Where to Stay in Reykjavik – A Guide to the Capital of Iceland
Reykjavik is the capital city, economic and tourist epicentre of Iceland, located in Faxaflói Bay, on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula.
The city is classified as a European winter paradise, where geysers, large hills and natural paradises abound.
In addition, Reykjavik is surrounded by small islands, peninsulas and the famous Snafellsnes glacier.
Reykjavik is not a city full of historical monuments or ancient treasures, its most important building is the Hallgrímskirkja Church, an expressionist structure that stars in most of the tourist photographs of the Icelandic capital.
Although the Icelandic capital is an extreme winter paradise, it offers a warm atmosphere on its famous geothermal beach Nautholsvik, which allows you to enjoy an artificial lake with temperatures similar to those of the Mediterranean.
The Harpa concert and conference hall is a modern glass building that attracts thousands of tourists and visitors for hosting popular events such as the concerts of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra.
Art is also present in Reykjavik, with sculptures such as the Sun Voyager, the Pufa and alternative murals, as well as museums such as the Einar Jónsson Museum and the Asmundur Museum.
Reykjavik experiences an average climate of 12°C in the summer, while in January it is -6°C. The best time to visit the city goes from July to mid-August.
The best way to reach the capital of Iceland is by air, thanks to the large Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport, the main air terminal in the country with flights from Spain, France, the United States and other important destinations.
To move around the city, you can opt for the taxi service and the bus system called Strætó bs.
The best area to stay in Reykjavik is the City Centre for its entertainment, architecture and good accommodation options. (See accommodation in Reykjavik, Iceland City Centre).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Reykjavik, Iceland
The best areas to stay in Reykjavik
1. Our Favourite Area: Best Areas to Stay in Reykjavik, Iceland City Centre
The central district of Reykjavik, also called Miðborg, stands out as one of the largest and best-located in the city.
Some buildings of historical-political value located in the centre are the Alþingishúsið (the national parliament buildings), the Stjórnarráðshúsið (the Council of Ministers), the Supreme Court of Iceland, the town hall and the heart of the City Centre: The Hallgrímskirkja church.
For culture lovers, Miðborg has the Harpa concert hall and the National Gallery of Iceland, home of the most important local art collection in the country.
If something makes the centre of Reykjavik attractive, it is the nightlife, concentrated on the east street, where the bars and clubs are located.
Miðborg is a fun area for activities such as live comedy, theatre, drag shows, cabaret performances, musicals, poetry, and jazz music concerts.
Most bus stops are located in Miðborg, but you can also walk to the attractions and enjoy the atmosphere of the central area.
The centre stands out as the best area to stay in Reykjavik for its entertainment and central location, as well as for having a great variety of accommodation.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Reykjavik:
- Heart of the city
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area for nightlife
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Variety of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura
This eco-friendly hotel is located next to the peaceful forests of Öskjuhlíd Hill. There is free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. The rooms at the Icelandair Natura are modern, soundproofed and have a fridge, desk and satellite TV.
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Budget
Hallgrims Guesthouse
Located in Reykjavik, Hallgrims Guesthouse is 600 metres from Hallgrímskirkja Church, approximately 1.2 km from Laugavegur Shopping Street, 2.1 km from Harpa Conference Centre and Concert Hall, 2.6 km from Old Town Reykjavik harbour.
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Luxury
CenterHotel Midgardur
CenterHotel Midgardur is located in Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, and features a bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Hallgrímskirkja Church is 800 metres away.
2. East Reykjavik
East Reykjavik is a relatively central area, formed by the districts of Hlemmur and Norðurmýri, located 7 minutes from Miðborg by car.
It is, par excellence, the best commercial area of Reykjavik for its Laugavegur shopping street, where the largest shopping centres in the city, the Kringlan and the Smaralind Mall, can be found.
The first has shops, a pub and a theatre that are quite popular. While Smaralind Mall takes advantage of its coffee shops and restaurants that are open to the public until the wee hours of the morning.
The east side of Reykjavik is also well-supported by the public transport service and taxi companies.
In this area, prestigious brand hotels abound, making it one of the best areas to stay in Reykjavik to enjoy luxury and comfort.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Reykjavik:
Best area for shopping- Luxury hotels
- Relatively central
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Island
This hotel is located in the leisure area of Laugardalur Park, 600 metres from Reykjavik’s main street, Laugavegur. The wellness centre has a spa, sauna, beauty salon and yoga facilities. The hotel is 100 metres from a local bus stop.
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Budget
Reykjavík Hostel Village
This family-owned hostel is located 100 metres from Reykjavik’s main shopping street, Laugavegur. It offers free Wi-Fi and parking. All accommodations are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities.
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Luxury
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
This Hilton is located in the Reykjavik business district and offers a 5-star gourmet restaurant, buffet breakfast and very professional staff.
3. Vesturbær
Vesturbær is one of the largest districts of the capital of Iceland, located at the west end of Reykjavik and formed by residential neighbourhoods such as Gamli Vesturbær, Bráðræðisholt, Grandahverfi, among others.
The area is 25 minutes walk from the centre but shows the quiet side of the city, which is why it is considered the most exclusive and elegant district of Reykjavik.
Vesturbær is famous for public swimming pools, spas and hot springs, which attracts thousands of visitors, willing to escape the winter atmosphere of the city.
Within its limits, there are also attractions such as the National Museum of Iceland, the Marine Museum, traditional restaurants and golf clubs.
The Ananaust and Eidsgrandi avenues concentrate a large number of bus stops, ideal for moving to the City Centre in a few minutes, as well as to other corners of the city.
Vesturbær is a residential, quiet and peaceful area to stay in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Reykjavik:
- Peaceful area
- National Museum of Island
- Hot springs
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Refurinn Reykjavik Guesthouse
Vesturbær is a great choice for travellers interested in tours, excursions and meeting friendly people.
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Budget
Circle Hostel
The Circle Hostel offers private and shared rooms with individual décor, custom-made beds and multiple outlets.
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Luxury
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is located in the famous neighbourhood 101 of Reykjavik Harbour and features free Wi-Fi.
4. Kópavogur
Kópavogur is considered a small city within Reykjavik because it has 30,000 inhabitants and a quite attractive tourist offer.
It is the neurological centre of museums in the capital of Iceland because here is the Natural History Museum, the Zoology Museum, the Gerðarsafn Museum and the Geology Museum.
One of its most striking attractions is the Perlan, a futuristic restaurant inside a glass dome, ideal for tasting gourmet cuisine and cocktails.
To get to the centre from this area, it is necessary to take a taxi or choose to use public transport. However, most visitors prefer to focus on knowing the attractions of Kópavogur.
The three-star apartments and hotels form the accommodation in Kópavogur and is one of the best areas to stay in Reykjavik for travellers on a tight budget.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Reykjavik:
- Cheap hotels
- Museum area
- Perlan
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