The Old Harbour, including the Grandi area, is Reykjavik's revitalised waterfront, home to departure points for whale-watching and other boat tours. Converted warehouses now hold casual eateries, ice cream spots and small museums, giving it an airy, open feel while staying an easy walk from the centre.
Old Harbour (Grandi) at a glance
- Distance to Hallgrímskirkja
- About 1.6 km as the crow flies, roughly 20 min on foot.
- From the city centre
- About 490 m as the crow flies.
- Nearest station
- No metro, train or tram stop within 1.5 km of the centre of the area — plan on buses, taxis or walking.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-18. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
You're right on the water with boats, working docks and views across to the mountains, and the redeveloped Grandi warehouses offer food halls and galleries. It's more spacious and daytime-oriented than the downtown strip, calmer in the evening, and a pleasant flat stroll along the shore into the core.
Getting around
The city centre and Austurvöllur are roughly a 10–15 minute walk, with Hallgrímskirkja a bit further uphill beyond that. Airport coaches to Keflavík (KEF) leave from the central terminal a short distance away, about 45–50 minutes to the airport.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Open, breezy waterfront with tour boats, museums and casual dining.
- Tours
- Whale-watching and puffin boats depart directly from the harbour here.
- Watch out for
- It can feel exposed and windy by the water, and the evening is quieter than the main streets.
Frequently asked
Is Old Harbour (Grandi) a good area to stay in Reykjavik?
It suits travellers who want a whale-watching or boat tour base and an airy, open waterfront feel, with converted warehouses holding casual eateries and small museums. It's more spacious and daytime-oriented than downtown and calmer in the evening, so if you want lively nightlife on your doorstep you may prefer the main streets.
How far is Old Harbour (Grandi) from Hallgrímskirkja?
Hallgrímskirkja is about 1.6 km away in a straight line, roughly 20 minutes on foot, and sits a bit further uphill beyond the city centre.
How do I get around from Old Harbour (Grandi), and where's the nearest station?
There's no metro, train or tram stop within 1.5 km of the area, so you'll rely on buses, taxis or walking. Airport coaches to Keflavík (KEF) leave from the central terminal a short distance away, about 45–50 minutes to the airport.
Is Old Harbour (Grandi) central?
Fairly — the city centre is only about 490 m away in a straight line, and it's a pleasant flat stroll of roughly a 10–15 minute walk along the shore into the core.
Is Old Harbour (Grandi) quiet at night?
Yes, the evening here is quieter than the main streets, and it can feel exposed and windy by the water. It's a calmer, daytime-oriented base rather than a nightlife spot.
Comparing areas? See the full Reykjavik area guide →
Other areas near Old Harbour (Grandi)
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — area location, distances and nearest station (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), checked 2026-09-18
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Old Harbour (Grandi), Reykjavik — honest orientation, no invented data.