Laugavegur Street - A city street with a yellow balloon in the sky
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Laugavegur Street

4.5
·173 reviews·Reykjavík, Iceland

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdMedium
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Laugavegur Street - A city street with a yellow balloon in the sky

Laugavegur Street

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(173 reviews)

"The most lively street in the city of Reykjavik.. You can find a lot of bars, food places, gift shops,.."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boutique Browsing

Boutique Browsing

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

Culinary Delights

Culinary Delights

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

Artistic Facades

Artistic Facades

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

Nightlife Hub

Nightlife Hub

Experience Reykjavik's energetic nightlife with a wide selection of bars and pubs.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Stroll

Laugavegur is Reykjavik's vibrant main artery, perfect for a leisurely walk. Expect a lively atmosphere with shops, eateries, and bars. It's the heart of the city's social scene, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours.

Shopping Savvy

While Laugavegur boasts numerous boutiques and souvenir shops, many offer similar items. Focus on unique finds and enjoy the colorful, artistically painted buildings that add charm to your exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Vibrant nightlife buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Advice on Laugavegur trail

🚶‍♀️ Stroll & Explore

Walk the entire length to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. :walking: Reddit

🛍️ Shop Smart

Many shops sell similar items; look for unique Icelandic designs. :shopping_bags:

reddit.com

Top tips for Laugavegur Trail with the Fimmvorduhals Trail add on?

reddit.com

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:

reddit.com

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: Reddit

🛍️ 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

4.5
(173 reviews)

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

Lively atmosphere
Colorful buildings
Diverse shops & restaurants

What People Dislike

Repetitive souvenir shops

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Laugavegur is designed for walking and exploring. It's a pedestrian-friendly street with plenty to see and do along its length. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

There are no entrance fees to walk along Laugavegur Street. Any costs incurred would be for shopping, dining, or visiting specific establishments. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Laugavegur Street at any time, as it's a public thoroughfare. However, shops and restaurants have their own operating hours. Reddit

To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Evenings and weekends are generally busier due to nightlife and shopping. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Laugavegur Street features a wide variety of shops, including clothing boutiques, souvenir stores, design shops, bookstores, and duty-free outlets. Reddit

Look for shops specializing in Icelandic wool products (lopapeysa), local crafts, and unique design items. Some stores offer more authentic pieces than others. Reddit

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. Reddit

Popular brands include those selling Lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters), as well as local designers for clothing and accessories. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Laugavegur offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional Icelandic restaurants and cozy cafes to international cuisine and trendy bars. Reddit

Look for restaurants that feature dishes like lamb soup, fresh seafood, and skyr. Some establishments are known for their authentic Icelandic offerings. Reddit

Yes, Laugavegur is dotted with numerous charming cafes perfect for a coffee break and enjoying delicious pastries or Icelandic treats like kleinur. Reddit

Laugavegur is Reykjavik's primary nightlife hub, with a concentration of bars, pubs, and clubs that are lively, especially on weekends. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Laugavegur Street offers a lively and engaging experience for families. The colorful buildings and bustling atmosphere can capture children's attention, and there are plenty of shops selling fun souvenirs. Look for toy stores or shops with unique Icelandic children's books. Reddit

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

While Laugavegur is known for its boutiques, budget travelers can still enjoy the street. Focus on window shopping and admiring the architecture. For affordable eats, seek out the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand (a short walk from Laugavegur) or grab pastries from local bakeries. Reddit

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

Laugavegur Street provides a romantic backdrop for couples, especially in the evenings when the street lights up and the bars become lively. Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, popping into unique boutiques and art galleries. Reddit

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

Laugavegur Street is renowned as Reykjavik's premier shopping destination, offering a diverse range of retail experiences. From high-end fashion boutiques showcasing Icelandic designers to charming souvenir shops filled with traditional crafts, there's something for every shopper. Many stores feature the iconic Lopapeysa, the traditional Icelandic wool sweater, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking authentic keepsakes. You'll also find bookstores, art galleries, and specialty stores catering to various interests. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Reykjavik's Culinary Heartbeat on Laugavegur

Laugavegur Street pulsates with Reykjavik's vibrant culinary scene, offering an extensive array of dining options to suit every palate and budget. From cozy cafes perfect for a morning coffee and pastry to upscale restaurants serving innovative Icelandic cuisine, the street is a food lover's delight. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, traditional lamb dishes, and the ever-popular skyr, a thick Icelandic yogurt. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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