Staying around Laugavegur and the old center
Check the exact address before booking here: a room facing Laugavegur has a different setting from one on a side street such as Grettisgata. Skólavörðustígur provides a useful uphill route toward the church, while streets leading north take you toward the waterfront. Allow extra walking time with luggage, particularly when pavements are icy.
At a glance
- Best for
- A first visit, shops
- At night
- Loud at weekends until late
- Getting around
- Buses at Lækjartorg and Hlemmur; tour pick-ups
- Price level
- €€€€
The shops, cafes and bars of the main street, with the harbor and the church both a short walk away, at the highest prices in the city.
Good for
- A first trip of two to four nights
- Walking to most of the town and the harbor
- Tour pick-ups from the hotel and the buses at Lækjartorg
Think twice if
- You sleep lightly and your room faces the main street on a weekend night
- You want to save money: rooms and meals here cost the most
- You want a street that feels local
How Laugavegur and the old center compares with the rest of Reykjavík
What is near Laugavegur and the old center
Skólavörðustígur
From the western end of Laugavegur, walk uphill for about 10 minutes to explore the shops toward Hallgrímskirkja.
Sun Voyager
Allow about 10 minutes from central Laugavegur, heading downhill toward Sæbraut and the waterfront path.
Tjörnin
Walk west through the old center for about 15 minutes to reach the pond beside City Hall.
Eating in Laugavegur and the old center
Look along side streets as well as Laugavegur itself for bakeries, casual lunches and evening meals. Brauð & Co on Frakkastígur is useful when walking toward the church. For a quieter dinner, check whether your chosen restaurant has tables away from its bar area.
Getting around from Laugavegur and the old center
Use Hlemmur at the eastern end as a bus reference point and Lækjartorg for the western center. The useful stop depends on your exact address. Check Strætó for current lines and departures; walking between these two ends often makes more sense than waiting for a short ride.
Hotels in Laugavegur and the old center
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Other areas of Reykjavík
Staying around Laugavegur and the old center
How can I choose a quieter room?
Ask whether the room faces the street or an internal courtyard, and whether there is a bar directly below. A side street address alone does not guarantee quiet.
Is the walk to the church steep?
Skólavörðustígur climbs steadily toward Hallgrímskirkja. It is manageable for many walkers, but ice and luggage can make the uphill section slower.
Can a transfer stop outside my accommodation?
Check the transfer operator's designated stop against your accommodation address. Central traffic restrictions can mean completing the final section on foot.