Where to go shopping in Reykjavik
The world’s northernmost national capital, Reykjavik has become an unlikely hotspot for travelers. Helped in no small part by the country’s subsidized tourism industry, not to mention its geographically favorable position as a common layover hub via Reykjavik Airport, Reykjavik couldn't possibly have more buzz. There’s a wonderful mix of intrigue owing to its remote location (it truly feels like you’re at the edge of the world) and Scandinavian cultural touchstones that make it the ideal destination for outdoorsy travelers or culturistas.
Scandinavian aesthetics and design have been all the rage in recent years, and Iceland’s capital has much in common with cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen, despite its lack of geographical proximity. It’s not a particularly large city, but its cultural capital shouldn’t be underestimated. There’s a cosmopolitan streak beneath the understated demeanor of the Icelandic locals, and this is fully on display in Reykjavik's vintage fashion scene and the shopping here in general.
Iceland is cool in every sense of the word, but you can make shopping in Reykjavik easier by leaving your bags behind with a Bounce storage location. We can store any size of bags or other items for as long as you need so you can shop and enjoy the city more easily.
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Reykjavik's shopping experience transcends the traditional shopping mall in so many ways. Icelanders are proud of their minimalist aesthetics, making the focus for shopping and fashion “local” with a capital ‘L.’ The top spot for shopping and culture is Laugavegur, or “Wash Road,” where you’ll find many of the trendiest stores and cafes.
Expect nearly every retailer to be showcasing the work of Icelandic designers and local artists, whether it’s for fashion or interiors. For Icelandic souvenirs made by local artisans, many shops offer local handicrafts and Icelandic wool. There are some souvenir or gift shops selling traditional Scandinavian folk items, but the retail landscape tends to focus on the trendier aspects of Icelandic contemporary culture. That’s not to say you can’t find dependable goods from familiar brands. There are shopping centers and malls for practical purposes, but that’s not exactly the city’s main point of emphasis
Aside from Laugavegur, you can expect streets like Bankastræti, and Skólavörðustígur in central Reykjavik to be fruitful retail areas along with the Grandi District and Old Harbour Area, which are where you should head if you’re looking to explore Icelandic heritage.
Unique shops to visit in Reykjavik
The hipster vibes are strong in Reykjavík, so expect sleek minimalist designs and bright colors. Reykjavik's strong vintage fashion scene boasts plenty of interesting shops offering unique finds and quirky vintage clothing. You'll doubtless leave the Icelandic capital with a few statement pieces.
Spúútnik
The most popular vintage store in Laugavegur (and that’s saying something), Spúútnik’s team searched far and wide for its unique selections of lightly used clothing. Many of these finds are sourced from collections across Europe and the U.S. that celebrities pine for. The quality is as good as you'll get it, as their discerning eye for aesthetics is equaled by technical knowledge of fabric care.
- Pro tip: If you're planning a shopping spree down Laugavegur, make it easy on yourself by stopping by a luggage storage facility.
- Address: Laugavegur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kronkron
With retro-inspired aesthetics, this niche boutique curates selections from international brands like Acne Studios, Comme des Garçons, and Sonia Rykiel to complement their own 1960s-inspired threads. There’s a psychedelic angle to the silk print shirts, skirts, dresses, and handmade shoes on offer, and the store’s attention to detail and brand identity is impressive. This is the perfect place to grab an outfit for the summer music festival you’re planning on attending.
- Address: Kronkron, Laugavegi 63B, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fotografi
If you haven’t noticed, Reykjavik has a hipster streak that runs further than its vintage threads, so you can expect specialty stores like this smartly-decorated boutique dedicated to cameras and prints. Fotografi looks like a place inspired by a Wes Anderson film, and it’s not difficult to imagine the director himself springing for one of the hundreds of vintage cameras on offer.
- Pro tip: If you just invested in a new camera and need to store it with your shopping bag, you can relax knowing it’s covered by Bounce luggage protection.
- Address: Skólavörðustígur 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Shopping in Reykjavik beyond clothing
Some of the best shops in the city have nothing to do with fashion. Icelandic nature is a major draw to Reykjavík, so there are plenty of retailers for camping and outdoor gear. Icelandic design is strong when it comes to interiors, and some of the city's best shops offer minimalist decor and furnishings.
