kolaportid Flea Market on the weekends. We scored the perfect souvenir — an old-school bottle opener with an Icelandic flag on it. For vintage his and her clothes, locals know to check out the racks at Spúútnik.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

The post Reykjavik budget travel tips appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle Tour takes you on the greatest hits of Iceland landmarks in one day including the Geysir geothermal region, Gullfoss waterfalls, and Thingvellir National Park. The cost isn’t cheap, but at 10,500 ISK (about $90), you’ll get a full day of sightseeing at four must-see attractions. It’s not a bad deal when you consider gas alone on a rental car would cost a small bundle.

Northern Lights Tour

For about $55, you can book a three-hour excursion to see the Northern Lights in person. The Northern Lights Tour runs from September through April, when sightings are most common. And if you don’t catch a glimpse of this wonder in the sky, you can book another tour to try again at no extra cost.

Regional Bus Passes

Another budget option for getting out into nature is purchasing a bus pass. You won’t have the flexibility of having a car, but you’ll still be able to get around the island and will never have to worry about getting lost! There are several bus pass options from Reykjavik Excursions.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik
• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

The post Bus tours from Reykjavik appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Know your travel dates? Search for rental cars on EuroCheapo.

Driving the Ring Road

Traversing the nation on the famous Ring Road takes you across 800 miles of unbelievable landscape. Many people plan at least seven days to get around the island, but depending on the weather and road conditions, it can take even longer if you really want to stop and see the sights.

However, an Icelandic road trip like this will quickly leave cheapo territory with the high gas prices. If you choose to rent a car and camp along the way, that can be an affordable option, but it still comes with its own challenges. However, a car offers the freedom to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Even if you rent a car for one day, you can cover a lot of territory outside of Reykjavik to get a true feel of Iceland.

Note: Driving in Iceland brings many challenges, so make sure to read up on road rules, weather conditions, and what kind of car you should rent before getting behind the wheel. Visit Iceland has a handy guide to driving in Iceland.

Driving through the stunning landscape of Iceland. Photo Michael C.

Other cities within driving distance of Reykjavik

It’s not all about Reykjavik, of course. Other cities and towns worth a visit are:

• Akureyri (4.5 hours from Reykjavik; search for hotels) for skiing, Northern Lights, and whale watching

• Stykkishólmur (2 hours from Reykjavik; search for hotels) offers historic architecture, fishing, and a volcano museum.

• Selfoss is a lovely 45-minute drive through the Hellisheidi Highlands that offers dramatic scenery that you usually only get on a longer tour (search for hotels). Check out the public pool and eat at either Kaffi Krús or the superb Thai restaurant Menam.

• Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri are both situated along the scenic rocky coast about 45 minutes away from Reykjavik. Eyrarbakki features a maritime museum and excellent bird watching, while Stokkseyri has a popular seafood restaurant,Fjörubordid.

Discover the different regions of Iceland in more detail.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik
• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

The post Save on renting a car in Iceland appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But good deals do exist, and with so many new accommodations opening in the past few years (many of the affordably hip variety), the choices are better than ever. Do a search now, or check out these favorites in Reykjavik that all offer an excellent location and score high ratings from guests.

Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Our favorite cheap hotels in Reykjavik

Guesthouse Sunna

With free breakfast and a fantastic location just steps from the famous Hallgrímskirkja church, this popular budget stay has rooms starting at just over $100.

Some rooms at Flying Viking Guesthouse have cute kitchens to help you save on meal costs. Photo: Booking.com

Central Guesthouse Reykjavík

Spotless rooms in a building from the 1920s and a location just five minutes from the main shopping street make this hotel an excellent option. Well-equipped kitchens in studios are perfect for travelers that like to cook. Rates start at $85 for a double.

Hotel Fron is located right on the city’s main drag Laugavegur. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Fron

Located right on the main pedestrian drag, you can’t get more central than this friendly budget stay. They offer a variety of accommodations from single rooms to large apartments with doubles starting around $130 per night.

A dorm room at Loft Hostel located in the middle of Reykjavik. Photo: Booking.com

Loft Hostel

Clean and comfortable dorm rooms with linens and lockers are a super cheap option, but this hostel with a rooftop cafe also has rooms with private bathrooms. Deluxe doubles can be found for around $140.

The communal lounge at Kex Hostel. Photo: Booking.com

Kex Hostel

Being cool doesn’t have to cost you a fortune in Reykjavik. Kex offers hip touches throughout the property and features everything from women-only dorms and family rooms that hold four-to-six guests. A Double Room Plus even includes breakfast and start around $120, while Double Standard rooms go for $70.

A spacious family room at Guesthouse Odinn. Photo: Booking.com

Odinn Reykjavík Apartments

Rooms come with private or shared bathroom facilities at this easygoing guesthouse down the street from Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you like a good view, you can request a studio that looks out onto the sea.

