Laugavegur
Laugavegur
4.5
About
One of Reykjavik's oldest streets, this stretch of road is the capital's main shopping attraction—with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars.
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The area
Neighborhood: Miðborg
Best nearby
Restaurants
534 within 3 miles
Attractions
138 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Lainie LNew York City, New York1,434 contributionsMain street with plenty of dining and shopping options!This is the 'main street' of Reykjavik filled with tourists and locals looking for a place to eat, drink, and shop. There's a little something for everyone and what's great about Reykjavik is how all the businesses are local since it's so expensive for chain stores to establish a store here. That means a ton of souvenir shops which, not surprisingly, all carry pretty much the same items for exorbitant prices. I didn't buy anything since I didn't see anything I could live without and enjoyed walking in and out of each store, mostly to get out of the cold. There's a Bonus, the supermarket where prices are marginally better if you're looking to buy a snack, sweets, drink, or quick meal if you want to save a few bucks and don't have time for a sit down meal in a restaurant.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 30, 2024
- WeeTravellingScotsPerth, United Kingdom117 contributionsA great street for wander, full of street art and something for everyoneWhat a lovely street to wander along. It’s pretty long and as someone else has said you can wander down one side and up the other and still see things you didn’t see. Lots of bars, cafes, shops and restaurants with something for everyone. I particularly loved all the street art on the side of the buildings and little alleyways, it’s a really effective way to brighten up the street and this is reflected in the shops etc.too. It looked great no matter the weather! Would recommend slow stroll down and back up this street to really take it all in.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 9, 2024
- giannicaracciSicily, Italy821 contributionsButton and very much alivePedestrian street to really consider the emblem of the Reykjavik tack button. Characteristic bars, excellent and particular restaurants and nice shops overlook this street. Walking it for those who come to Iceland is a real obligationVisited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 18, 2024
- Richard WPenn Valley, California878 contributionsA very cool section of a vibrant city.Unique shops and food opportunities from around the world abound in this area of Reykjavik. It is easy walking from the town center area and many of the hotels. A fun place to explore, enjoy and take in the vibe of this special city and country.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 28, 2024
- RogerSpring Hill, Tennessee11 contributionsHotel Laugavegur is a great location near the sites and shopping that Reykjavik has to offer.The Hotel Laugavegur was wonderful. The staff was great and the location was perfect for walking to the various sites and restaurants around Reykjavik. The complimentary breakfast was a great way to start the day. I highly recommend the Center Hotels Laugavegur for your trip to Iceland. The land of fire and ice.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 17, 2024
- TheForscher58 contributionsShop and EatThe Shopping and dining mile of Reykjavic. Souvenir shops, pubs, restaurant (from inexpensive to expensive). Baker. It is not a typical mile as you usually know this.Rather cozy. TIP: the small bakery in the street.(downhill left)Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,856 reviews
Excellent
1,320
Very good
1,133
Average
369
Poor
27
Terrible
7
Bernadette M
Manchester, UK60 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We stayed here so spent a fair amount of time around it. Great spot with many interesting shops bars and eating places. The street runs parallel to the harbour so you can see the sea down the side streets and easily cut through to walk along the sea.
Lots of side streets running off it including the one leading to the impressive church. So plenty of places to wander.
If you walk to the end and veer right you reach the old harbour where the boats are and the concert hall. I think this is called 'down town' and where the locals hang out. Apparently the locals don't go out till about midnight and bars in this area are open till 6 am. Though we didn't experience this ....far too tired after trips out!
There are some more shops here including a big H and M.
We enjoyed staying on Laugavegur and found it very central and convenient.
Lots of side streets running off it including the one leading to the impressive church. So plenty of places to wander.
If you walk to the end and veer right you reach the old harbour where the boats are and the concert hall. I think this is called 'down town' and where the locals hang out. Apparently the locals don't go out till about midnight and bars in this area are open till 6 am. Though we didn't experience this ....far too tired after trips out!
There are some more shops here including a big H and M.
