48 hours in Reykjavik - what we did and how we did it

Reykjavik is a cute little city town, with streets that are good for meandering. Get lost amongst the pastel coloured houses, climb up the hill to the old church and take the lift to the top. Surrounded by water and rocky hills in the distance, you'll get a sense as to how small Reykjavik actually is.

Head down the hill to Reykjavik Roasters, which is a little like Lonsdale Street Roasters (for those familiar with the Canberra coffee spot) - vinyl records, coffee roasting, flat whites. While your coffee is being made head to Braud & Co (across the road and two shops down the hill) and grab a cinnamon scroll. Actually, for a city that isn't renowned as a foodie destination I'd suggest you stock up on bread and scrolls and be done. It's that good. Sit in the sun and drink your coffee, eat your cinnamon scroll, and get lost in a sugary sun kissed kind of bliss.

Next stop, head down to the water past and check out the Harpa building the walk along the harbour to Grandagarður street for some shopping delights - little boutiques, a cheese shop and Valdis for ice-cream. 

Beers at Mikkeller & Friends (YES!! There is one in Reykjavik) and if the weather is nice head up to Petersen svítan rooftop bar for drinks before dinner at Forrettabarinn (think icelandic tapas).

Day two is really about mooching (as if day one wasn't...). More pastry from Braud & Co, more coffee from Reykjavik roasters, some window shopping,  mural spotting and art gallerying. 

Reykjavik Art Museum is worth a visit.  "A Lot Of Sorrow" was playing when I was there and by popping in and out, I got to see the beginning, middle and end of the film. Spoiler alert: it's a  collaboration with artist Ragnar Kjartansson here the National play Sorrow for six hours straight - no break. Amazing. The gallery ticket gets you entry into two other annexes across town. I did make the twenty minute walk to the painting gallery - the art wasn't that memorable but the walk was nice and there was a guy playing rock covers on a violin. He was great to listen to while I watched dogs play in the part. Which is pretty much what you do after a day and a bit in Reykjavik. Slow things down. Take in your surroundings. Stop rushing and retrace old ground (in a nice way).