Reykjavik holidays

A small army of galleries, arts venues and museums ensure plenty of cultural options on holidays in Reykjavik.

Stalwarts include Reykjavik Art Museum, a fish warehouse turned contemporary art hub, and the striking waterfront concert hall Harpa. The freakiest has to be the Icelandic Phallological Museum, where you'll find jars containing the private parts of whales, humans, hamsters and more, if you've always wondered...

All Reykjavik city breaks should include a trip to Hallgrimskirkja, the city's most eye-catching building and Iceland's largest church. Climb its 75-metre (244-feet) steeple for wonderful views back over town.

There are more than 40 annual festivals in Reykjavik. Having given rise to international acts such as Björk and Sigur Rus, the music scene is still strong; events include electro offshoot Sunar Reykjavik (February), indie-focused Secret Solstice (June), and on-the-pulse Iceland Airwaves (November).

Outdoor living There are plenty of natural attractions to experience in the world's northernmost capital.

Open all year, Nauthólsvík beach has thermal waters artificially pumped into the freezing sea; most visitors brave the ocean for a few seconds, then rush to a nearby hot tub.

Lake Tjornin, in the city centre, is populated by greylag geese; Hellisgerdi Park has an Elf Walk that's perfect for families on holiday in Reykjavik; and day-walkers can stride up the wetland flanks of Mount Esja.

Keeping costs down Cheap, Reykjavik is not, but you can economise with free activities, such as strolling about admiring the murals and colourful corrugated-iron houses of the city, or visiting the Einar Junsson Sculpture Garden, set beside Hallgrimskirkja.

If you'd rather have an expert in tow, try the guided, one-hour-long Free Walking Tour, which introduces Reykjavik to newcomers on a pay-what-you-want basis.

Happy hours in bars help reduce costs too, while there's no charge to attend the Kolaportid flea market, held by the harbour at the weekend; trawl its second-hand books, antiques and Icelandic sweaters.