Laugavegur is the oldest shopping district in Reykjavik, Iceland. With the atmosphere and charm of a historical street, it has much to offer visitors. It is home to the country’s most exclusive boutiques and stores, plus multiple bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Laugavegur is the city’s coolest street and a haven for shopaholics. It’s neat, organised and everywhere can be reached in minutes. This historic street has everything the ardent shopper seeks. Creative clothing, digitally printed knitwear, silk skirts and leggings are all popular trends. The street is peppered with chic cafes where the aroma of tasty blueberry stout and quinoa loaves tempt many through the doorways. Laugavegur is also the place to browse for a rare first edition book. It is an Icelandic tradition to give books as gifts on special occasions, so the city is abundant with bookstores. Vintage is popular in Reykjavik too, visitors who enjoy antiquities and retro products will be in their element browsing these treasure troves. Take a break at the noodle stops and warm up with a spicy Thai noodle soup while observing the bustling street from the warmth. Icelandic folk enjoy a good craft beer. Laugavegur offers several bars serving the latest offerings plus a selection of bar snacks, wine and cocktails. Those with time to spare should venture to the famous Hallgrimskirkja, less than 10 minutes away. This gleaming, white Lutheran church has an awe-inspiring architecture which has graced the front of many postcards from Iceland.
Visitors already staying in the Laugavegur district will find the area easy to navigate and walk around. If venturing to the shopping street from further afield, Reykjavik has a reliable public bus service. Driving is also recommended as areas are easily signposted, plus it’s a much simpler way to reach outlying suburbs. Taxis, Uber and bicycles are also readily available throughout the city.
The name Laugavegur comes from the old “Wash Road”. The street was the site of the main route to the hot springs, where Icelanders would launder their clothes. The street dates to 1885, and its historic buildings can still be seen while strolling through the area today. Laugavegur shopping street preserves old Icelandic traditions with cafes, bookshops and structures which capture the imagination and atmosphere of a bygone era.