Every Icelander has an opinion about where to get the best hot dog, and most of them are happy to argue about it. This walk skips the argument and just feeds you.

Wake Up Reykjavík runs the Reykjavík Food Walk, a three-hour stroll through the historic centre of the city with a local guide. Along the way you sample up to eight Icelandic dishes, from the old comfort food that kept the country going for centuries, through street food, to a more refined take on the classics. Between stops, your guide fills in the history and culture of the streets you are walking through.

What you'll eat on the Reykjavík food tour

The operator has picked a selection of its favourite places in the city centre, which solves the classic first-night problem in Reykjavík: plenty of restaurants, no idea which ones are worth it. Expect a mix of the traditional, the casual and the more polished. We won't spoil the stops here; half the fun is finding out.

Good to know before you go

The meeting point is Harpa Music Hall, at Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík. After you book, Wake Up Reykjavík sends a personal email with the full details for your tour, so keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam folder).

It is rated very easy, with no special fitness needed, and it works for solo travellers, couples, friends, families and larger groups alike. Pace is a gentle walk rather than a march.

Who this tour suits

First-timers who want a crash course in Icelandic food on their first or second day, curious eaters who want to try the traditional stuff with someone to explain it, and anyone who would rather have a local choose the restaurants. It also makes a good orientation of downtown, so you know where to come back to later.

Pro tip: Come hungry and skip a big lunch. Up to eight tastings over three hours adds up, and you will want room for the last stop. Dress for the weather too, since you are outside between stops.