Weekender: Reykjavik, Iceland

The recession's silver lining is that the value of Iceland's kronur has plummeted, making Reykjavík's many attractions – from cutting-edge culture to some of Europe's most vibrant nightlife – more affordable. Visit trendy cafés, vintage boutiques and museums by day, then dance till dawn at one of the city's many bars and clubs. Make time to explore some of the city’s stunning surrounding scenery too.

Headline attraction
Most of Reykjavík's legendary nightlife is strung out along Laugavegur, the main drag, making the city great for a bar crawl (the locals even have a name for it –‘runtur’). Try Kaffibarrin, the bar co-founded by Blur's Damon Albarn, which has a London Underground sign hanging outside. For live music head to NASA, with three floors of dance, electronica and indie.

Best of the rest
Stop off at the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from Keflavík airport. The milky blue, mineral-rich pool, which ranges in temperature from 37˚C-42˚C, is said to hold healing properties, so a dip is a must. Back in town head to the concrete church Hallgrimskirkja, which dominates the skyline. You can take an elevator up to the top of the tower for a great view of Reykjavík's colourful rooftops.

Chow down
The café-bars along Laugavegur serve good-value set menus from 5pm. Also try Prikio at Bankastræti 12, one of the best, and oldest, coffee shops, which turns into a club after dark. For a cheap and hearty supper, try the harbour where the Sea Baron restaurant is a local institution thanks to its Icelandic lobster soup and seafood kebabs.

Out of town
Sample the country's natural wonders by exploring the Golden Circle, a route in Iceland's south-west. Hire a car to see the hot springs at Geysir and the waterfall, Gullfoss.

Museum time
To take in Iceland's history and culture, check out the National Museum, before honing in on the Vikings at Reykjavík 871, an exhibition built round the ruins of an Viking-age farmhouse. Culture House covers the historical sagas, an Icelandic precursor to the fantasy genre, as does the Saga Museum. For art buffs there's the Reykjavík Art Museum, spread over three sites and the National Gallery of Iceland as well as many private galleries.

Need to know

When to go: You'll get balmy weather in summer (June-August), but travel outside these months is often cheaper

Getting there: Book flights from £218 - Keflavík airport is 48km west of Reykjavík

Currency: Iceland Kronur - Check out our Currency Converter for the latest rates

Language: Icelandic

Getting around: You can walk round the city but hire a car for further afield

Going out: A pint of beer is about 700 kronur

Accommodation: Hotel deals from £50