Guidebook for Reykjavík
In the Neighborhood
Vesturbaer or West Village is a quiet little district comprising eight neighborhoods. It's a charming area that bares resemblance to a quiet village, an idyllic coastal village on the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. What's great about this part of town is that everything is pretty much in walking distance. Below are some local places that we adore and frequent when we are in town as well as other spots in the downtown area.
Our favourite bakery. It's amazing and a must every morning. ;) They have amazing sourdough bread and Scandinavian style cinnamon buns. There is one right near our place, only a 9 min walk away. There are also two located in down town Reykjavik. One on Frakkarstigur 16 and the other at Hlemmur Matholl (Laugavegi 107). They open up early and close later than other bakeries.
316 locals recommend
Brauð & Co.
16 FrakkastígurOur favourite bakery. It's amazing and a must every morning. ;) They have amazing sourdough bread and Scandinavian style cinnamon buns. There is one right near our place, only a 9 min walk away. There are also two located in down town Reykjavik. One on Frakkarstigur 16 and the other at Hlemmur Matholl (Laugavegi 107). They open up early and close later than other bakeries.
A lovely little neighborhood café only 9 min walk from our apartment. Open from 8 am to 11 pm and 9 - 11 on the weekends.
218 locals recommend
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
20 MelhagiA lovely little neighborhood café only 9 min walk from our apartment. Open from 8 am to 11 pm and 9 - 11 on the weekends.
Flatey Pizza
11 GrandagarðurA delicious Napoletana style pizza. Sit-in dining or takeout
A delicious Icelandic/middle eastern spot offering lamb in whichever way you like it, on flatbread, in a wrap, on a salad or as a dish. Great lunch spot.
9 locals recommend
Lamb street food
A delicious Icelandic/middle eastern spot offering lamb in whichever way you like it, on flatbread, in a wrap, on a salad or as a dish. Great lunch spot.
Ramen Momo
16 TryggvagataBest ramen in town. No liquor license but great tea selection
Napoli
Another delicious Napoletana style pizza. Takeout and delivery available
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
Great selection of pastries and coffee.
Best ice cream in Reykjavik and ice cream is a big thing in Iceland. There is an ice cream store on almost every corner. They serve two kinds of ice cream, a milk based one that is called 'Gamli Isinn' or 'the Old Ice Cream' and a cream based one.
Both are delicious but you won't get the Old Ice Cream anywhere else. You should give it a try.
118 locals recommend
Ísbúð Vesturbæjar
HagamelurBest ice cream in Reykjavik and ice cream is a big thing in Iceland. There is an ice cream store on almost every corner. They serve two kinds of ice cream, a milk based one that is called 'Gamli Isinn' or 'the Old Ice Cream' and a cream based one.
Both are delicious but you won't get the Old Ice Cream anywhere else. You should give it a try.
Nice outdoor geothermal public swimming pools, including one for kids, plus a steam room, sauna and hot tubs, open since 1961. It's nice to go for a few laps and then relax with the locals in the hot tub. It's open all year round 6.30 am to 10 pm, from 9 am on the weekends. Admission is 980 kr for adults and free for children under 5 years old.
458 locals recommend
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataNice outdoor geothermal public swimming pools, including one for kids, plus a steam room, sauna and hot tubs, open since 1961. It's nice to go for a few laps and then relax with the locals in the hot tub. It's open all year round 6.30 am to 10 pm, from 9 am on the weekends. Admission is 980 kr for adults and free for children under 5 years old.
Very good bagel shope for some bacon egg and cheeses. Not Brooklyn but as close it gets 😉
21 locals recommend
DEIG workshop
14 TryggvagataVery good bagel shope for some bacon egg and cheeses. Not Brooklyn but as close it gets 😉
Brunch
Raðagerði Veitingahús
Shopping
This is a beautiful Icelandic design company and clothing brand. Owned and designed by an Icelandic artist couple. Their concept and inspiration draws from Icelandic roots, combining classic Nordic design elements with chic modernity. Natural fabrics, craftmanship and respect for the environment are key values of the brand. It's pricey but you'll definitely be wearing something beautifully unique. They also have a store located on the main shopping street at Laugavegur 37.
