Somehow we had managed to fly over 9 times zones or so in a matter of 3 days from Anchorage, Alaska to Reykjavik, Iceland – the land of renewable energy, where sheep outnumber people, and the Prime Minister’s phone number is listed in the phone book.

I rubbed my eyes in disbelief as we landed. It was 6am by Iceland standards and in my mind, I was still grappling with the fact that it was 2am or so in NYC where we had just come from. I was a bit messed up.

The moment the arctic wind hit my cheeks I was refreshed and ready to go. In a nervous and overjoyed giggle I squeaked out, “We’re in freaking ICELAND!”

You can tell there is a pattern going on with my glee. I haven’t reached the jaded point yet and that makes me incredibly happy – even if I do manage to shout out “This is freaking [FILL IN THE BLANK]” every time we land somewhere new.

We made it into Reykjavik – the supposed most happening city in Europe where parties go until dawn and the possibilities are endless with activities. We slated a week in this city. It was a bit much to be honest and you run out of things to do.

Get in enough time to go on your tours and if you’re lucky enough, catch a weekend night to go out until the sun comes up.

If you do happen to find yourself in Reykjavik, here are a few things to do in and around town when the clubs aren’t thumpin’.

Go to the country’s most famous restaurant – Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

For $3 a hotdog we ate there 6 times! By far the best deal in town, it has been an important establishment for 75 years!

Go Whale Watching

We went whale watching with Elding. While we didn’t see anything (make sure the weather is good and be flexible), their guides are knowledgeable and I couldn’t help but grin at our oh so tacky red suits that kept us warm while on the high seas.

Go on a walking tour of the city

This will take an afternoon or so. There are some awesome churches to see and the architecture of Reykjavik is super interesting and cute. Make sure to check out the awesome metal viking boat art piece.

Go to the Phallus Museum

Highly educational, I couldn’t help but giggle like a school girl when I saw the sperm whale penis. Their collection is extensive and they boast an exhibition of local animals (including one human specimen).

Pick up a Reykjavik Welcome card

This not only gets you on buses but free entrance to various art museums. There are lots to choose from and the cards will keep you busy for quite some time. This place is just oozing with art and the museums are brimming with brilliant pieces. Go exploring! (Note: You can find out what the Reykjavik card gets you from the Reykjavik tourist booklet or your nearby information booth.)

Eat the Local Fare

Or in our case, puffin. It was oh so delicious and nothing like you think it is.

…and this is only a small collection of things to do in the actual city. Make sure to check out a few of the tours that take you out and about. We participated in a couple – posts coming soon!

Disclosure: We were complimentary guests of Elding Whale Watching and while we didn’t get to see any whales (bad timing on our part, we recommend checking the weather and being as flexible as possible to increase your odds), they were awesome and gave everyone on the tour a ticket for another tour. We also got our Reykjavik Welcome cards from Visit Iceland. As with any of our posts, our opinions are our own.