• Þorrablót (January–February) – Iceland’s midwinter festival is all about ancient Viking traditions and, let’s be honest, some pretty wild food. Think fermented shark, sheep’s head, and plenty of schnapps to wash it down — an unforgettable (and very Icelandic) feast.

• Reykjavík Arts Festival (May–June) – one of the biggest cultural events in Iceland, this festival brings theatre, dance, music, and visual arts to stages and streets across the capital. International names mix with local talent, and the whole city buzzes with creativity.

• Secret Solstice Festival (June) – where else can you party under the midnight sun? This Reykjavík music fest runs almost non-stop thanks to 24-hour daylight, with both international headliners and Icelandic acts. Past venues have even included a glacier cave and a geothermal lagoon.

• National Day (June 17th) – Iceland’s independence day is celebrated with colourful parades, street performances, live music, and a proper party atmosphere in towns across the country. Reykjavík is the hotspot, but every village puts on its own version.

• Reykjavík Pride (August) – one of the biggest events in Iceland’s calendar, Pride takes over Reykjavík with a rainbow parade, concerts, drag shows, and all-round celebration of love and inclusivity. Expect the whole city to join in.

• Reykjavík International Film Festival (September–October) – a showcase for independent cinema from around the world, with screenings held in quirky venues like old factories and harbourside spaces. It’s arty, edgy, and very Reykjavík.

• Iceland Airwaves (November) – a legendary music festival that transforms Reykjavík into one big stage. From big-name international acts to up-and-coming local bands, gigs take place in concert halls, record shops, and even bars and hostels.

• Christmas & New Year (December) – Iceland goes all out for the festive season. Reykjavík lights up with Christmas markets, Yule Lad mischief, and twinkling decorations, while New Year’s Eve is celebrated with massive bonfires and one of Europe’s wildest fireworks displays.

Iceland by day is all glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers — but when the sun dips (or, in summer, refuses to dip at all), Reykjavík takes the crown as the nightlife capital of the north. It’s not about mega-clubs here; it’s cosy bars, live music venues, and cocktail spots that pack in big energy. The locals even have a word for it: rúntur — the tradition of hopping from bar to bar until the early hours. Check out these places on your Iceland holidays and thank us later:

• Kaffibarinn – Reykjavík’s most famous bar, part-owned by Blur’s Damon Albarn back in the day. Think indie vibes, DJs at weekends, and a crowd that keeps dancing till dawn.

• Prikið – A laid-back café by day that flips into one of the city’s liveliest hip-hop and R&B clubs by night. Expect packed dancefloors, graffiti walls, and a super-friendly crowd.

• Pablo Discobar – Yes, it’s as fun as the name suggests. A colourful cocktail bar with a Latin twist, neon interiors, and DJs spinning disco until the early hours.

• Slippbarinn – For something a little more polished, this harbour-side cocktail bar is known for its creative drinks menu and sleek Nordic style. A great warm-up spot before you dive into the chaos of the rúntur.

Iceland might be famous for waterfalls and volcanoes, but its food scene is just as unforgettable. Fresh seafood, free-range lamb, and a knack for turning the simplest ingredients into hearty, comforting meals — it’s Nordic dining at its finest. And don’t worry, while you can try the quirky stuff (yes, fermented shark exists), there’s plenty here that’s more about Michelin vibes than daredevil eating.

• Plokkfiskur – a creamy fish stew made with cod or haddock, potatoes, onions, and butter. Pure comfort food.

• Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa) – a warming bowl of broth packed with root veg and tender local lamb, perfect after a chilly day exploring.

• Skyr – Iceland’s answer to yoghurt, thick, creamy, and usually served with berries or honey.

• Hot Dogs (Pylsur) – not just any hot dog, but the national snack. Topped with crispy onions, mustard, and remoulade — head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for the classic.

• Arctic Char – somewhere between salmon and trout, usually grilled or smoked, and always fresh from the icy waters.

• Rúgbrauð – dark, dense rye bread, traditionally slow-baked underground using geothermal heat.

While you're on your jollies, you want good eats that are easy to come by, so we've pulled together a list of our fave places below, check 'em out on your Iceland holidays:

• Dill – Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, serving up hyper-local tasting menus that change with the seasons. This is modern Nordic dining at its peak.

• Apotek Kitchen + Bar – a stylish brasserie with Icelandic ingredients given a global twist, plus a cocktail list that’s just as exciting as the menu.

• Matur og Drykkur – all about traditional recipes with a modern upgrade. Think cod’s head, lamb, and other Icelandic staples, reimagined beautifully.

• Messinn – famous for its sizzling fish pans, brought to the table hot and bubbling. Trout, cod, or Arctic char — you can’t go wrong.

• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – the legendary hot dog stand that even Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian couldn’t resist. Cheap, cheerful, and a rite of passage.