We enjoyed staying on Laugavegur and found it very central and convenient.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Improindy
Copenhagen, Denmark348 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
I have been to Iceland 5 times in the last 25 heats and this street jeeps evolving and gets cooler and cooler. I live the colors and the vibe of the street. Hipster every where, awesome beer places, rainbow colored pavement and funny names like the shop Calles "I don't speak Icelandic" and the Chuck Borris bar. Love it.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK8,099 contributions
Aug 2021
Laugavegur is Reykjavik’s main shopping street. It’s quite a long street, about 2km from end to end, though the retail stretch that is of interest to visitors is between Snorrabraut (in the east) and where it becomes Bankastræti in the west; Bankastræti continues on into the older and lower part of the city. Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavík. Its name roughly translates to ‘the Water Road’, as it was up and down this area where women used to bring their laundry to be washed in the hot pools.
Laugavegur is home to a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, all appealing to different tastes. For shopping, Laugavegur largely has boutiques with high-end products, most of which are Icelandic designed and produced. It also has many tourist shops, selling fridge magnets, books, candle holders made out of lava, stuffed animals such as puffins and whales, and all sorts of souvenirs - many rather tacky. If you want to shop for clothes and jewellery without breaking the bank, there are second-hand and vintage shops along the street. The wealth of coffee shops, bars and restaurants along the street have a diverse selection of menus. There’s a restaurant offering a menu of puffin and whale, if that happens to be your delectation. Some of these are traditionally Icelandic, but there are cuisines from all around the world.
If shopping is not your thing, just walk the street at leisure, and enjoy the colourful display that the street has to offer: brightly painted corrugated iron buildings; facades painted with dazzling murals and quirky street art; the pedestrian roadway painted with giant games such as hopscotch and miniature running tracks, and the pride rainbow; curious alleyways with vistas to the sea and mountains. These in my opinion are the most delightful aspects of Laugavegur. Sit awhile in one of many coffee shops; poke you nose into interesting little art galleries; and just enjoy a cityscape that is casual and relaxed.
A stroll here is a must when you are in Reykjavik!
Laugavegur is home to a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, all appealing to different tastes. For shopping, Laugavegur largely has boutiques with high-end products, most of which are Icelandic designed and produced. It also has many tourist shops, selling fridge magnets, books, candle holders made out of lava, stuffed animals such as puffins and whales, and all sorts of souvenirs - many rather tacky. If you want to shop for clothes and jewellery without breaking the bank, there are second-hand and vintage shops along the street. The wealth of coffee shops, bars and restaurants along the street have a diverse selection of menus. There’s a restaurant offering a menu of puffin and whale, if that happens to be your delectation. Some of these are traditionally Icelandic, but there are cuisines from all around the world.
If shopping is not your thing, just walk the street at leisure, and enjoy the colourful display that the street has to offer: brightly painted corrugated iron buildings; facades painted with dazzling murals and quirky street art; the pedestrian roadway painted with giant games such as hopscotch and miniature running tracks, and the pride rainbow; curious alleyways with vistas to the sea and mountains. These in my opinion are the most delightful aspects of Laugavegur. Sit awhile in one of many coffee shops; poke you nose into interesting little art galleries; and just enjoy a cityscape that is casual and relaxed.
A stroll here is a must when you are in Reykjavik!
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John A
Belfast, UK1,623 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We walked along Laugavegur on a Sunday just before lunchtime and it was quite quiet. Most shops selling souveneirs were open as well as food shops and small supermarkets.
There were plenty of cafes and restaurants getting ready for an influx of visitors for lunch.
Laugavegur is close to a stop on the hop on hop off bus route.
There were plenty of cafes and restaurants getting ready for an influx of visitors for lunch.
Laugavegur is close to a stop on the hop on hop off bus route.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette W
Bracknell, UK234 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
The gentle nature & feel of this main city street was quieter than the road I live in the UK!! I love the shops, so different from the usual high street shops at home. The Christmas street decorations were a lot less garish than other major cities. Which is so refreshing.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim Y
Reno, NV344 contributions
Sep 2019
Laugavegur is a principal tourist street in Reykjavik featuring many shops, bars, and restaurants.
One of the most interesting shops is Iceland Memories at 64 Laugavegur.
They feature unique magnetic message boards with magnetic sheep. The boards have a variety of Icelandic scenes, and come in several sizes. You get to pick your own sheep.
It is a marvelous, and actually useful, souvenir.
One of the most interesting shops is Iceland Memories at 64 Laugavegur.
