Reykjavík- Iceland

Reykjavík is a great destination for style-conscious travellers. The Icelandic capital has become, in recent years, a leading holiday spot for lovers of stylish bars, great food and long days. Once infamously expensive, the start of 2009 saw the destination open up to a whole new world of visitors as the Icelandic economy took a sharp dip. That is not to say Reykjavík could ever be considered a budget destination.

The residents of Iceland enjoy a spectacular standard of living, which is reflected in the clean and pleasant capital city. Very few places on earth enjoy such excellent standards of education and healthcare as Iceland.

Reykjavík is the most northern of all capital cities and has a population of around 120,000. The city was founded in 1786 as a trading town and grew steadily throughout the nineteenth century into the most important dwelling in Iceland.

Nightlife

Going out in Reykjavík ain’t cheap and this has an effect on the nocturnal behaviour of its residents, who rarely venture out before midnight. Instead, they typically meet up with friends at home and drink before setting off. Amazingly, Beer was banned in Iceland for 75 years until 1 March 1989, but now the locals partake with gusto.

Reykjavík is home to over 100 bars and nightclubs; many of which are on Laugavegur and its side streets. Closing time is usually around 1am during the week and 6am at weekends.

New Year's Eve

Icelandic law states that anyone may purchase and use fireworks during a certain period around New Year's Eve. This leads to a spectacular skyline on December 31st, as the locals throw caution to the wind and blast millions of koruna worth of fireworks into the dark, winter skies. New Year’s Eve is a major celebration in Reykjavík and if you are considering visiting for the celebrations, you are advised to arrange accommodation well in advance.