Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are Reykjavik's main shopping and going-out streets, lined with restaurants, bars, cafés and design shops. Skólavörðustígur climbs directly toward Hallgrímskirkja, and the area is lively after dark, making it best for sociable travellers rather than light sleepers.
Laugavegur runs as the city's central spine, while Skólavörðustígur branches off and leads uphill to the church, its painted rainbow street a well-known landmark. By day it's browsing and coffee; by night the bars fill and the streets stay busy, so you're at the centre of the action with everything at your doorstep.
Getting around
You can walk to Hallgrímskirkja in a few minutes and to the harbour or Tjörnin in around 10–15. Airport coaches to Keflavík (KEF) run from a nearby central terminal, taking roughly 45–50 minutes.
Before you book this area
- Nightlife
- This is Reykjavik's densest cluster of bars and late-night spots, especially at weekends.
- Shopping
- Design shops, Icelandic wool and local boutiques line both streets.
- Watch out for
- Weekend noise carries late, so ask for a room facing a courtyard or side street if you sleep lightly.
Frequently asked
Is this area walkable to Hallgrímskirkja?
Yes — Skólavörðustígur leads straight up to the church, an easy few-minute uphill walk from the main strip.
Will it be loud on weekend nights?
Likely yes on the main streets, where nightlife runs late; a room on a quieter side lane makes a big difference.
Comparing areas? See the full Reykjavik area guide →
An independent guide to Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik — honest orientation, no invented data.