31 locals recommend
Farmers & Friends / Farmers Market - flagship store & design studio
2 HólmaslóðThis is a beautiful Icelandic design company and clothing brand. Owned and designed by an Icelandic artist couple. Their concept and inspiration draws from Icelandic roots, combining classic Nordic design elements with chic modernity. Natural fabrics, craftmanship and respect for the environment are key values of the brand. It's pricey but you'll definitely be wearing something beautifully unique. They also have a store located on the main shopping street at Laugavegur 37.
Cafes
This small, cozy, music free cafe has been open since 1958. It is one of Reykjavik's oldest cafés and the first to install an espresso machine and serve espresso, cappuccino, and café latte in Iceland. Try their famous waffles, served with cream and jam or their hot chocolate. Its delicious and an Icelandic tradition. The café has also doubled as an Art gallery with new art for sale, every 4-6 weeks, since opening.
75 locals recommend
Mokka Kaffi
3A SkólavörðustígurThis small, cozy, music free cafe has been open since 1958. It is one of Reykjavik's oldest cafés and the first to install an espresso machine and serve espresso, cappuccino, and café latte in Iceland. Try their famous waffles, served with cream and jam or their hot chocolate. Its delicious and an Icelandic tradition. The café has also doubled as an Art gallery with new art for sale, every 4-6 weeks, since opening.
Hands down the best coffee in town! They roast their own coffee beans and import good coffee produced in full respect of both human beings and nature. This location is just steps away from Hallgrimskirkja. They are also located at Freyjugata 41 and Brautarholt 2.
245 locals recommend
Reykjavik Roasters
1 KárastígurHands down the best coffee in town! They roast their own coffee beans and import good coffee produced in full respect of both human beings and nature. This location is just steps away from Hallgrimskirkja. They are also located at Freyjugata 41 and Brautarholt 2.
Another delicious bakery with great coffee and soup and sandwiches.
14 locals recommend
BRIKK brauð & eldhús
Another delicious bakery with great coffee and soup and sandwiches.
Kaffi Ó-le
Cute cafe
Grocery Stores
Our favorite small local store with everything you need.
It's across the street from braud and co and kaffihus
202 locals recommend
Melabúðin
Our favorite small local store with everything you need.
It's across the street from braud and co and kaffihus
The "Whole Foods" of Iceland. Here you are going to find everything you need. It's expensive so I suggest going only after you've shopped at Kronan or Bonus and picking up everything that you didn't find at the other stores. You are only going to find it in Reykjavik and major towns so go there before leaving Reykjavik.
There is one 22 min walk away from the apartment.
107 locals recommend
Hagkaup
15 FaxafenThe "Whole Foods" of Iceland. Here you are going to find everything you need. It's expensive so I suggest going only after you've shopped at Kronan or Bonus and picking up everything that you didn't find at the other stores. You are only going to find it in Reykjavik and major towns so go there before leaving Reykjavik.
There is one 22 min walk away from the apartment.
Low cost grocery store. I prefer this one over "Bonus" as they have more product variety. There is one at Grandi/old harbor area, 11 min walk.
Krónan
Low cost grocery store. I prefer this one over "Bonus" as they have more product variety. There is one at Grandi/old harbor area, 11 min walk.
Low cost grocery stores that you are going to find around the country even in small towns. There is one at Grand/old harbor area, 11 min walk
512 locals recommend
Bónus
Low cost grocery stores that you are going to find around the country even in small towns. There is one at Grand/old harbor area, 11 min walk
Casual Dining
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
Very good options in this new food hall walking distance to our apt
Austur-Indíafélagið
56 HverfisgataAuthentic and delicious Indian food
Sushi Social
5 ÞingholtsstrætiFun and good sushi place
Hlemmur Mathöll
107 LaugavegurFood market
The first Italian style restaurant in Iceland. Delicious pizza and pasta dishes in a lovely homie environment.
18 locals recommend
Hornið
15 HafnarstrætiThe first Italian style restaurant in Iceland. Delicious pizza and pasta dishes in a lovely homie environment.
Super Casual
Decent pizza for when you need a quick fix or a late night snack after partying
33 locals recommend
Devitos Pizza
126 LaugavegurDecent pizza for when you need a quick fix or a late night snack after partying
Hamborgarabúllan
OfanleitiGood juicy sweaty burgers
A must when you are in Iceland. Get a hot dog with all the toppings. Delicious
191 locals recommend
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
1 TryggvagataA must when you are in Iceland. Get a hot dog with all the toppings. Delicious