Take the lift up to the top of the Hallgrímskirkja church tower, where you can stand on the observation deck and admire views of the city and its surrounding landscape. The church is the main landmark in Reykjavik and can be seen from almost all points of the city; its unusual design was inspired by the shapes created when lava cools into basalt rock.

Head to the food section of Kolaportið, Reykjavik's fleamarket, to sample the national delicacy of Hákarl - fermented shark which is cured with a centuries-old fermentation process. It may be an acquired taste but one of the glories of this part of the world is its weird and wonderful cuisine. If you can't face eating it, just wander around the market watching locals go about their daily business.

Enjoy a guided tour of Harpa, Reykjavik's concert hall and centre of the city's cultural scene, which is used for exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, meetings and festivals. Its glass façade is inspired by the dramatic basalt landscapes of Iceland and is lit up at night, creating a fantastic sight. This is one of the city's best known landmarks, and tours are offered every day.