Laugavegur Street
Reykjavik's main street, buzzing with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and colorful, artistic buildings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Laugavegur Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Reykjavik's main street, buzzing with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and colorful, artistic buildings.
"The most lively street in the city of Reykjavik.. You can find a lot of bars, food places, gift shops,.."
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
Walk the entire length to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. :walking:
🛍️ Shop Smart
Many shops sell similar items; look for unique Icelandic designs. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boutique Browsing
Discover unique Icelandic fashion, crafts, and souvenirs in a lively, colorful street setting.

Culinary Delights
Savor local flavors and international cuisine at the diverse array of restaurants and cafes.

Artistic Facades
Admire the charming, artistically painted buildings that add a unique visual flair to the street.

Nightlife Hub
Experience Reykjavik's energetic nightlife with a wide selection of bars and pubs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Stroll
Shopping Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advice on Laugavegur trail
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
Walk the entire length to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. :walking:
🛍️ Shop Smart
Many shops sell similar items; look for unique Icelandic designs. :shopping_bags:
Top tips for Laugavegur Trail with the Fimmvorduhals Trail add on?
My one piece of advice to people visiting Iceland: do the Laugavegur trail
🎨 Admire the Art
Don't miss the colorful, artistically painted buildings adding charm. :art:
🍽️ Diverse Dining
Plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from for every taste. :forkandknifewithplate:
Laugavegur trek - GPS routes & tips
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
Walk the entire length to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. :walking:
🛍️ Shop Smart
Many shops sell similar items; look for unique Icelandic designs. :shopping_bags:
🎨 Admire the Art
Don't miss the colorful, artistically painted buildings adding charm. :art:
🍽️ Diverse Dining
Plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from for every taste. :forkandknifewithplate:
🌃 Evening Vibes
Laugavegur comes alive at night with bars and a lively atmosphere. :nightwithstars:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Laugavegur Street is celebrated as Reykjavik's vibrant heart, praised for its lively atmosphere, diverse shopping, and abundant dining and nightlife options. Visitors appreciate the colorful buildings and the energetic buzz, though some note that souvenir shops can be repetitive. It's a must-visit for experiencing the city's pulse.
"This is an important shopping street in the heart of the Reykjavik city centre. You'll find many retail, boutique and souvenir shops, find quite a few restaurants, coffee and dessert shops and bars along Laugavegur. Some of the buildings are artistically painted as well, adds to the charm of this street. Definitely worth your time to walk along Laugavegur while sightseeing around Reykjavik."
Brad
"It's where the tourists go for a reason. This is where all the tourist shopping is at. Lots of stores but much of the same stuff. Also many restaurants and bars. Aside from the big hill at the end it’s an easy stroll."
TravelR
"Very nice street with a lot of shops and cute buildings around"
Marisa Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laugavegur Street is the main street in Reykjavik city center and is easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving by bus, most routes stop nearby. Taxis are also readily available.
Absolutely! Laugavegur is designed for walking and exploring. It's a pedestrian-friendly street with plenty to see and do along its length.
There are several parking garages and street parking options available around Laugavegur. Be aware that parking can be metered and can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
The street is generally flat and accessible, with most shops and restaurants having ramps or ground-level entrances. Sidewalks can be busy, so navigating might require some patience.
The best way is to simply stroll along its length, popping into shops and cafes that catch your eye. Allow at least a couple of hours to fully experience it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Laugavegur Street is a public street and does not require any tickets for entry or general access. You can explore it freely.
There are no entrance fees to walk along Laugavegur Street. Any costs incurred would be for shopping, dining, or visiting specific establishments.
Shop hours vary, but most are open from around 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, with some staying open later, especially on weekends. Restaurants and bars have much later hours.
Yes, you can visit Laugavegur Street at any time, as it's a public thoroughfare. However, shops and restaurants have their own operating hours.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Evenings and weekends are generally busier due to nightlife and shopping.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Laugavegur Street features a wide variety of shops, including clothing boutiques, souvenir stores, design shops, bookstores, and duty-free outlets.
Look for shops specializing in Icelandic wool products (lopapeysa), local crafts, and unique design items. Some stores offer more authentic pieces than others.
Icelandic prices can be high. While Laugavegur has many tourist-oriented shops, you can find a range of price points. Comparing prices across a few stores is recommended.
Popular brands include those selling Lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters), as well as local designers for clothing and accessories.
Yes, there are duty-free shops on Laugavegur Street where you can purchase items like alcohol and tobacco without local taxes, provided you meet the criteria.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Laugavegur offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional Icelandic restaurants and cozy cafes to international cuisine and trendy bars.
Look for restaurants that feature dishes like lamb soup, fresh seafood, and skyr. Some establishments are known for their authentic Icelandic offerings.
Yes, Laugavegur is dotted with numerous charming cafes perfect for a coffee break and enjoying delicious pastries or Icelandic treats like kleinur.
Laugavegur is Reykjavik's primary nightlife hub, with a concentration of bars, pubs, and clubs that are lively, especially on weekends.
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options like hot dog stands (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is nearby), casual eateries, and bakeries for lighter meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful, artistically painted buildings are a major draw for photographers. The street itself, with its bustling activity and unique shops, also makes for great shots.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful light. However, the street is vibrant throughout the day and into the evening with its lights.
Keep an eye out for the unique corrugated iron buildings, the vibrant street art murals, and the distinctive Icelandic architectural styles that dot the street.
Generally, it's polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private shops. Quick snaps are usually fine, but be mindful of other shoppers and staff.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the colorful buildings. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dining options are plentiful, with many cafes and restaurants offering kid-friendly menus. Consider stopping for ice cream or a sweet treat. While it's a great place for a stroll, keep an eye on younger children as it can get crowded, especially in the evenings. The nearby Hallgrímskirkja church is also a great family-friendly landmark within walking distance.
💰 Budget Travelers
Compare prices before buying souvenirs, as many shops offer similar items. Consider visiting during weekday mornings when it's less crowded and you can browse at a relaxed pace without feeling pressured. Look for happy hour deals at bars if you plan to enjoy the nightlife.
couples
Choose from a wide array of restaurants for a memorable dinner, from cozy bistros to more upscale dining experiences. Afterward, explore the vibrant nightlife, finding a cozy bar for a drink and some conversation. The colorful buildings also offer charming photo opportunities for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Laugavegur: A Shopper's Paradise
While the street is packed with shops, it's worth noting that some souvenir shops can be quite similar. Savvy shoppers might want to explore a few different establishments to find unique items and compare prices. The artistic facades of many buildings add an extra layer of visual appeal, turning a simple shopping trip into an exploration of Reykjavik's creative spirit.
Beyond traditional retail, Laugavegur is also a hub for design and homeware stores, offering a glimpse into modern Icelandic aesthetics. Whether you're looking for a specific Icelandic wool product or simply want to browse unique gifts, Laugavegur provides an engaging and colorful shopping experience right in the heart of the city.
Reykjavik's Culinary Heartbeat on Laugavegur
The street is also a prime spot for experiencing Reykjavik's lively bar culture. As evening approaches, Laugavegur transforms into a hub for nightlife, with numerous bars and pubs offering a wide selection of local and international drinks. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to experience the city's energetic social atmosphere.
For those seeking more casual bites, Laugavegur and its side streets offer numerous options, including bakeries, delis, and the famous Icelandic hot dog stands. Exploring the diverse food and drink establishments along Laugavegur provides a delicious insight into Icelandic culture and a chance to savor local flavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit