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Laugavegur Shopping Street, Ísland - Things to Do in Laugavegur Shopping Street

Laugavegur Shopping Street

Laugavegur Shopping Street, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Laugavegur Shopping Street stands as the busy heart of Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city. This bustling pedestrian thoroughfare stretches through downtown Reykjavík, offering visitors a perfect blend of modern Nordic culture, traditional Icelandic heritage, and contemporary shopping experiences. The street serves as both a commercial hub and cultural corridor, lined with colorful buildings that house everything from high-end boutiques and local design shops to cozy cafés and restaurants. Beyond shopping, Laugavegur provides an authentic glimpse into Reykjavík's daily life and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the city's rich cultural landscape. The street connects easyly with other major attractions and districts, making it an ideal base for visitors to experience Iceland's unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. From here, travelers can easily access museums, galleries, and the famous Reykjavík nightlife scene.

Top Laugavegur Shopping Street

Shop for Icelandic Design and Wool Products

Explore the numerous boutiques and shops along Laugavegur featuring authentic Icelandic wool sweaters, modern Nordic design items, and locally crafted goods. The street is renowned for its high-quality Icelandic wool products, particularly the traditional lopapeysa sweaters with their distinctive circular yoke patterns.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for shopping. Visit during weekday mornings for less crowded stores and better service. Expect to pay premium prices for authentic Icelandic wool products (sweaters range from $150-300), but quality is exceptional.

Reykjavík's Café Culture

spend time in the city's famous coffee culture by visiting the numerous cafés scattered along and near Laugavegur. Icelanders consume more coffee per capita than almost any other nation, and these establishments serve as important social hubs where locals gather to discuss everything from politics to literature.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for most cafés. Visit during afternoon hours (2-5 PM) for the authentic Icelandic coffee break experience. Budget around $5-8 for specialty coffee drinks.

Street Art and Colorful Architecture

Take a self-guided walking tour to admire the busy street art and distinctive colorful buildings that line Laugavegur and surrounding streets. The area showcases Reykjavík's creative spirit through murals, installations, and the famous rainbow-colored houses that have become iconic symbols of the city.

Booking Tip: Free activity that's best enjoyed during daylight hours year-round. Consider joining organized street art tours ($25-35) for deeper insights into the artists and cultural significance of the works.

Local Art Galleries and Museums

Discover Iceland's thriving contemporary art scene by exploring the numerous galleries and small museums located on or near Laugavegur. These venues showcase both established and emerging Icelandic artists, offering insights into the country's unique artistic perspective shaped by its dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage.

Booking Tip: Most galleries offer free admission and are open Tuesday-Saturday. Some museums charge $10-15 entrance fees. Visit on First Friday evenings when many galleries host opening receptions with free refreshments.

Reykjavík's Nightlife Scene

As evening falls, Laugavegur transforms into the epicenter of Reykjavík's legendary nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs, and clubs coming alive. The area is famous for its 'runtur' (pub crawl) culture, where locals and visitors alike move from venue to venue throughout the night, creating a busy and welcoming atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Nightlife starts late (after 11 PM) and continues until early morning on weekends. Pre-drinking at accommodations is common due to high alcohol prices ($12-15 per drink). No advance booking needed for most venues.

Getting There

Laugavegur Shopping Street is located in central Reykjavík and is easily accessible from Keflavík International Airport via the Flybus or rental car (45-minute drive). From the airport, take the Flybus to BSÍ Bus Terminal or directly to your hotel, then walk or take a short taxi ride to Laugavegur. If staying in Reykjavík, the street is within walking distance of most downtown accommodations. Public buses also connect the area to other parts of the city, with several bus stops located along or near the street.

Getting Around

Laugavegur itself is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot, with most attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance. The street connects well with Reykjavík's public bus system (Strætó), which provides affordable transportation to other parts of the city. Taxis are readily available but expensive. Many visitors rent bicycles during summer months, and the city has been expanding its bike lane network. For exploring beyond the immediate area, consider renting a car or joining organized tours, as many of Iceland's natural attractions require transportation outside the city center.

Where to Stay

Laugavegur and Downtown Core
Bratislava Reykjavík
Hlemmur Square Area
Tjörnin Lakedistrict
Perlan and Öskjuhlíð Area
Laugardalur Valley

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Laugavegur offers everything from traditional Icelandic cuisine to international fare, with many restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood, lamb, and unique items like fermented shark and puffin. The area features numerous cozy bistros, upscale Nordic restaurants, and casual eateries serving dishes that reflect Iceland's growing reputation as a culinary destination. Vegetarian and vegan options have expanded significantly in recent years. Be prepared for higher prices compared to other European destinations, with dinner mains typically ranging from $25-45. Many establishments offer lunch specials and happy hour deals that provide better value for budget-conscious travelers.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Reykjavik

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market

4.6 /5
(1471 reviews) 4

Sushi Social

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3
Montenegro meal_takeaway

Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

4.7 /5
(732 reviews) 2

Grazie Trattoria

4.5 /5
(518 reviews)

Ráðagerði Veitingahús

4.8 /5
(338 reviews) 2
Montenegro cafe

Napoli

4.8 /5
(265 reviews)
meal_takeaway

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Laugavegur can be enjoyed year-round, but the experience varies significantly by season. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and most busy street life, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and café culture. Winter visits (December-February) provide a cozy atmosphere with holiday decorations and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from the city, though daylight hours are limited. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and moderate weather, with autumn being particularly beautiful as the city prepares for winter. Regardless of season, always dress warmly and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions typical of Iceland's maritime climate.

Insider Tips

Visit during the annual Reykjavík Culture Night in August when many shops and venues offer special events, extended hours, and free activities throughout the downtown area.
Take advantage of the 'happy hour' culture at restaurants and bars, typically running from 4-7 PM, offering significant discounts on both food and drinks in this expensive city.
Download the Reykjavík City Card app for discounts at participating shops, restaurants, and attractions along Laugavegur, plus free public transportation and museum entries.

Activities in Laugavegur Shopping Street