Icelandic food in general is based on fish and lamb, as well as owing much to Scandinavian and European influences. Fresh fish can be had all year round - Icelanders eat mostly haddock, cod, plaice, halibut, herring and shrimp, but Icelandic salmon and Arctic char are also very good. The lamb, which is reared locally, is free range, organic and extremely tasty. Make sure you try it at least once during your stay in Iceland. There is also a heavy emphasis on vegetables grown in greenhouses heated by the natural steam from geysers. Bars have table and/or counter service, and will serve coffee as well as alcohol. Alcohol is prohibitively expensive.

Things to know: Apart from most hotels, restaurants and bars, alcohol is sold in state liquor stores throughout Iceland and is not available in supermarkets.

National specialities:
• Skyr (a smooth and creamy kind of yoghurt).
• Hangikjot (smoked lamb).
• Harðfiskur (dried fish).
• A delicacy not for the squeamish is hákarl (putrefied shark), usually washed down with a shot of Black Death Schnapps.
• Pylsur (hot dog) is every Icelanders' favourite fast food.

National drinks:
• Brennivin (a potent variation of aquavit made from potatoes).

Legal drinking age: 20.

Tipping: Service charges are included in most bills and extra tips are not expected.

There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, cafes and cinemas in Iceland, most of them in the capital. Reykjavík is renowned as one of Europe's hottest nightspots where the friendly pubs and social scene last through the night. Icelandic nightlife is particularly vibrant from June to August when there is nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Leading theatres are the National Theatre and the Reykjavík City Theatre. During July and August there is an attractive light entertainment show in English called ‘Light Nights' (www.lightnights.com) with traditional Icelandic stories and folk songs. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra (www.sinfonia.is) gives concerts every week. Iceland also has its own opera company, The Icelandic Opera (www.opera.is), performing in the smallest (400 seats) and northernmost opera house in the world.

Iceland has a vibrant music scene that has produced, amongst others, the internationally acclaimed artists Björk and Sigur Rós.

The new Icelandic National Concert and Conference Centre is currently under construction, scheduled for opening in autumn 2009 in Reykjavík. The iconic building, which was designed by pre-eminent Scandinavian architects and the internationally acclaimed artist Ólafur Elíasson, will be located by the harbour. The centre, which cost US$100 million and will include a state-of-the-art concert hall, will become the new home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra when it is completed.

Fluffy, earth-coloured Lopi wool blankets and coats, jackets, hats and handknits are synonymous with Iceland. Several local potters handthrow earthenware containers in natural colours. Crushed lava is a common addition to highly glazed ceramic pieces, which are popular as souvenirs. The duty-free shop at Keflavík Airport sells all of these products.

Laugavegur is Reykjavík's main shopping street. The shops along Skolavordustigur are good for art lovers. Kringlan is Reykjavík's world-class shopping mall. Bargain hunters should visit the indoor Kolaportid market in Reykjavík, held every weekend, where great buys on handmade Icelandic jumpers, food and toys can be found.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800; Sat from 1000-1300/1400/1500 or 1600. Most shops close on Sundays, and many shops also close on Saturdays during the summer (Jun-Aug). Some supermarkets are open seven days a week until 2300.