Flying visit to Reykjavik
Why now?
Because in May Iceland's chic capital becomes a hotbed of cultural activity with its annual arts festival (artfest.is). The festival is one of the oldest and most respected in Europe and combines contemporary visual art, theatre and music. From May 15 to June 5, the city will be packed with exhibitions, gigs and street performances.
Getting there
icelandair.co.uk, icelandexpress.com and skyscanner.net from various UK airports.
Where to stay
Centerhotel Thingholt (00354 595 8530, centerhotels.com), is close to all the action and boasts modern art on its walls as well as a highly rated restaurant. Rooms from £115 per night.
What to see
Don't miss the raucous opening weekend. As well as a musical performance featuring members of local ambient noiseniks Sigur Rós, the Experiment Marathon is turning the Reykjavik Art Museum into a laboratory in which leading artists, architects and film-makers will create a smorgasbord of installations, screenings, performances and experimental films.