Video director Timothée Lambrecq takes us
to the best places of the Smoky Bay.
So first, how would you describe Reykjavík to someone that has never been?
A human sized city surrounded by amazing landscapes and inhabited by laid back and easy going creative people.
How do you get around Reykjavík?
I mostly bike as much as I can, when the weather is okay I sometimes ride my skateboard and when it’s freezing, bus is quite convenient.
What are your favorite neighborhoods?
101 is the heart of the city, mostly all the magic happens there, and everything is walking distance. However I must say the swimming pool of 107 is my favorite one.
Best time of the year to go?
June for the solstice midnight sun or November for the Airwaves festival, which turns the whole city into a music playground (+ it’s the nothernlights period of the year).
FOR A COFFEE
Stofan Café, feels like home, their sofas are even better than your own. You can work / chill and even drink coffee there. Nobody will kick you out for squatting the place. And if you want to feel like your childhood home, you can always play society games. And to enjoy really high quality coffee, you must park your bike in front of Reykjavik Roasters, definitely an acoffeecionado’s favorite spot.
FOR A BRUNCH
Le Laundromat Cafe. A one-of-a-kind place in Reykjavík (although you can spot several in Denmark) where the travel-oriented decoration help you prepare your next adventure around the rest of Iceland. And while enjoying the various grilled-cheese sandwiches or brunch combos, you can have your clothes washed downstairs. Definitely a traveller’s place.
FOR A DINNER WITH FRIENDS
Tommi’s Burger Joint (Hamborgarabúllan)! No need to introduce it, it’s a CLASSIC; bonus point: you’ll save some kronas (local money).
FOR CHEAP BEERS
Airport duty free (ahah), probably the only place where it’s a bargain, the real 24/7 happy hour!
FOR A DRUNK DANCING NIGHT
Prikið (after 12 when the bartenders start to make the lights swinging above the bar) if you’re not scared of being squeezed in a tiny dance floor. A sanctuary of the locals who come there to enjoy mostly hip-hop. Otherwise Paloma will do the job if you’re more into electronic music. Make sure to visit the basement, underground in all kinds of meanings.
FOR A QUALITY CONCERT
Húrra, not so big but usually diverse and quality line-ups, all the soon to become famous local artists have been on that stage.
FOR VINTAGE
Spúútnik. Their stock has a way of combining vintage and an Icelandic touch of fashion. The crew is very friendly and you might recognize them from last night at Prikið.
FOR THE BEST PANORAMIC VIEW
Hallgrímskirkja, a downtown modern church, definitely the highest point of the city, a breath-taking view.
FOR A WALK
Grotta lighthouse. Maybe my favorite (not secret anymore) spot, with a hot spring to rest your feet after walking there.
FOR THE WEEK-END ESCAPADE
Golden circle, touristic but still impressive for something a bit different, head up to Stykkisholmur, a small fishing village in the west.
Reykjavík inspirations
Products to take back home
A typical Icelandic sweater, winterproof, tested and approved for generations. Or bring back rotten shark pieces for your worst enemy.
A song
Super hard to pick up one as everyone is producing quality hits, but Sturla Atlas’ Roll Up is definitely on top of the charts.
A book
Beginner’s Icelandic? Good luck on that one…
A movie
Backyard, if you’re into music, it’s highlight on the music spirit there.
A person
Unnsteinn Manuel Stefansson, a growing legend.
Photos by Timothée Lambrecq (@moussti)
