Shopping · Reykjavík · Iceland
Shopping in Reykjavík
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: TommyBee, Public domain
Quick answer
Reykjavík is good for wool, design and music. Prices are high, but quality is too, and many shops sell items made in Iceland. Non-EU residents can claim back VAT on larger purchases. Best souvenirs: Lopapeysa, Icelandic wool yarn and Liquorice chocolate.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 1
- Top souvenir
- Lopapeysa
Where to shop
Laugavegur
The main shopping street, with outdoor-clothing brands, bookshops, record stores and souvenir shops.
Skólavörðustígur
Handknitted sweaters, jewellery, ceramics and independent design shops between Laugavegur and Hallgrímskirkja.
Grandi
Design studios, a chocolate maker and outlet-style shops in the converted harbour warehouses.
Markets
Kolaportið
An indoor weekend flea market near the Old Harbour selling second-hand clothes, vinyl, books, and Icelandic foods such as harðfiskur and hákarl.
What to buy
Lopapeysa
The traditional Icelandic wool sweater with a yoke pattern; look for labels confirming it was hand-knitted in Iceland.
Icelandic wool yarn
Lopi yarn lets knitters make their own sweater at home, at a fraction of the price.
Liquorice chocolate
Bags of chocolate-coated liquorice are a favourite edible souvenir.
Flaky sea salt
Salt harvested using geothermal heat in the Westfjords, sold in many shops and supermarkets.
Icelandic music
Record shops downtown stock vinyl and CDs by Icelandic artists, from Björk and Sigur Rós to newer acts.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Street · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
Laugavegur is the city's main shopping and dining street, running east from the centre past knitwear stores, record shops, bakeries and bars.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Geothermal rye bread, Dried fish, Fermented shark and Kleinur. Bakeries and cafés in Reykjavík; the Laugarvatn Fontana spa on the Golden Circle demonstrates the hot-spring baking method. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (101 Reykjavík) | $$$$ | Laugavegur shops, small bars and colourful corrugated-iron houses around the Tjörnin pond |
| Old Harbour and Grandi | $$$ | Whale-watching docks, fish restaurants and converted warehouses on the waterfront |
| Vesturbær | $$ | Residential west end with Vesturbæjarlaug pool, the university and sea walks to Grótta |
| Laugardalur | $$ | Green valley of sports grounds, the city's largest pool, a zoo and botanic garden |
| Hlemmur and Hverfisgata | $$$ | Eastern end of downtown with a bus hub, food hall and newer hotels |
| Hafnarfjörður | $$ | Separate harbour town built among lava fields, 10 km south of the centre |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in ISK. Tipping is not customary in Iceland; service is included in prices and wages. Leaving a little extra for exceptional service is appreciated but never expected.
- Buy alcohol at the arrivals duty-free shop at Keflavík; it is much more expensive in town.
- Shop at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets and refill a bottle with excellent free tap water.
- A Reykjavík City Card saves money if you plan several museums and pool visits in a short time.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January, April and November; the busiest months are June–August.
- February: Winter Lights Festival — light art and museum night (usually early February)
- September: Reykjavík International Film Festival (usually late September to early October)
- November: Iceland Airwaves music festival (usually early November)
Staying near the shops
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, food lovers and shopping
Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
Laugavegur shops, small bars and colourful corrugated-iron houses around the Tjörnin pond
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Reykjavík?
Lopapeysa, Icelandic wool yarn, Liquorice chocolate and Flaky sea salt.
+Where is the best shopping in Reykjavík?
Laugavegur: The main shopping street, with outdoor-clothing brands, bookshops, record stores and souvenir shops.
+What are the best markets in Reykjavík?
Kolaportið.