Laugavegur is the main shopping street of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and a natural starting point for anyone exploring the city on foot. It runs through the heart of the centre, lined with local boutiques, cafes and street art, so a stroll here gives you a clear sense of how the city is laid out.
What to look for
- Local boutiques selling clothing, design and gifts, with Icelandic wool sweaters among the things many visitors come home with.
- Cafes where you can stop for a coffee between shops.
- Street art painted on walls and facades along the way, worth keeping an eye out for as you walk.
Why visit
Laugavegur suits a relaxed afternoon rather than a checklist visit. Browsing the shops and pausing at the cafes lets you see what daily life in the capital feels like, and it is an easy way to pick up your bearings before branching out to other parts of Reykjavik. If you are looking for a warm sweater to take home, this is a practical place to start.
Because the street is central, it is also easy to combine with other stops nearby, making it a comfortable base for a first day of exploring the city.