Hotel Leif Eriksson is a classic budget pick. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Leifur Eiriksson

All rooms come with a private bathroom and desk in this popular hotel situated across the street from Hallgrímskirkja Church. A dining room serves a breakfast buffet each morning that is included in the price.

Tip: Book hotels ahead of time

Just remember, with so many people flocking to Iceland now, make sure you book early or you might be shut out. And once you head out of Reykjavik, the number of overnight stay options drop dramatically. Some towns only have a handful of guesthouses, so plan ahead if you want to visit places a bit off-the-beaten-path.

Search all hotels

Know your travel dates? Search more than 250 hotels in Reykjavik or search hundreds of hotels across Iceland.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik
• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

The post Cheap hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

August also sees a number of festivals that are worth attending but might make it hard to find a cheap hotel room. Mark your calendar for the Reykjavik Pride festival that features a big parade and performances, Reykjavik Culture Night that attracts over 100,000 participants with free art exhibitions and concerts, and the Reykjavik Jazz Festival with bands from across the globe.

Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

If you have your heart set on glimpsing the Northern Lights, fall is a good time to visit. However, note that several cultural festivals, like the Iceland Airwaves music festival and the Reykjavik Film Festival, may make it hard to find a cheap hotel room. See a full schedule of the major events to plan your accommodations ahead of time.

Reykjavik is fun to visit during December with festive Christmas markets and ice skating, while New Year’s brings plenty of celebrations and fireworks late into the night. Winters can be spectacular (especially if you like snow) but be prepared for dark days with only about four hours of light in January and February.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik
• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

The post When to go to Iceland appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Searching around for cheap fights from the US to Iceland? You have several choices:

Icelandair

Icelandair flies directly to Reykjavik from New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Orlando, Seattle, and several other cities in North America. It can be a challenge to score a cheap seat, but we were able to find a round-trip ticket from JFK to Reykjavik this past June for $550.

The flight is only five hours from the East Coast, so you don’t lose a lot of time on either end of your trip. Service is usually very friendly on Icelandair, and the in-flight entertainment system includes information on Iceland, so you can watch videos about the country before you land. Another big benefit of flying Icelandair? The airline doesn’t mess around with a lot of hidden fees. Your ticket includes two checked bags (yes, two!) per person.

Related: Airline baggage fees for US to Europe carriers

Wow Air

Wow Air offers discount fares for as low as $99 each way from destinations like Baltimore, Boston and several other East Coast points of departures. It also recently launched flights from Newark which has excited budget travel fans in New York. Just note, unlike Icelandair, Wow Air tacks on lots of extra charges for baggage, meals, seats and other fees that can creep up on you. Check out our guide to flying Wow Air for more details.

Other carriers

Delta also has nonstop flights from New York JFK and several airlines offer connecting flights from Europe, including budget-friendly Wizz Air, Norwegian, Scandinavian (SAS), and Air Berlin.

Getting into Reykjavik from the airport

Going from the airport to the city is an easy transition. Skip the taxi and head straight for the FlyBus. It leaves 35-40 minutes after your flight arrival, so you don’t have to stress about missing the last bus. They run even if your flight is delayed or arrives in late at night.

You can choose an option that takes you to the main bus terminal for about $22 located on the edge of Downtown, or for just $5 more, you can get dropped off right at one of the hotels in the central city.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik
• Saving on restaurants, bars and nightlife in Reykjavik

The post Cheap Flights from the US to Iceland appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The only downside? Iceland’s capital city is not a cheap place to visit. While the tourist cost index has gone down somewhat in the wake of Iceland’s financial crisis of 2008-2011, huge year-on-year increases in the numbers of tourists heading to Iceland have generated high-season bottlenecks in the affordable accommodation market.

However, all is not lost when it comes to visiting this popular destination on a budget. Here are five simple tips for saving money in Reykjavík.

Reykjavik Travel Tips: 5 easy ways to save

Grabbing a hot dog at Baejarins along the waterfront is cheap and tasty. Photo: Comdor

1. Hot dogs

On my first visit to Iceland, back in 2001, almost everything was astonishingly pricey. I was forced to safeguard my budget carefully. I relied on my hotel’s ample buffet spread at breakfast and walked everywhere.

The one “meal” I could afford? The humble Icelandic hot dog. Those sold at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur along the waterfront (Tryggvagata 101) have been saving budget travelers since the beginning of time. (OK, since 1937.) Make sure you order your hot dog með öllu, (that is, with all the toppings – raw onions, crispy fried onion bits, ketchup, sweet mustard and Icelandic remoulade.) A pylsur með öllu costs just 400 ISK ($3; €2.75).

Plunging into the Laugardalslaug public pool costs just a fraction of the Blue Lagoon. Photo: Félix Tungsteno

2. Swimming pools

The much-vaunted Blue Lagoon is indeed a magical place. In recent years, however, as tourism in Iceland has boomed, it has lost a little bit of its once-effortless magic. These days a booking is required in advance, and the most bare-bones entrance fee is a whopping €45 ($49).

