Discover Reykjavík – The Land of Fire, Ice and Cosy City Breaks
Reykjavík’s hotels span sleek boutique stays, family sized suites, and restorative spa retreats, most clustered around the compact city centre. City breakers can choose stylish 4 star addresses near Laugavegur and the Old Harbour, while budget friendly options sit a stroll from cafés, museums, and hot pools. Summer brings midnight sun adventures and whale tours, winter draws Northern Lights chasers and snug nights in geothermal warmth. From design led boltholes to spacious apartment hotels, hotels in Reykjavík make short breaks easy to plan and easy to love.
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Traditional Icelandic houses in Reykjavík
Where to Stay in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is small and simple to navigate, with most sights within a short walk or quick bus ride. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct mood, from gallery lined streets to harbourfront dining and leafy parks with popular local pools.
- Miðborg, 101 Downtown – The vibrant heart of the city, centred on Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur for shops, cafés, galleries, and easy walks to Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa. It suits first time visitors and couples who want a car free city break with restaurants and bars on the doorstep.
- Old Harbour and Grandi – A trendy waterfront area just west of the centre with seafood restaurants, artisan cafés, galleries, and museums, plus departures for whale watching. It works well for food lovers and families who want harbour views, flat promenades, and quick access to boat tours.
- Vesturbær – A quieter, residential quarter west of downtown, home to the National Museum and beloved neighborhood pools. It suits families and longer stays, with playgrounds, local bakeries, and calm streets that feel close to the centre but away from late night noise.
- Laugardalur – Reykjavík’s green valley to the east, featuring the city’s big thermal pool, zoo, botanical gardens, and sports venues. It is ideal for active travellers and trips with kids, offering easy bus links, open space, and a relaxed base for sunny days and swim stops.
Old Harbour, Reykjavík
Best Hotels in Reykjavík
Reykjavík’s hotel scene mixes boutique design, spa friendly comforts, romantic hideaways, and family sized apartments. Pick by mood, location, and facilities to match your city break.
Best Boutique Hotels in Reykjavík
Kvosin Downtown Hotel (4-star) – Design led suites behind the cathedral pair modern finishes with handy kitchenettes and views towards the city lake. Couples rate the intimate scale and central setting, creating a stylish base for cafés, galleries, and evening strolls around the old streets.
Alda Hotel Reykjavík (4-star) – A sleek address on Laugavegur with minimalist rooms, some with balconies and distant sea views, plus a small gym and outdoor hot tub. Design minded travellers like the calm interiors and shopping street location, while the sauna and soak make winter stays extra cosy.
Reykjavik Konsulat, Curio Collection by Hilton (4-star) – An art deco inspired hotel between old town lanes and the harbour, offering elegant rooms and a relaxed bar. Guests enjoy the characterful décor and short walks to Harpa and the waterfront, making it a refined boutique choice for city breakers.
Best Spa-Friendly Hotels in Reykjavík
Grandi by Center Hotels (4-star) – A harbourfront stay with a well regarded spa area featuring hot tubs and a sauna, perfect after windy days outdoors. Rooms place you steps from galleries and seafood spots, so you can pair sightseeing with evening wellness time under the northern sky.
Alda Hotel Reykjavík (4-star) – Also a spa leaning pick thanks to its outdoor hot tub and sauna, which add a restorative note to central stays. After exploring museums and the waterfront, guests can warm up on site before dinner along Laugavegur or nearby side streets.
Hótel Ísland – Spa and Wellness (4-star) – A wellness focused hotel on Laugavegur offering an indoor spa with hot tubs, saunas, and fitness classes. Travellers who prioritise relaxation like the calm rooms and easy bus links, turning Reykjavík into a simple spa city escape.
Best Romantic Hotels in Reykjavík
Kvosin Downtown Hotel (4-star) – Romantic studio style suites in a converted city block deliver privacy, soft lighting, and charming city views. The intimate feel and central location suit couples planning slow breakfasts, gallery browsing, and drinks near the lake at sunset.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre (4-star) – A stylish Old Town retreat with Icelandic minimalism, local touches, and a lively lobby bar. Honeymooners and weekenders enjoy the refined rooms, quiet corners, and short walks to Harpa, restaurants, and the harbour path.
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel (3-star) – Apartment suites with kitchens provide generous space and privacy for couples and small groups. Guests appreciate hotel level service with apartment flexibility, perfect for slow mornings and stocked fridges during winter aurora hunts.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Reykjavík
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel (3-star) – Multi room suites sleep four to six and include kitchenettes, simplifying early breakfasts and picky eaters. Families like the central yet quiet streets, plus easy access to buses for Laugardalur’s zoo and big outdoor pool.
