On a week's holiday in Reykjavik last November, I went swimming every morning outside(!) in the thermal pool at Vesturbaejarlaug.
The pool is in a suburb of Reykjavik and filled with all the local grannies gossiping in the (very) hot tubs and school children doing lengths. There is a sauna and steam room and it's a fabulous way to mix with the locals and get a real taste of Reykjavik life. So refreshing. It's great to walk around outside in just your swimming costume, you don't feel cold, but if you do, the hot tub will cook you up like a lobster.

Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavik
+354 411 5150
www.spacity.is/index.php?lang=en
Google map: bit.ly/hj16Fw

Open Mon-Fri 06.30—22.00
Sat-Sun 08.00—22.00
Entry 360ISK adult, 110ISK for 6-18 years, free for seniors and under 6
Sauna 450ISK extra
Entry, towel, swimming costume 850ISK
Entry, towel, swimming costume, sauna 950ISK

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Kolaportið is Iceland's only flea market. It takes place at weekends in a large warehouse building by the harbour.
In Kolaportið you can buy everything from old records to jewellery to voluminous knitted patterned jumpers to liquorice to second hand clothing to vacuum-packed salmon to fermented shark. Kolaportið is open only during weekends.

Kolaportið, Tryggvagötu 19, 101 Reykjavík
+354 562 5030
www.kolaportid.is
Google map: bit.ly/fIvGRH

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A cavernous and dark café, where homesick football fans can watch all the matches live on Sky, from Premier League to Barca and Inter Milan games. It's relaxed and friendly with the generous Bulgarian barman, Georgi always on hand to help. Pizzas cost 1300—1750ISK and there are 120,000 songs available on the karaoke machine.

Frakkarstigur 8
+354 770 3151
Google map: bit.ly/h9hAaq

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In November 2010 I went on a fantastic boat trip in the Faxafloi Bay to see whales.
The three-hour boat trip was an unforgettable experience and a great way to spend an afternoon in Iceland.
The various types of whales commonly sighted include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and the popular humpback whales. We were also accompanied by sea birds such as gannets, puffins, guillemots, cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes, arctic terns, and many more. Our trips took us past several islands inhabited by colonies of puffin – a great photo opportunity!

Elding Whale Watching
www.elding.is
+354 555 3565

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