They feature unique magnetic message boards with magnetic sheep. The boards have a variety of Icelandic scenes, and come in several sizes. You get to pick your own sheep.
It is a marvelous, and actually useful, souvenir.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadina P
New York City, NY726 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
I didn't go to Iceland expecting to shop--I was there for the scenery, and I did that. Plus, I was told it was expensive.
However, I was fortunate enough to go in June 2022, when the economy was not in the best place for Iceland. That plus coming from another expensive city made it shockingly affordable to shop. Secondly, I was very surprised by what I found in Iceland; there's great fashion, beautiful handmade jewelry and crafts, and incredible artwork. Reykjavik is an incredible metropolitan city that is not overwhelming, loaded with culture, and much more posh than you would think. This area changed my thinking: I would recommend doing a little shopping here, if you can afford it.
However, I was fortunate enough to go in June 2022, when the economy was not in the best place for Iceland. That plus coming from another expensive city made it shockingly affordable to shop. Secondly, I was very surprised by what I found in Iceland; there's great fashion, beautiful handmade jewelry and crafts, and incredible artwork. Reykjavik is an incredible metropolitan city that is not overwhelming, loaded with culture, and much more posh than you would think. This area changed my thinking: I would recommend doing a little shopping here, if you can afford it.
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malgorzata
12,077 contributions
Jun 2019
Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavík, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, bars, hotels, jewelry stores, second-hand shops and art galleries. Recognized as one of the best shopping streets in the world . Established in 1885 and is one of the oldest streets of the city. His name can be translated into "Water Road" because it was here that the women brought laundry to be washed in hot pools. The mot popular shopping stretch of the street starts at the city’s bus centre, Hlemmur and leads to Bankastræti. It is about two kilometres .Interesting and nice part of the city.
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PITW2202
Broadway, UK26 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This street has lots of restaurants , cafes and bars, also plenty of tourist shops. There is also a Bonus food shop if you wish to buy cheaper sandwiches, rolls and other food. Situated not far from many of the hotels in Reykjavik.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margretsam
Reykjavik, Iceland194 contributions
Aug 2019
If you are interested in different house styles it is fun to walk the Laugavegur, mix of old houses and modern houses. There are lot of restaurants there and hotels. There are some authentic icelandic design stores there that you should defenetly look at but mostly there are tourist stores there that all sell the same garbage for too high of a price.
Written May 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’ll be visiting on Christmas night the 24th what to expect during the afternoon and evening and will all shops close early?
Written November 26, 2024
I’ll be visiting on Christmas night the 24th what to expect during the afternoon and evening and will all shops close earlier?
Written November 26, 2024
I will be in Iceland as well for Christmas and looking forward to normal turkey dinner ? Any ideas please
Written November 28, 2024
Laugavegur is a long street, between which cross streets are most of the shops?
Written September 7, 2023
Once you get past Snorrabraut you'll find an increasing mixture of eateries, souvenir shops, duty free, bars and the budget supermarket Bónus which is the best value for tourists on tight purse strings
Written November 17, 2023
Are all the shops opened till very late? Generally, what is the closed times? 9pm or 8pm?
Written August 4, 2018
Most shops are open late over summer at least around 8pm or 9pm. Many restaurants are open until very late.
Written August 4, 2018
Hej Nanna. Hvad vil du gerne vide om denne seværdighed?
Fasterk2017 - har du et navn på dette sted med de varme hotspot i Laugavegur? Jeg synes desværre ikke jeg kan finde det?
Written April 19, 2018
Hvor ligger dette vandområde og hvad hedder stedet mere nøjagtigt?
Hilsen Jette
Written March 30, 2018
Ist es möglich auf dem Laugavegur & Fimmvorduhals Trail die Camping Card zu benutzen?
Ich gehe mal nicht davon aus. Dennoch wäre es interessant zu wissen, ob Sie ggf. teilweise nutzbar ist.
Written March 26, 2018
They were all open by the time we got there around 9:30 am so I honestly don’t know what time they opened. I can tell you that we were also there in the evening and they were still open around 9 to 9:30 pm. However, that was just the week leading up to Christmas so perhaps they opened later just for that??? Enjoy!!!
Written January 23, 2018
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