Occupying a wooden, century-old building, the Kvosin Downtown Hotel, offers a central location perfect for leisurely strolls through Reykjavik to take in the city’s main sights. Originally a row of private houses then a series of businesses, this four-star apartment hotel opened only two years ago. In the last few months it has gone through additional renovations, extending its number of guestrooms to 24.

Standing on Kirkjutorg (Church Street), it is close to city hall in front of The Pond and the National Museum of Iceland a 15-minute walk away. Laugavegur Street, a busy hub filled with cafés, stores and restaurants, is a stone’s throw in one direction while the National Gallery of Iceland is the same on the other. Even the short ferry trip to historic Videy Island, where food and supplies were transported during the formative days of the city’s development, is convenient. The departure dock is a 10-minute walk away, beside Harpa, Reykjavik’s largest and most modern concert hall.

A young and helpful staff, under the guidance of manager Snorri Valsson, welcomes guests warmly upon arrival and offers advice about where to go, what to do and how to get there. With its Alpine-style façade and whimsical interior, the hotel leaves you with the impression of being in frontier territory, so much so you half-expect to see horses tethered up outside when you go out strolling. We found this sense of homespun authenticity, devoid of ultra-modern chrome, metal and glass architectural elements, refreshing.

For convenience, all 24 rooms feature kitchenettes with refrigerators and stovetops, Nespresso machines and free pods, plus complimentary Wi-Fi and LED TVs with satellite channels and MP3 docks. The Kvosin also has a downstairs bar off the lobby and breakfast is served around the corner in the rustic, Scandinavian-style Bergsson café. Try not to overdose on the delicious fresh bread and homemade granola.

Being so central means hotel guests can see a lot in a very short time. On our first day, we headed to the National Museum of Iceland, a pleasant walk along the lakeside. Reflecting life in Iceland from the medieval days of the Vikings to current contemporary culture, the museum grants comprehensive insights into the nation’s development. Artifacts range from ancient runes carved on rocks to a 12th century spade, a wood block and axe-blade used in the last Icelandic execution in 1830. The ornate Valthjofsstadur door features elaborate medieval engravings depicting scenes from the legendary 12th century knight’s tale, Le Chevalier au Lion.

In the afternoon, for something entirely different and NSFW, walk in the opposite direction to visit the unique Icelandic Phallological Museum. Founded by Sigurdur Hjartarson, a University of Edinburgh graduate and teacher for 37 years, it is now run by his son Hjörtur Gísli. The museum houses the world’s largest display penile parts from all mammals in Iceland, including whales, reindeer, seals, polar bears, walruses and dolphins, all dried or pickled in preserving alcohol. The exhibition is actually quite scientific and educational, balanced by a quirky sense of humor. The most imaginative items in the souvenir store are lampshades made from ram scrotums and bow ties in soft whales’ member leather.

Following the museum, set off for one of Iceland’s most popular gathering points, the neighborhood thermal pools. While the picturesque Blue Lagoon is a well-known tourism attraction 30 miles outside the city, there are other such pools within Reykjavik offering not only the chance to relax in warm, communal open-air waters but to speak to locals and learn more about the cultural nuances. The next morning you can walk to the National Art Gallery, which houses 11,000 works and take the 30-minute ferry ride to Videy Island for an afternoon’s exploration.

The Kvosin is a no-frills hotel that emanates a rich sense of heritage and is extremely convenient for discovering the best the city has to offer.