Travel Guide to Downtown Reykjavik

• HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeBless
  [BLESS]
• YesJá
  [YOW]
• NoNei
  [NAY]
• Please/You're welcomeTakk fyrir
  [TAHK fur-EAR]
• Thank youTakk
  [TAHK]
• Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [AHF-sah-kith]
• How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?
  [KVER-nik HEH-ur THOO thad]
• Fine. And you?Í lagi. Og þú?
  [EE LAH-gee. Ohg thoo]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [TAH-lar thoo ENS-koo]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [Yeh shkil EHK-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg myndi vilja sjá matsedilinn, væri það svo snjallt?
  [Yeh MIN-dee VIL-yah shah mat-SEH-dil-inn, VAI-ri thahth SVOH SNAHYT?]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [Yeh BOR-tha EHK-ki chyot]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [SKOWL]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg væri að greiða, væri það svo snjallt?
  [Yeh VAI-ri ath GREY-tha, VAI-ri thahth SVOH SNAHYT?]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [HYOWLP]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [FAR-thoo EE BUR-too]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [HRING-doo EE LUR-eg-loo-na]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [HRING-doo EE LAGH-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [Yeh air TEEN-thur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [Yeh air VAY-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég myndi vilja kaupa...
  [Yeh MIN-dee VIL-yah KOY-pa...]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [Yeh air BAH-rah ath SKOH-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [Kvath KOS-tar thaht]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [Thath air off DEER-t]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkað verðið?
  [GEH-tur thoo LYE-kath VER-dith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [Kvath air KLUK-kahn]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [KLUK-kahn air eyt]
• Half past (10)Hálftíu
  [HOWLFT-yoo]
• MorningMorgunn
  [MORE-gun]
• AfternoonEftirmiðdagur
  [EFT-ir-MITH-thah-gur]
• EveningKvöld
  [KVEWLT]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [EE GYI-ar]
• TodayÍ dag
  [EE dahg]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [OW MORE-gun]
• 1Einn
  [AYTHN]
• 2Tveir
  [TVAIR]
• 3Þrír
  [THREER]
• 4Fjórir
  [FYOR-ir]
• 5Fimm
  [FIMM]
• 6Sex
  [SEKS]
• 7Sjö
  [SYOH]
• 8Átta
  [OWT-ta]
• 9Níu
  [NEE-yu]
• 10Tíu
  [TEE-yu]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [Kvar air]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [Kvath air HAY-mil-is-fan-gith]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [GEH-tur thoo SOWNT mair (owr KOR-ti-noo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær er næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [KVER-nair air NIGH-sta (STRY-teess-vahn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Einn miði (til ....)
  [AYTHN MEE-thee (til ....)]

Reykjavik's history can be traced back to the Viking Age, around 874 AD, when Ingólfur Arnarson, the first permanent settler, established a home in the area. The name 'Reykjavik' translates to 'Smoky Bay', derived from the steam rising from hot springs in the region. This settlement laid the foundation for what would become Iceland's capital, with its strategic coastal location serving as a hub for trade and fishing.

In the 18th century, Reykjavik began to develop as a trading post. The Danish Crown granted the town the status of a trading town in 1786, which attracted merchants and sparked economic growth. This period marked the transition from a small fishing settlement to a burgeoning urban center, with the establishment of essential infrastructure including schools and churches.

The 19th century was a time of cultural awakening in Reykjavik, characterized by the rise of national consciousness and a flourishing of Icelandic literature and arts. This era saw the publication of significant literary works and the establishment of cultural institutions, including the Reykjavik Art Museum. The architecture of Downtown Reykjavik from this period reflects a blend of traditional Icelandic and European styles, showcasing the town's growing identity.

The interwar years witnessed significant urban development in Downtown Reykjavik. The city expanded beyond its original boundaries, with new residential areas and public buildings being constructed. The establishment of the National Theatre in 1950 and the development of various cultural institutions further solidified Reykjavik’s status as the cultural capital of Iceland.

Since the late 20th century, Downtown Reykjavik has transformed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub. With the rise of technology and creative industries, the area has become known for its lively arts scene, restaurants, and nightlife. Events such as the Reykjavik Arts Festival and the Reykjavik International Film Festival highlight the city's commitment to culture and creativity, attracting visitors from around the world.

Downtown Reykjavik is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in the city. If you're coming from the airport, the Flybus offers a direct connection to the city center, taking about 45 minutes. From other neighborhoods, the public bus system, Strætó, operates frequent routes that connect to downtown. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app.

Downtown Reykjavik is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking the most enjoyable way to explore. Public buses (Strætó) serve the area extensively, with stops conveniently located throughout the downtown. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, and there are dedicated bike lanes. While there are no trains in the city, taxis are available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Reykjavik is considered one of the safest cities in the world, with a very low crime rate. However, it is always wise to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Avoid isolated locations at night, especially along the waterfront. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. As of now, there are no specific areas in Downtown Reykjavik known for high crime targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services. The main hospital in Reykjavik, Landspítali, is well-equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the downtown area for minor health issues, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking. Don't wear overly formal attire, as casual clothing is the norm. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Photography may be restricted in some places. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Halló' and a smile. Don’t assume everyone speaks English; learning a few Icelandic phrases can be appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Icelandic dishes. Don't waste food; it's considered disrespectful.

To experience Downtown Reykjavik like a local, visit the Kolaportið flea market for unique souvenirs and local foods. Try to explore the city's vibrant street art and visit local cafes rather than international chains. Engage with locals by participating in community events or visiting local galleries. Take advantage of happy hour specials in bars and restaurants, which can offer great deals on food and drinks.