Reykjavík, Iceland

• Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital at 64°N. Downtown is small - you can walk it in 20 minutes, though you'll probably spend longer since cafes are everywhere and locals treat them like second living rooms. Coffee costs around $5. Summer has nearly 24 hours of daylight, winter gives you 4-5 hours but better odds of seeing Northern Lights.
• Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Walking alone at midnight feels completely normal here, though catcalling happens despite the country's progressive reputation. Police don't carry guns and most crime is traffic violations. The safety level is real - people leave strollers outside shops and bikes unlocked.
• Reykjavík is expensive. A basic meal costs $35-45, coffee $3-5, hostel beds start around $40/night. Iceland imports most food because of the short growing season. Eating alone is completely normal here - you'll see people spending hours in cafes with a book and nobody thinks twice about it.
• Nearly everyone speaks English, especially downtown where tourists concentrate. The yellow Strætó buses run 6:30am-1am (later on weekends), cost 650 ISK with 75-minute transfers. You can't pay cash - use the app, contactless card, or pre-bought pass. Walking works for most things though.

Nearly all Icelanders speak English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Emergency service (112) has English speakers. Tourist info and police have multilingual staff. No language barriers in Reykjavík.

• Icelanders are reserved and respect personal space - don't expect chatty interactions. But they're helpful if you ask for something, and nearly everyone speaks English.
• Eating alone is normal here. Cafes and restaurants don't make it awkward, and you'll see locals spending hours reading or working on laptops. Nobody rushes you.
• Icelanders eat a lot of ice cream - people queue for it even in winter. Traditional foods like fermented shark, dried fish, and lamb can be intense, so ask what you're ordering if you're not adventurous.
• Don't tip. Service charges are included in prices and staff get fair wages. Tips aren't expected for normal service.
• Take off your shoes when entering someone's home - strict rule because of Iceland's volcanic soil and weather. Some guesthouses and hostels ask for this too.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The Strætó bus system has 27 routes with yellow buses running 6:30am-1am daily (till 4:30am Fri/Sat nights). Single rides cost 650 ISK with 75-minute transfers. Cash isn't accepted - you need the Strætó app, contactless card, or pre-bought bus card.
• Downtown is walkable - most attractions are within 20 minutes of each other. Walking is the best way to see the colorful corrugated-iron buildings and street art along Laugavegur. The city is safe to walk at any hour.
• The Reykjavík City Card (24/48/72 hours) includes unlimited bus travel plus free admission to pools and museums, with discounts at shops and restaurants. Worth it if you're hitting multiple attractions.
• Taxis are expensive - base fare around 800-1000 ISK plus per-km charges. Apps like Hreyfill work for booking. For getting around downtown, walking or buses make more sense.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Reykjavík with local guides and curated experiences.