Cultura is in the heart of Reykjavík on Hverfisgata 18, in the same house as the Intercultural Centre, across the street from the National Theatre   more

Mál og menning On the third floor of this book store is Súfistinn, a café serving decent food, but scrumptious chocolate cake. Page through one of the bookstore’s magazines while you gorge.   more

Grái Kötturinn (The Gray Cat) With books lining the shelves of the Gray Cat (Hverfisgata 16a), the café gives off the air of an underground bookshop. Probably the only place in the world where you can buy a stack of pancakes for $15.   more

Mokka Skólavördustíg 3a, Tel.: 552 1174. www.mokka.is An Icelandic tradition since 1958 Mokka is the oldest café in Reykjavík, and the first one to make coffee with an espresso machine. Covering the walls is art for sale and the seats are usually filled with loyal  more

Hressingarskálinn : Don’t worry about trying to pronounce that mess of a word. We all call it Hresso. Located right downtown (Austurstraeti 20), this spacious café is perfect for anyone packing a laptop in that TIMBUK2 bag. They got wi-fi!   more

Kaffitár : Great coffee. Plus, at Kaffitár (Bankastræti 8), there’s no smoking allowed! Enough said. Kaffitár also has a café in Kringlan mall.   more