For the cost of a coffee (around 1,200 ISK) you can spend an afternoon at Laugardalslaug, the largest of Reykjavik's seven municipal thermal pools and a far better way to experience Icelandic bathing culture than the Blue Lagoon. There is a 50-metre outdoor lap pool kept around 27°C, a series of round hot pots at 38, 40 and 42°C, a steam room, a sauna, a cold plunge, and a long curling waterslide for the children.
The crowd is mostly local — families, retirees swimming a slow morning lap, teenagers, MPs and politicians plotting in the hottest tub. Bring soap and a towel; both can be rented for a small fee.