Mál og Menning
Bookshops are rarely so beloved, but Reykjavik is no ordinary place. This quaint little shop on Laugavegur offers books in Icelandic and English and is the perfect place for grabbing Christmas gifts or keepsakes. There are two floors and a small café on the second level with plush chairs that are perfect for getting cozy with some coffee or tea after you make a selection.
- Address: Laugavegur 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fischer
Not that an artisanal perfumery needs any more intrigue, but this specialty shop is housed in the former recording studio of legendary Icelandic band Sigur Rós. If you're a fan of the band and simply want to poke your head in to take a look, there are some design elements that suggest the space was formerly used for recording music. The storefront seems to operate as both an art insulation and retail space, and you'll likely be distracted by the sensory overload stemming from the intense aromas from the perfumes, candles, and soaps along with vibey tunes to set the mood.
- Pro tip: If you want to head to the store but have belongings you don't want to absorb some of the intense scents, stopping by a nearby Bounce location might be advisable.
- Address: Fischersund, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavik Letter Press
This might be the most hipster-centric store in Reykjavik (and that’s saying something). This store caters to the bespoke preferences of artsy locals with all things paper. You’ll never know how much you need a handmade notebook or stationary until visiting the stylish storefront of Reykjavik Letter Press. The space functions both as a retail outlet and as the workshop for graphic designers Olof Birna Garðarsdóttir and Hildur Sigurdardottir. This duo combines (intentionally) antiquated printmaking techniques with modern design aesthetics to create truly unique paper products.
- Address: Reykjavik Letter Press, Fiskislóð 24, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Traditional shopping options in Reykjavik
It's easy to get carried away with the quirky aesthetics and ephemera on offer at trendy hotspots like Laugavegur, but sometimes you just need to make a practical purchase. If you forget to pack a proper coat or something happens to your luggage (not a concern if you store your bags with Bounce), Reykjavik has plenty of conventional shopping centers in malls to rely on.
Laugavegur
Reykjavik’s longest and most popular retail street, Laugavegur should be your first port of call if you're looking for a quintessential shopping experience in this city. While it certainly draws in its fair share of tourists, Laugavegur is a go-to hotspot for trendy locals and a retail space that any aspiring shop owner or designer aspires to. You'll find not only the top Icelandic brands on offer across outlets and boutiques, but you'll also find specialty shops and wonderful cafés that make this street a one-stop shop. Just take a peek at the locations for the stores listed above and you'll know the type of quality you're getting.
Kringlan Mall
Reykjavik’s largest mall, Kringlan is situated just outside of the city center and houses almost 200 different retailers. This is where you'll find familiar international brands like Diesel, Hugo Boss, Karen Millen, Levi's, Marc O'Polo, Next, Topshop, Vero Moda, Lindex, Timberland, and Zara, alongside Icelandic designers. You can take the shuttle service from central Reykjavik and get there in as little as 20 minutes.
- Pro tip: The mall has upscale facilities, but there's no reliable luggage storage service onsite. This makes Bounce the best option for storing your luggage if you're trying to hit the mall on a travel day.
- Address: Kringlan 4-12, 103 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kolaportið Flea Market
The largest flea market in Iceland, Kolaportið is a beloved institution for historic Reykjavík. This massive bazaar-esque flea market is fortunately housed in a former industrial building near the harbor, but you’ll have the selection you’d expect of a sprawling open-air farmer’s market. You’ll find plenty of folk items like Icelandic wool and carved trinkets, but perhaps the best offerings are the traditional snacks like rúgbrauð (geothermally baked rye bread) and brauðterta sandwiches.
- Address: Tryggvagötu 19 , Old Harbour Grófin Reykjavik Kvosin, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
If you’re looking for the perfect Reykjavik shopping experience in between visits to hot springs and charming old houses, you'll have plenty of options. From one-of-a-kind boutiques to fully stocked shopping centers, there's something for everyone in the Icelandic capital. And if you want to do some sightseeing or go on a hike after your shopping spree, Bounce has convenient luggage storage facilities to take care of your shopping bags!
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