Instead of the Blue Lagoon, go for a dip in one of the many public swimming pools around the city. Three centrally swimming pools in Reykjavík are Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (Barónstígur 45a), Vesturbaejarlaug (Hofsvallagata), and Laugardalslaug (Sundlaugavegur 30). Entrance to all three pools is 650 ISK ($4.90; €4.40) for adults and 140 ISK ($1.05; €1) for kids.

And while we’re at it, here’s an excellent guide to Icelandic swimming pool etiquette. Pay attention before you take the plunge.

Asmundarsafn Sculpture Museum is included in the Reykjavík Art Museum ticket. Photo: Li-Mette

3. Three museums for the price of one

The three museums of the Reykjavík Art Museum can be visited for 1400 ISK ($10.50; €9.50). That’s three museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Asmundarsafn) for what one might pay in many cities for entrance to a single museum.

• Hafnarhús is a contemporary art museum.
• Kjarvalsstadir features a permanent exhibit of the work of Icelandic landscape painter Jóhannes Kjarval as well as artworks by artists from Iceland and beyond.
• Asmundarsafn is a sculpture museum.

Are you a student or senior? Then you might pay even less. Students pay a reduced rate of 800 ISK ($6; €5.50). Entrance for the over-70s and under-18s is free.

Explore Kolaportið Flea Market for fun (and affordable) Icelandic souvenirs. Photo: Felix T.

4. Flea market shopping

Shopping at Kolaportið (Tryggvagötu 19), open on weekends, offers a window to Iceland’s contemporary creative products as well as yesteryear’s cast-offs. Among the various things to be found here are beautiful wool sweaters, candy, local culinary delicacies and loads of other back-of-the-closet treasures, all at fair prices. There may be no better place for quirky and strange souvenirs.

5. Book a reasonable hotel

Snorri’s Guesthouse is our pick for a cheap bed. It’s a simple, family-run guesthouse located near the center of town. A double with shared bathroom begins at €117 ($128) in summer and €82 ($90) in winter.

Looking for something cheaper? Sleeping bag accommodation at Garður Inn is priced at 5600 ISK ($38; $42). Plus, it’s only a ten-minute walk to the city center.

If those are booked up, try searching over 200 other hotels in Reykjavík.

The post Reykjavik Travel Tips: 5 simple ways to save in Iceland appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Now here’s a thought. Europeans heading north to cross the Arctic Circle, anxious to catch the mid-summer midnight sun, have to make longer journeys than their parents did.

For the Arctic Circle is slipping north, each year getting a shade closer to the North Pole. Folk in Polcirkeln have a fine appreciation of this point, for the prime asset of this small Swedish village (which takes its very name from the Arctic Circle) is in fact a diminishing asset.

Astronomical wobbles

The name Milutin Milankovic is probably not on the tip of your tongue. But the Serbian geophysicist, who died in 1958, holds the key to Polcirkeln’s problem.

Evidently, it was Milankovic who calculated how variations in the tilt of the earth’s axis – a sort of astronomical wobble – cause the Arctic Circle to move around. And it is the Milankovic effect that explains why Polcirkeln’s only claim to fame is sliding off to the north and leaving Polcirkeln stranded. Just now, the Arctic Circle is moving north at a rate of about one meter every month.

Lessons from Polcirkeln

Were we civic leaders in remote Polcirkeln (population about 40 humans and 400 reindeer), we would just have kept quiet about the community’s prime asset having an inconvenient habit of trying to leave town.

But there is a touching honesty about Scandinavians. The good folk in Polcirkeln recognize that visitors are not satisfied with being told that the Arctic Circle is somewhere nearby, but want to see the exact line.

So Polcirkeln has obliged by erecting signs that show where the Arctic Circle was in 2005, where it is now, exactly where it will be in 2015, and other useful indicators.

Happy reindeer

You’ll pass through Polcirkeln if you take the train along the main route from Boden to Gällivare in Sweden. The train staff very obligingly make an announcement as the train crosses the Arctic Circle.

In truth, it is not a very exciting experience. The forests look much the same on both sides of the Arctic Circle, though we did think that the reindeer looked a little bit perkier north of the line. Curiously, all the reindeer we saw on our most recent journey were walking north – evidently keen to keep up with the Arctic Circle.

Grimsey’s inexorable fate

For a more scenic crossing of the Arctic Circle head to Grimsey, a little island about 40 kilometers north of Iceland (easily reached with a short flight from the mainland with Air Iceland). The entire Icelandic mainland lies south of the Arctic Circle, and the northern part of offshore Grimsey is the only fragment of Icelandic territory which can claim to be in the Arctic.

But go soon. If the Arctic Circle continues to move north the way it is, then in another century or two all of Grimsey will lie south of the Circle. And the number of countries on earth where you can cross the Arctic Circle on foot will have diminished from eight to seven.

The post Arctic Circle on the Move: A story for the summer solstice appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.