Reykjavik is the northern national capital of the world, and it is also a compact, well-organized city where you can walk almost everywhere in a matter of minutes. Many of Iceland’s great shops and bars call Reykjavik home the main street – Laugavegur, meaning “wash road” to the fountain where once a lot of Icelanders take their clothes to the laundry. Are you looking for the best Reykjavik shopping street?
Now, this hyper-cool whole place is a place where you can quickly drop hundreds of dollars on clothes (and household items and accessories) altogether. Think of it as a road that symbolises the whole country. In just a few blocks, you can find a comprehensive sample of what the innovative, unique, and design-obsessed country has to offer. You can easily spend the whole day crossing this hip road, but there are places you must know.
Kiosk, Laugavegur 65
Concerns of Iceland, Arts culture, is a perfect breeding ground for creatives – Björk, anyone? Its emerging fashion design scene is on display throughout the kiosk. Eight local designers own it and often mark the back of the article or advise visitors what to buy.
Mál og Menning, Laugavegur 18
Literature is a serious business in Iceland. It is customary to give a book as a Christmas present, and people take the book’s recommendations as seriously as matchmaking. Mál og Menning, whose name means “Language and Culture” to immerse the island’s rich literary heritage. If you want to get a sense of the country’s consciousness, start with the independent people, the masterwork of Halldór Laxness, the only Nobel Prize winner in Icelandic literature. The English language selection is strict and includes magazines and newspapers, and you can head to the cafe for tea and reliable Wi-Fi. It is surely the best Reykjavik shopping street.
Spúútnik, Laugavegur 28B
Reykjavik vintage is a big deal, and Spúútnik has zero ground as its oldest and most beloved of its bunch. Store owners regularly travel throughout Europe and the United States to bring back funky treasures, which provide the store with an eclectic, well-cared-for. It’s like going into your best friend’s house, given your best friend, Florence Welch. The best time to go is in August when the store has a “kilo sale,” meaning clothes and accessories are sold with a massive discount by weight.
Noodle Station, Laugavegur 86
Take a break from shopping and sit in the countertop seat of the noodle station; it has a lifting bowl of Thai-style noodle soup that is guaranteed to keep you warm (especially if you request an add-on of “Spicy” that doesn’t mess around). The service is straightforward and delicious. One can choose from among beef, chicken, or veggie options. Help yourself to water from the communal pitcher and pick up a copy of the local free indie magazine. The Reykjavik Grapevine serves the dual purpose of helping you find plans for that night and wake up a slight splash from that extra soup.
Kaldi Bar, Laugavegur 20B
Kaldi was one of Iceland’s first craft beers, and you can limit a few of their beers here. Between this and Kiki on the other side of the street, the Laugavegur block probably happened at 2:40 pm, after all the shops were closed. Drink a light Caldy beer from the tap, or try other Icelandic brews from Einstök or Borg Brugghús. Best Reykjavik shopping street.
If beer isn’t your thing, here’s a good wine selection and cocktail. There is a lively happy hour scene with bar bites (mini pizza, sandwiches) and a drink for two, as well as a welcome to play any piano (though be careful – this is a popular bar for local musicians, probably if they think they Can do better but take responsibility.
Ending Thoughts
Reykjavik shopping street hours is open Monday to Friday 9 am -66 am, and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm (depending on the store).
