The unique mountainous countryside around Reykjavik hosts a myriad of activities that are only found in cities like this. Snowmobiles turn glaciers into playgrounds on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, while horses are a popular mode of transport through the more rugged terrain of Raudholar volcano or the region's lava fields. For a tamer outdoor experience, consider plunging into one of the geothermal pools around town, a breeding ground for small talk and friendship.

Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens opened in the early 1960s and are best viewed during the summer months. Visitors will find an even mix of local and exotic plant species, all of which are labelled with both their Icelandic and scientific names. The green spaces are cut with walking trails, streams and ponds. During the winter, most of the gardens' activities take place in the greenhouses. An onsite play area offers diversion for restless children. 
Phone: +354 553 8870

Geothermal Swimming Pools
A truly unique facet of Icelandic social life is the geothermal swimming pool. These outdoor, naturally heated pools are popular meeting grounds for friends and family, and some have even compared these pools to the pub and café scene in other cities. Facilities vary from pool to pool, with many including water slides, a solarium and indoor pools for especially cold days. Two of the most popular geothermal pools in Reykjavik are Arbaejarlaug, Phone: +354 570 7711, and Laugardalslaug, Phone: +354 411 5100

Horseback Riding
Reykjavik hosts several equestrian centres where tourists can join riding tours of the countryside. Popular destinations include Reykjanes, local lava fields or Mt Helgafell. Longer horseback riding tours take in the sights of Ellioavatn Lake and Raudholar Volcano. Riding lessons are available for beginners, and most riding centres have special practise areas for children.

Reykjavik Zoo
This zoo has been open for more than 100 years and features 150 animals, most of which are either local species or farm animals. Aside from its role in the public sector, the zoo also works to rehabilitate wild animals and return them to their natural habitat. Though the zoo is a relatively modest facility, children will enjoy viewing the foxes, reindeer and seals on display. There is also a fun, interactive exhibit called Science World, as well as a few family rides. 
Phone: +354 575 7800; www.husdyragardur.is/in-english  

Snowmobile Riding
A fantastic family activity, snowmobile riding opens up Iceland's glacial countryside to daytrips. Snæfellsnesjokull glacier (located on Snæfellsnes peninsula) is a particularly popular playground for snowmobilers. Once you've made it to the top of the glacier, you're immediately rewarded with views across the Atlantic as it crests the horizon. Travel agencies in Reykjavik can arrange these exciting tours.

Whale Watching
Locals and visitors alike jump at the chance to head out to sea for a morning of whale watching. The two most abundant species are minke and humpback whales, both of which arrive in season for breeding. There are several guides available for whales tours from Reykjavik and while out to sea, tourists can expect to see whales breeching, slapping their tales and (in some cases) nursing or caring for their young.

Reykjavik is rich in items of cultural interest and as the nation's capital, the city plays host to a number of national museums and institutes. The National Gallery is home to an impressive collection of Icelandic art along with a sprinkling of international work. Across the board, the Saga Museum uses meticulously crafted, life-sized dioramas to explore scenes from the region's history. Reykjavik Tourist Cards (available from the Tourist Information Office and some hotels) provide blanket access to many local museums for a one-time fee.

Art Museum
The Reykjavik Art Museum is actually broken up into three separate locations: Kjarvalsstadir, Asmundarsafn and Hafnarhus. Collectively, this is Iceland's largest visual art museum, dedicated to promoting modern sculpture and related media. The exhibits specifically focus on three sculptors: Asmundur Sveinsson, Erró and Johannes S Kjarval. All three facilities offer guided tours upon request. 
Phone: +354 590 1200; www.artmuseum.is

Culture House
The Culture House houses two distinct museums under one roof. On the top floor, visitors will find an informative collection of interactive exhibits pertaining to the Island of Surtsey, a volcanic island currently courting UNESCO in hopes of achieving World Heritage status. The lower level is devoted to medieval manuscripts from around the world. 
Phone: +354 545 1400

National Gallery
A comprehensive collection of art from the 1800s and 1900s, the National Gallery is located near the city pond. This is the country's definitive collection of local artwork, though you'll also find work by international masters including Richard Tuttle, Edward Munch, Hans Hartung and Pablo Picasso. 
Phone: +354 515 9600; www.listasafn.is  

National Theatre
Iceland's National Theatre opened in 1950 in Reykjavik and quickly raced to the forefront of the nation's theatre scene. Thousands upon thousands of Icelanders attend the more than 300 annual performances staged here, and in addition to the theatre’s three stages it also operates a travelling troupe. Presentations alternate between Icelandic and international plays, operas and musicals. 
Phone: +354 585 1200; www.leikhusid.is  

Saga Museum
This museum transports patrons back through time to the age of the Vikings. The exhibits use dioramas to chronicle the history of Iceland with scenes such as Leif Eriksson's discovery of the Americas in the 1000s century, the execution of Catholic clergy in the 1500s, and the 800s Ingolfur Arnarsons settlement. Visitors can pick up an MP3 player at the entrance to the museum for guided tours in several different languages. 
Phone: +354 511 1517; www.sagamuseum.is/enska/english.html  

Reykjavik’s primary shopping district is found along Laugavegur Street, home to quirky boutiques that deal in both local and international designs. Meanwhile, shops selling touristy souvenirs and crafts are more likely to be found along Skolavoroustigur Street. There are two modern shopping malls in the vicinity: Kringlan in the city centre and Smaralind in the nearby Kopavogur neighbourhood.

Shopping can be a pricey ordeal in Reykjavik, as locals pay nearly 25 per cent sales tax on most merchandise. This tax is automatically worked into the pre-checkout price. Tourists suffering from sticker shock can take solace in the fact that a portion of the tax can be recovered. If you spend more than 4,000 krona at a single venue on a single day, then keep your receipt and present it to the tax refund desk at the airport on your way out of the country.

As with shopping, dining out in Iceland can be an expensive affair. However, this is an experience that should not be neglected, as some of the area's upscale restaurants are very impressive. Regional chefs are world-renowned for the high-quality ingredients they employ, ranging from organic, greenhouse-grown vegetables to fresh seafood and hormone-free meats and dairy. There are nearly 200 restaurants in the metropolitan area.

When it comes to local cuisine, Icelanders have an historic reputation for resourcefulness. The natural landscape is a daunting environment for agriculture, so locals learned long ago to maximise production by using every part of the animal. Courageous diners will undoubtedly want to sample a few of the rarer, local delicacies such as smoked puffin or fermented shark meat.