Why now is the perfect time to visit Reykjavik

Head to Iceland in the summer for its capital's long, light multi-cultural days of delight. 

Why go now?

Reykjavik’s summer isn’t exactly hot – typical highs are 55F (13C) – but it enjoys long, light evenings and the best of the year’s weather. Wait until September and the trees turn red and gold, the city drops down a gear, and things move indoors. Film culture is celebrated throughout the city during the Reykjavik Film Festival (Sep 27-Oct 7; riff.is). Fly from the UK with Ryanair (ryanair.com), Iceland Air (icelandair.com), Wow Air (wowair.com), BA (britishairways.com) and easyJet (easyjet.com).

Reykjavik City Guide

Stay here

Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura (1) (telegraph.co.uk/tt-reykjavik-natura) on the harbour is stylish, with a spa and comfortable, modern rooms. Doubles from €130 (￡115) including breakfast. For something more affordable yet still central, try Kex Hostel (telegraph.co.uk/tt-reykjavik-kex), which has a great atmosphere and bar, and doubles for €45 B&B.

Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura

Reykjavik, Iceland

8Telegraph expert rating

Set in a green and hilly area at the edge of the city centre, this welcoming family-friendly hotel is certified green and offers modern, tasteful rooms, a comprehensive spa and very good service. Read expert review From ￡120per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

Walk here

Enjoy pretty Lake Tjornin (2) to appreciate the relaxed ambience and bird life – the adjacent town hall doubles as an exhibition space and tourist office. The harbour has traditional fishing boats, chic cafes, and the striking, light-filled Harpa Concert Hall (3). Stroll along Laugavegur (4), where you will find cafes, shops and bars. End at the city’s most distinctive landmark, the 244ft-high Hallgrimskirkja church (5).

See this

The handsome National Gallery (6), set in a former factory along the harbour, constantly rotates pieces – mainly paintings and sculptures – from its vast collection of 19th- and 20th-century Icelandic artworks. Most of the country’s leading artists, including Johannes Kjarval and Sigurjon Olafsson, are on display (listasafn.is).

Try this

Take the lift to the top of Hallgrimskirkja for excellent views over the city and beyond to the ocean and Mount Esja. Entry ￡7, plus 70p to enter the viewing tower (hallgrimskirkja.is).

Shop here

Stroll along Laugavegur, with dozens of excellent indie boutiques as well as a few chains. Pick up some quirky gifts and home decor at the excellent Hrim at No 25 (hrim.is).

Drink here

Beer lovers will enjoy Skuli Craft Bar (7), which usually has around 12 selected beers on tap, plus bottled options from local and international micro-breweries (from ￡7 a bottle). The wood-and-brick interior is cosy and you’ll strike up conversations with locals in no time (facebook.com/pg/skulicraft).

Tourist arrivals | Iceland

Eat here

Snaps Bistro (8) is a great spot, serving everything from sandwiches and moules frites to steaks and locally caught fish (mains about ￡24). The weekend brunches are great, and the bar knocks up a mean cocktail too (snaps.is).

Surprising alternatives to Europe’s most overcrowded cities

Off the map

Laugardalslaug – in the north-east of the city – has a sprawling swimming complex with a large, heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, plus a botanical gardens and zoo (visitreykjavik.is/laugardalslaug).