Hi!

I am taking a tour of Iceland during the 1st week of August. I know tours are frowned upon on these forums and I do usually like to travel independently, but since I'm going alone and found a good deal, I went ahead and booked it!

I'll be arriving at the airport at 8:40 am and have the entire day free to explore the city. I also have my final afternoon and evening free in Reykjavik as well.

I've been researching things to do and have a list of all of the most popular places to visit but was hoping for some quirky or unique shops, sights or restaurants that might not be in the tour books.

Any ideas would be welcome! I'll be alone, so I'd like some ideas for restaurants that are not too expensive and that I'll feel comfortable in eating alone. I'd also love some good photo spots and to buy some artwork by local artisans.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your help!

:0) Joanna

Here is what I will be seeing on the tour during the second day:
"After breakfast, drive into the capital for a morning city sightseeing tour of Reykjavik. Our first stop is at Bessastaðir, where we can see the residence of the Icelandic President. The tour traverses the old town center to the Parliament, the Cathedral, the harbor, the National Museum and the Höfdi House, site of the 1986 Iceland Summit where Reagan and Gorbachev met. The tour also includes a stop at Perlan, located on the Öskjuhlid hill, which offers a spectacular view over the capital area. Pass by the outdoor swimming pool heated by geothermal waters and a museum dedicated to the renowned sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. In the afternoon, visit the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. Enjoy a refreshing bath or swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water reputed for its healing properties"

I forgot to mention that I'll be staying at the Icelandair Reykjavik Hotel Natura which I know is not that close to the city center. It looks like I'll be able to walk in without too much of a problem, but I was also doing some research about taking a public bus in...

I would definitely aim to spend some time at the National Museum of Iceland - I see that it's mentioned on your itinerary but clearly there's no or very little time there and it deserves at least half a day. So many interesting exhibits including research on the origins of the icelandic population, a Viking ship [so small!] dressing up clothes for adults as well as children, a very nice cafe etc. etc.

And if it's not included in your tour, what about a boat trip - not sure if it's a good time for whale watching [we saw orcas in August off the Snaefellnesses peninsular] but you should be able to see something like puffins, guillemots, etc.

I would go to the museum or maybe try an outdoor pool. I think there is one close to your hotel. It is a fun experience.

The National Museum of Iceland is fantastic and deserves several hours at least. Hallgrimskirkja is a nice hike thru town and has a really lovely view of Reykjavik. I'd also head down to the marina and watch the boats. A fantastic meal can be had at the Sea Baron (Sægreiffin, though the sign just says Lobster Soup). It's pretty low end- the seats are just barrels, but the lobster soup is unbelievable. So fresh and delicious.

There is a bus stop right outside the hotel that goes into town. You will need 400 kr in coins. You can pay with a 500 kr note but you will not get any change. I believe it is bus number 19. I guess it is about 10-15 min walk into the centre.

A visit to an outdoor pool is highly recommended. The one in Vesturbær is nice as is the one in Seltjarnarnes (slightly further out but easy to reach by bus). The pool in the centre of reykjavik is indoor but I believe the hot tubs are outside (i´ve never been)

I did Iceland solo and never felt strange in any restaurant so just pick one and don't worry about it.
There is a small museum in downtown that I particularly liked.

871 +/- 2 The Settlement Exhibition