11-12-2024
Want to explore the vibrant atmosphere of the main shopping street in Reykjavik? Find out all you need to know about Laugavegur in Reykjavik in our complete guide to this famous shopping street, including its history, where exactly it is, how you can get there and the best places to check out on Laugavegur Street.
Situated in the heart of Reykjavik's historic center, Laugavegur shopping street is one of the capital’s oldest streets. Constructed in 1885, Laugavegur Street is around 2 kilometers long and full of picturesque, colorful Icelandic-style buildings.
The main shopping street in Iceland, Laugavegur Street is a cultural hub, full of boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafés. A center of activity, lots of art and cultural events take place on Laugavegur Street, making the area a must-visit to explore the bustling heart of Iceland’s capital city.
Translating to ‘the water road’, Laugavegur is so-named as it used to lead to hot springs that women would take their laundry to. Nowadays, the street is full of colorful street art and murals, plus all the shops and eateries you could want.
As the main street in Reykjavik, Laugavegur sits in the historic part of the city, several streets away from the harbor (around 5 minutes walk away).
Laugavegur Street runs from the east near Laugardalur Park (Reykjavik's largest park) to Bankastraeti in the west (in between Harpa Concert Hall and Tjörnin Lake), emerging in the downtown area of the city.
Exploring Laugavegur Street is one of the best things you can do while in Reykjavik, but what exactly can you do and see here? Check out our top recommendations for places to go and things to do on Laugavegur Street:
Simply strolling down Laugavegur Street will take you to some beautiful pieces of artwork painted onto the traditional Icelandic buildings. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking street art and colorful murals that line this famous shopping street.
As the main shopping street in Reykjavik, Laugavegur is the place to be for exploring the city’s high-end boutiques, vintage stores and independent retailers selling locally produced products, including clothing and jewelry. You can also find shops selling traditional Icelandic souvenirs if you’d like something to remember your trip by, or something to treat your loved ones to.
Check out a Private Reykjavik Shopping and Sightseeing Walking Tour if you’d like a guide for your exploration of Laugavegur Street and beyond.
Top picks:
Whether you choose to take a Laugavegur food and drink tour, or simply wander down the street exploring the range of eateries on offer, Laugavegur is the perfect city center location for a bite to eat. Sample some Icelandic delicacies, stop for a coffee and soak in all the sights, sounds and tastes of this main shopping street in Reykjavik.
Top picks:
As the main party area of Reykjavik, Laugavegur is full of vibrant bars to visit when the sun sets. The best place for nightlife in the capital, you’ll find a range of cocktail bars, Irish pubs, sports bars and clubs on Laugavegur Street, so you can find something for you no matter what vibe you’re looking for.
Top picks:
If you’d like to stay on Laugavegur Street in Reykjavik, here are a few accommodation options to check out:
Itching to stroll down Laugavegur Street and explore the best bars, restaurants and shops the Icelandic capital has to offer? You can do just that during your own Iceland vacation, exploring the bustling city of Reykjavik and beyond.
Take a look through our range of rental cars in Iceland to get started with your vacation planning today. Perfect to take you all across the island, having your own car in Iceland will give you the ultimate freedom to explore wherever your heart desires. We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland soon!