Although the greater Reykjavik area houses 180,000 Icelanders – or more than half of the country’s population – the neighborhoods worth perusing can be explored by foot.
City Center/Old Town
You’ll hear these two names used interchangeably (though nothing in Reykjavik is very old – the most “ancient” buildings date to the 1800s). The center comprises one of the city’s most talked-about stretches, Hverfisgata – a mix of businesses, residences and late-night hangouts – as well as Bankastræti, Austurstrætiand, and the main shopping boulevard Laugavegur.
Laugavegur
The epicenter for shopping in the country, Laugavegur houses chic Scandinavian labels like Iittala and Marimekko, as well as scores of coffee shops and after-hours haunts. The stretch of wallet-emptying shops slices through Reykjavik’s center.
Laugadalur
North of the center along the coastal area, this valley is sprinkled with hot springs and residential areas.
The ‘Burbs
The city’s rapid expansion has practically swallowed up the outlying towns of Gardabaer, Hafnarfjörður and Kópavogur. It’s unlikely that you’ll visit any of these parts, except possibly Hafnarfjörður (famous for its Viking ties and mythical settlements of elves) – most are primarily residential and don’t hold much draw for tourists.
Top 10Labor Day Escapes Enjoy the last hurrah of summer at one of these close-to-home locales
Top 10Cruises in 2009 Sail into new horizons with our fave luxury itineraries for the coming year
Top 10Airports Worth the Layover These airports are sure to remind you that getting there is half the fun
Top 10Summer Party Spots The sun isn’t the only thing that sizzles between June and August – the season also ignites the hottest party spots
Top 10Easy Summer Weekend Getaways Set off somewhere fun this summer, whether cities, beaches, or quiet country lanes are your idea of an ideal vacation
