Where to stay in Reykjavik?

Où dormir à Reykjavik ?

Have you thought about Iceland’s capital for your vacation? Okay, but where to sleep? Here are the best places to stay in Reykjavik!

Located at 64° north latitude, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city, with a subpolar climate comparable to that of southern Greenland or Patagonia. Suffice to say, it’s sure to be cool! Renting an apartment or hotel in Reykjavik will be expensive, but Iceland, where you go for its breathtaking nature or its northern lights, is well worth the detour. With just 121,230 inhabitants, Reykjavik is a colorful capital on a human scale, with a population renowned for its hospitality.

Reykjavik may not be a big city, but it’s got a lot going for it, whatever your tastes. To help you better organize your stay, the editors of Generation Voyage have put together a mini-guide to the best places to stay in Reykjavik.

The historic 101 district

Loger dans le centre de Reykjavik

Photo credit: Flickr – Christian Barrette

If you’re looking for accommodation in Reykjavik, there’s nothing like renting right in the center of town, where everything can be done on foot and still enjoy the best spots worth seeing. At its heart is the Icelandic capital’s main thoroughfare, Laugavegur Street. Strolling along this street, you’ll find numerous shops, bars, restaurants, museums and souvenir stores. Everything is close at hand, and the district offers something for every taste: cultural visits, shopping, partying. This is where young Reykjavikers gather to party on Friday and Saturday nights.

The harbor, to the north of the district, is the city’s emblematic site, where fishermen have been busy since the city was founded by the Vikings in the 10th century. Here you’ll see the famous Drakkar, and the Harpa, illuminated at night. Further south, the Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran church – whose summit can be climbed for a breathtaking view of the city – is a must-see, while Skólavörðustígur street is the haunt of musicians performing in concert cafés. A good place to stay, between authenticity and modernity, as the vast majority of hotels are concentrated here. Budget-wise, you’ll need a well-stocked wallet to rent accommodation here.

Lake Tjörnin district

Loger à Tjornin, Reykjavik

Photo credit: Flickr – James Kirkus-Lamont

A family atmosphere is guaranteed when staying in Reykjavik on the shores of Lake Tjörnin, west of the city center. Here, you can stroll and watch the ducks, gulls, geese and swans splashing about in the cold waters of the lake. The district offers a haven of tranquillity, between Lake Tjörnin and the large Hljómskálagarður park. Once again, this is a popular area in an already expensive city: sleeping in Tjörnin will be expensive, so it’s best to go with several people.

Main photo credit: Flickr – Matito

Hotel and accommodation map – Reykjavik,is