Vesturbær is a leafy residential neighbourhood just west of the centre, home to a much-loved geothermal swimming pool and the University of Iceland. It's calmer and more local than the tourist core while remaining walkable to downtown, suiting travellers who want everyday atmosphere over bustle.
Quiet streets of homes, small shops and neighbourhood cafés stretch west from the centre toward the coast, with the university campus and the popular Vesturbæjarlaug pool as anchors. Evenings are peaceful and residential, and the seaside path nearby is good for a walk, yet the downtown streets are a short stroll away.
Getting around
The city centre and Austurvöllur are around a 10–15 minute walk east, with Hallgrímskirkja a little further. City buses and airport coaches connect from central stops, and Keflavík (KEF) is roughly 45–50 minutes away by coach.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Calm, residential and local, favoured by families and university crowd.
- Green space
- Coastal walking paths and the neighbourhood's geothermal pool are highlights.
- Budget
- Often feels more relaxed and everyday than the tourist-heavy core.
Frequently asked
Is Vesturbær too far from the sights?
Not really — it's a 10–15 minute walk into the centre, so you trade a little distance for a quieter, more local base.
What's the pool everyone mentions?
Vesturbæjarlaug is the neighbourhood's beloved geothermal pool, a genuinely local spot rather than a tourist attraction.
Comparing areas? See the full Reykjavik area guide →
An independent guide to Vesturbær (West Side), Reykjavik — honest orientation, no invented data.