Flights to Reykjavik: Travel tips for cheap holidays

What is there to see in Reykjavik?

You can get around in Reykjavik easily, so you probably won't want to hire a car. For longer distances, public transport is reliable and, by Icelandic standards, cheap. Laugavegur Street is the main shopping thoroughfare and is worth visiting for its mix of bars, boutiques and street art. Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth a visit. Check out Kolaportið Flea Market if you're more into bargain hunting.

Hallgrímskirkja is probably Reykjavik's most impressive landmark. It is a place of worship that offers panoramic views of the cityscape from its tower. Aurora Reykjavik is another good place to stop and explore if you have time. This place is devoted to explaining the Northern Lights. If you come to Reykjavik in winter, you might be able to see them first-hand. If so, it won't cost you a penny, of course.

The Reykjavik Art Museum is another top tourist site. It showcases both contemporary Icelandic art as well as some great examples of international artworks. There are also a number of public pools in the city. Laugardalslaug is a good one, a spring-fed swimming pool, which is naturally warm. Bring a towel and a swimming costume. Although you can rent them, it's much cheaper to have your own.

Package holidays to Reykjavik versus independent travel

If you have a budget you want to stick to, then package deals tend to work out best. Book Reykjavik hotels that offer breakfast or half-board accommodation. This way, you'll know that at least part of your food costs have been sorted out in advance. Transfers are also typically included with package holidays to Reykjavik.

However, booking flights to Reykjavik separately from your accommodation can mean obtaining deals on both. Many British holidaymakers like to operate this way. It can be the best option for keeping the overall cost of the Reykjavik trip down. That said, last-minute package deals do come up now and then, especially in the low season. If you can travel at short notice, this is usually the cheapest option of all.

FAQs about Reykjavik holidays

Q: Is it expensive in Reykjavik?

A: Like much of Scandinavia, British tourists will notice how expensive travelling in Reykjavik can be. Although flights to Reykjavik are often relatively inexpensive, hotels, food, drinks and entertainment are often pricier. Eating out in a mid-range restaurant will typically set you back around £40 per head, without factoring in drinks. Beer and wine are particularly dear.

Q: How many days in Reykjavik is enough?

A: Holidays to Reykjavik don't need to be long because it is not a big city. A weekend break is what many people opt for, with just two or three nights at most. However, if you want to explore beyond the capital and find out more about wider Iceland, you'll need a week. Sometimes, basing yourself in Reykjavik for a night or two and then moving on helps you get the best of both worlds.

Q: What is the best time of year in Reykjavik?

A: The winter months in Reykjavik are popular among tourists wanting to see the Northern Lights. The city is pretty when covered in snow, which occurs from December to February most years. June and July are popular months. This is when the weather is the warmest, making it a good time to come for whale spotting. If you want cheap holidays to Reykjavik, then the two low seasons run from April to May and from September to October.