CenterHotel Plaza (3-star) – A central option near the old streets with family rooms and some connecting setups, placing sights and harbour walks close by. Parents rate the straightforward breakfasts and reception support, while evening options are an easy stroll with pushchairs.
Fosshotel Reykjavík (4-star) – A large, modern hotel on the seafront corridor with family rooms and wide views. It suits city stays that mix museums, Harpa visits, and coastal promenades, with simple bus links to pools and parks when the weather turns.
Top Things to Do in Reykjavík
- Hallgrímskirkja Church – Ride the lift to the tower for panoramic views over corrugated rooftops and the bay, then admire the basalt inspired façade below. One of Iceland’s most visited landmarks, it anchors easy walking routes through central streets.
- Harpa Concert Hall – A geometric glass icon on the harbour hosting concerts, festivals, and events. Visit by day for light filled photos or at night for reflections across the water, then wander the promenade for dinner nearby.
- Whale Watching from the Old Harbour – Board boats into Faxaflói Bay to spot humpbacks, dolphins, and seasonal puffins. Tours run year round, with warm overalls provided, and the harbour’s cafés make pre or post trip stops simple.
- Geothermal Pools and the Blue Lagoon – Join locals at Laugardalslaug for slides and hot pots, or book the famous Blue Lagoon for mineral rich soaks. A dip is perfect after windy walks, and evening sessions feel especially atmospheric in winter.
- Golden Circle Day Trip – See geysers at Haukadalur, thunderous Gullfoss, and tectonic rifts in Þingvellir National Park on an easy loop from the city. Tours run daily and fit well into short breaks when you want a taste of Iceland’s wild landscapes.
- Northern Lights Tours – From October to March, head out after dark to chase the aurora under clear skies. Guides choose the best forecast windows and sheltered spots, while city hotels keep you warm if clouds roll in.
Iceland’s incredible Northern lights
Getting to and Around Reykjavík
- By Air: Keflavík International Airport sits about 47 kilometres southwest, with frequent coaches to central Reykjavík in around one hour. Taxis and car hire are readily available, and the road transfer usually takes forty to forty five minutes.
- By Car: Route 41 links the airport to the city, with Route 1 circling Iceland for wider road trips. Driving is straightforward near town, but expect wind, changing conditions, and occasional one lane bridges outside the capital.
- By Bus or Transfer: Airport shuttles run every thirty to sixty minutes to downtown stops, with tickets bookable online or on arrival. Within the Capital Area, Strætó buses cover key districts and popular pools, backed by simple apps and timetables.
- Getting Around: Central Reykjavík is compact and highly walkable, with taxis and bike rentals for longer hops. City buses handle trips to Laugardalur and beyond, and harbour promenades make easy, stroller friendly evening walks.
When to Visit Reykjavík
Spring – Light returns, snow retreats, and whales begin appearing offshore. Expect cool days, budding greenery, and calmer crowds, with April and May offering a sweet spot for value and daylight without peak season bustle.
Summer – June to August brings the warmest temperatures, near round the clock daylight, and packed festival calendars. Book early, plan outdoor adventures late into the evening, and enjoy road trips, boat tours, and alfresco dining.
Autumn – Cooler days arrive with colourful foliage and longer nights, improving Northern Lights chances from mid September. Shoulder season calm returns to museums and cafés, while occasional wind and rain reward smart layers.
Winter – Short days and twinkling lights meet cosy cafés, hot pools, and aurora safaris. Expect near freezing temperatures, frequent clear spells, and plenty of indoor culture, making city breaks surprisingly relaxed and atmospheric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas work best without a car
Downtown 101 and the Old Harbour place sights, dining, and tour departures within easy walking distance. Both offer simple bus links and flat promenades for stress free exploring.
Do most Reykjavík hotels include breakfast and Wi Fi
Many central hotels include buffet or continental breakfast and free Wi Fi, while apartment hotels add kitchenettes for flexibility. Check inclusions on Easystay before booking.
How do I get from Keflavík Airport to the centre
Airport coaches run frequently to downtown stops in about an hour, with taxis and car hire also available. Travel time by road is roughly forty to forty five minutes.
Are Reykjavík hotels suitable for families
Yes, look for apartment style suites and hotels near pools and parks. Multi room layouts and kitchenettes make mealtimes simple, and buses reach Laugardalur’s zoo and big pool quickly.
Is air conditioning common in summer
Temperatures are mild, so many hotels rely on opening windows and good ventilation rather than full air conditioning. Light sleep masks help during bright midsummer nights.
Can I book Reykjavík hotels through Easystay with free cancellation
Yes, most Easystay listings include flexible cancellation, look for Free Cancellation before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Reykjavík Today
From harbourfront strolls to geothermal soaks and aurora nights, a hotel in Reykjavík sets up a cosy, culture rich city break.
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