Árbæjarlaug Geothermal Pool

It's a step out of town, but the slickly designed Árbæjarlaug Geothermal Pool is well known as the best family pool: it's half inside and half outside, and there are lots of watery amusements (slides, waterfalls and massage jets) to keep the kids entertained. Take bus 19.

Reykjavík's heavenly pools (and beach) are the heart of the city's social life: children play, teenagers flirt, business deals are made, and everyone catches up with the latest gossip. Volcanic water keeps the temperature at a mellow 29°C, and most of the baths have heitir pottar (hot pots), Jacuzzi-like pools kept at a toasting 37°C to 42°C. Admission usually costs around Ikr280/around Ikr120 for adults/children aged 6 to 15, and towels and swimming costumes can be rented for around Ikr300 each. Reykjavíkurs get very upset by dirty tourists in their nice, clean pools (for good reason - the city's pools are free of chemicals). To avoid causing huge offence, visitors must wash thoroughly without a swimsuit before hopping in. For further information see www.spacity.is.