Laugavegur: Reykjavik’s Retail Wonderland

Hang a right from the Hótel Ísland and stroll down Laugavegur street with its eclectic array of restaurants, bars, shops and other attractions stretching more than two miles across the city center.

The street was constructed in 1885 along an ancient path that residents followed to the Laugardalur area to wash their clothes (and themselves) in the local hot springs. How times have changed: Nowadays, Laugardalur is Reykajavik’s outdoor recreation hub as well as the location of the Hótel Ísland.

By the middle of the 20th century, Laugavegur was the capital’s main shopping, eating and entertainment street. And it remains so today, a journey that features jewelry shops and art galleries, interior design and electronic stores, and fashion boutiques like Stella, 66 Degrees North, Reykjavik Raincoats and Fatamarkaðurinn Second Hand Market for vintage garb.

The Laugavegur eating scene is just as eclectic, a delicious blend of restaurants, cafes, coffee bars, dessert places, gastropubs, and cocktail lounges. Sure, there’s traditional Icelandic food. But Thai, Turkish, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, vegan and even a British steak house give the street more international flavor than any other place in Iceland.

The action continues well after midnight as the party scene from Laugavegur’s pubs, bars and music joints spills out into the street.