Cheap Reykjavík

Cheap Reykjavík

By Joanna Smith

I'm going to come right out and say this: If you are looking for a cheap holiday, you have come to the wrong city. Reykjavík consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world and, if you're visiting from Britain, you have the joys of the post-Brexit exchange rate, too.

But, all is not lost – you can find places worthy of splashing your cash that won't break the bank. But be warned: really, this should be called the “not too expensive guide to Reykjavík.” Because that's as close as it gets – looking at your receipt and saying, “oh, that's not too expensive... I guess.”

Drinking

Drinking is notoriously expensive in Reykjavík. I once bought a bottled beer that cost 7 pounds and considered it a bargain. However, if you are hankering for something to whet your whistle whilst keeping the costs down, then get wise to the city's happy hours. Every bar has one and if often halves the price of beer. Plus, if you are on holiday, there is no such thing as “unsociable hours” - every hour is beer o'clock.

Consider downloading the Grapevine's Appy Hour app, available for iPhone and Android, lovingly constructed to provide you with a guide to every happy hour in the city. You are welcome.

Eating

Kaffi Vynil is a great place of a “not too expensive meal”: you can get a delectable vegan dish, whilst listening to records and taking in the uber cool vibe. Alternatively, the tiny ramen restaurant Momo Ramen, is the perfect place to slurp up a huge bowl of Japan's favorite dish. With its bar seating against the windows. It's also the perfect place for the cheapest of passtimes: people-watching.

A nice waterfalls. Photo by Olga

If you are craving the warmth of Iceland's everlasting summer sun then take a stroll along the harbor with a hot dog from one of the hot dog stands, and for dessert head to Iceland's finest ice cream parlour, Valdis. Gather up all those krona coins, because both a hot dog and a single scoop come at a rather inexpensive price. Now that's a bargain.

Nobody likes cooking whilst they're on holiday, but it's definitely the most frugal option when it comes to sustenance. Bonus is by far one of the cheapest supermarkets in Reykjavík. Sure, the pig logo may be super creepy, but it's just really excited about saving your dollars. One more point: Whatever you do, don't shop at 10-11. Trust me.

Activities

You don't have to spend a crazy amount on tours to get a taste of Iceland. Hire a car from Sad Cars: They may not be pretty, but who need hubcaps? Split the cost with others and drive the Golden Circle yourselves – it's much cheaper, and you're at liberty to alter your itinerary however you want. Plus you won't end up next to the loud snorer on the way home (you know who you are).

If you are looking for some cheap-ass culture (the best kind of culture), many of Reykjavík's art galleries are free to enter. Listastofan, 18 and the Marshall House, for example, all boast exhibitions that will satisfy the artiest of cravings. Once you're done with the highbrow stuff, head to Freddi Arcade. For a little fee, you can spend an hour appeasing your inner child on Pac-Man or Mortal Combat. You can even bring in your own beer. Flawless victory.

So there you have it, Reykjavík can be affordable if you are smart about it. Take it from me: you don't need to be a millionaire to have a great time, although if you can make friends with a millionaire while you are here, that would really help.