24 hours in Reykjavik

Iceland's cool capital

Hallgrimskirkja

Harpa

Grill Market

Nicola Brady

January 10 2016 2:30 AM

Nicola Brady flies direct from Dublin to Iceland's cool capital... and maps out a day to remember.

10am: The Blue Lagoon

Less than an hour out of the city, the Blue Lagoon (above) is an absolute must on any visitor's itinerary. Iceland's flagship attraction is filled with warm geothermal waters, which you can wade, swim and wallow in. Be sure to lather yourself in silica mud - you'll be left with super soft skin.

How: bluelagoon.com; €35 online.

2pm: Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja

You'll spot the distinctive peak of the Hallgrímskirkja (above) from almost any spot within Rekyjavik. Inside, the church is home to a 15m-tall pipe organ, and a tower that allows for views across the city. Spend some time exploring the streets leading back to the water, where quirky wooden houses line the roads, creating a funky Nordic vibe.

How: Admission to the tower is currently ISK 800/€6.

5pm: Harpa

You can't miss the city's concert hall - not only does the striking building (above) catch everyone's eye along the water's edge, but the colours adorning the exterior change frequently in a pulsating light show. Even if you don't see a show in the building itself, walk up to the second level for a closer view of the stunning architecture. Afterwards, walk along the sea path to seek out the Sun Voyager sculpture.

How: Admission to the building is free. See harpa.is

8pm: Grill Market

The Grill Market is one of the best spots in town for an authentic dinner in a stylish setting. The restaurant specialises in local, Icelandic meat (you'll spot whale and puffin on the menu), sourced straight from the farmer.

How: The tasting menu costs ISK 9,900/€70 per person (minimum two people).

See: grillmarkadurinn.is

Get there

Fly to Reykjavik from Dublin from €79 one-way with WOW Air (wowair.ie). The airline will fly direct from Cork from May 2017.

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