Reykjavik Shopping and Districts

(Reykjavik, Capital Area, Iceland)

The range of shopping available in Reykjavik is extensive and many inexpensive Icelandic souvenirs will be sure to end up in the suitcases of tourists. Whether you are looking for designer clothing or a hand-knitted Icelandic woollen sweater, original art work or simply a T-shirt, Reykjavik will provide shoppers with plenty of choice and price brackets.

This is particularly so around the Bankastraeti, Laekjargata and Langavegur areas, and also at the many shops close to Lake Tjörnin and the harbour, where the buzzing Kolaportid flea market takes place each weekend. Do remember that Iceland offers a popular shopping scheme where the tax on large purchases at participating Global Refund Tax stores can be reclaimed at Reykjavik Airport.


However, you will need to first request a special receipt upon at the time of purchase. This may therefore affect how you choose to shop in Reykjavik and make the more expensive goods appear just that little bit more affordable.

When to Shop and Opening Hours

Whatever the time of week or day, there will be plenty of shops open all over Reykjavik. The main shopping hours are listed below:

• Monday to Friday - 09:00 until 18:00 or later
• Saturday - from 10:00 until anytime between 14:00 to 17:00
• Sunday - many shops now open on Sunday afternoons, between 13:00 and 17:00
• Supermarkets - most supermarkets stay open Monday through Sunday, from 09:00 until as late as 23:00

Where to Shop

The main shopping street in Reykjavik city centre is without doubt the Langavegur, which is brimming with clothing outlets, bookstores, endless gift shops and a good supermarket, along with an array of eateries. Many of the interconnecting alleys and streets, such as the rather chic Skólavödustigur, are also teeming with interesting shops, so do take the time to explore this area thoroughly.

On the eastern side of central Reykjavik and close to the City Theatre, the stylish, award-winning Kringlan Mall is the city's premier shopping centre and with almost 100 shops spread over two floors, it contains everything that you could possibly need, conveniently all under one roof. So if the weather is a little inclement, this is the place to shop 'til you drop. Alternatively, close by in Kópavogu, part of Greater Reykjavik, the Smáralind is the biggest shopping centre in the whole of Iceland and contains some 80 shops and restaurants, along with a popular cinema.