Highlights of Grandi: What to do in Reykjavík's Old Harbour

Anybody planning a visit to Iceland's capital city is likely to stumble upon a lot of talk about Grandi. Reykjavík's historic harbour area has been booming lately. Think hip restaurants, boho boutiques, museums and cafes. It's popular with locals and visitors alike—an area of open spaces significantly more peaceful than the central tourist area around the busy Laugavegur street.

So many of the buildings here were refurbished remnants from the fishing industry. As the locals say, you're more likely to see artists, architects and chefs here now than sailors. Be sure to come with an empty belly—and expect to eat well in Grandi!

Here are some of Grandi's highlights:

Walking tour

Grandi makes a superb place to walk and wander. Start on the waterfront around the Harpa (Reykjavík's famous opera house) and walk west, admiring views of Mount Esja across Faxafloi Bay to the north. You'll pass the docks for whale-watching and puffin tours.

Kaffivagninn

For decades, this café on the old harbour has been the first place fishermen go when they step back on dry land. Broad windows look out at the boats and they're known for their breakfasts, brunches and smørrebrød light sandwiches. Since 1935, this "Coffee Wagon" (as the name translates) was the hangout of choice for dockworkers, vagrants, sailors, wanderers and anybody else who likes a good cup of coffee.

Shops

Tucked inside old boat repair shops, you'll find a surprising range of shops and boutiques to explore, each with a bent for something unique. There's a high-fashion boutique, a deli-butcher shop, a chocolate factory, a bistro-brewery, a goldsmith, a cheesemonger, a Japanese teahouse, and Valdis, the hit ice cream shop, just to name a few.

Museums

In Grandi, you have your pick of some of the best. The Maritime Museum, the Saga Museum, Whales of Iceland and Aurora Reykjavík are all right here.

Grandi Matholl

This new street food hall is comfortable, interesting and a must-visit for foodies. It is located in the Iceland Ocean Cluster, which is part of the most innovative area in town, celebrating Icelandic culture and industry. There are nine 'street food' concessions, each with a unique style, representing cuisines as diverse as Korean kimchi tacos to barbecued Icelandic lamb. There's also a mini wine bar, a lax and champagne bar and a place to sample all kinds of that legendary Icelandic yogurt, Skyr. You'll probably have to come at least twice!