Reykjavík’s compact city center (Miðbær) is the heart of Iceland’s capital, anchored by Laugavegur’s shops and cafés, the Harpa concert hall on the waterfront, and Hallgrímskirkja overlooking colorful streets that lead to Tjörnin pond, Austurvöllur square, and the Old Harbour. It blends historic timber houses with modern design and a lively, walkable core ideal for culture, dining, and urban views.
Lækjargata is a central street in downtown Reykjavík, extending from Lækjartorg near the old harbor to Tjörnin. Its name reflects the brook (lækurinn) that once flowed here, where locals washed clothes before it was culverted in the early 1900s.
Hafnartorg rising at the harbor, with Lækjargata running straight to Harpa’s glass sails.
Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhúsið), opened in 1992 on the edge of Tjörnin pond, is a modern civic hub that literally dips into the water, blurring the line between city and nature. Its location nods to where Reykjavík first cohered as a trading town in 1786, when life clustered around these shoreline marshes. Inside is the mayor’s office, and the city council chambers keep daily governance close to the people.
Tjörnin, he small lake at Reykjavík’s heart, has been the city’s living room for centuries. When Reykjavík became an official trading town in 1786, homes and workshops hugged these marshy edges, and the shoreline slowly firmed up into today’s promenades. Now, City Hall and the whitewashed Fríkirkjan church bookend the water, and swans and ducks patrol it year-round. In cold winters, it turns into an old-school skating rink, proof that the city still orbits this quiet pond.
Stjórnarráðið—often called the Government House—stands on Lækjargata with thick basalt walls that hint at its first role: a Danish-era prison built in the 1760s. As Iceland won Home Rule in 1904, it flipped from symbol of control to center of self-government, with Hannes Hafstein—the first Icelandic minister—working here. Today it houses the Prime Minister’s Office, a compact landmark that traces the country’s path from colony to sovereign republic in a single address.
Tjarnargata on the west side of the pond, Tjörnin, is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavík. It is a street renowned for its beauty in autumn.
A view from the pond to Harpa towards Lækjargata
The Main Building (Aðalbygging) of the University of Iceland anchors the Suðurgata campus, a restrained, functionalist landmark designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson and opened in 1940. It marked the university’s shift from borrowed rooms in Alþingishúsið—where the school was founded in 1911—to a purpose-built home that signaled a maturing national institution. Today its basalt-toned concrete, axial halls, and assembly spaces still serve as the university’s ceremonial heart.
Alþingishúsið, the stone Parliament House fronting Austurvöllur, was completed in 1881 from dark dolerite quarried at Skólavörðuholt, giving it that compact, basaltic gravity. Designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl, it became the permanent home of Iceland’s re-established Alþingi, which had returned to Reykjavík in 1845 after centuries at Þingvellir (founded c. 930, abolished 1799). The building’s sober classicism fits the scale of the old town, yet it marks the hinge from colonial administration to modern Icelandic self-rule.
Listasafn Íslands—the National Gallery of Iceland—sits by Tjörnin at Fríkirkjuvegur 7, in a former icehouse built in 1916 and designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson; a later wing is by Garðar Halldórsson. Founded in 1884 (originally in Copenhagen), the gallery moved into this converted industrial shell in 1987, turning a piece of Reykjavík’s early cold-storage history into the country’s leading venue for Icelandic art.
Reykjavík’s New Year’s Eve centers on Hallgrímskirkja, where bonfires glow and, at midnight, the whole city erupts in fireworks that turn night into day for a good 20–30 minutes, a decades-old, community-driven tradition. My photograph of that eruption of light was selected as National Geographic’s Your Shot “Photo of the Day" on 2 January 2017, highlighting the spectacle from the church’s iconic perch above the city.
Tjarnargata in winter and the City Hall of Reykjavík by the pond, Tjörnin
Bankastræti may be a short stretch, but it plays an important role as the vibrant entryway to Reykjavík’s shopping scene, marking the beginning of Laugavegur right at Lækjargata. While many visitors might first think of “Laugavegur,” locals cherish Bankastræti for its rich history as the heart of downtown, nestled between Austurstræti and Laugavegur. This is where the old town gracefully rises from the harbor towards the hill. The cozy stretch of shops, cafés, and the lively flow of people create a warm and inviting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression—small in distance, yet immense in the memories it creates.
Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík (MR) is Iceland’s oldest school, tracing its roots to 1056 and housed since 1846 in the timber “Gamli Skóli” on Lækjargata 7 in the city center. The main building—designed by Danish architect Jørgen H. Koch—became a national landmark and once served the re-convened Alþingi; it’s a short walk from Austurvöllur square. Today MR remains a leading college (gymnasium) and a key piece of Reykjavík’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Reykjavík’s Old Harbour (Gamla höfnin) is the city’s original working waterfront, carved out with breakwaters and quays in the 1910s as Reykjavík transitioned from an open roadstead to a modern port. Throughout the interwar decades, it became the engine of the fishing era, home to trawlers, fish processing facilities, and early shipping firms, fueling the town’s rapid growth. Today, the weathered piers and old sheds anchor a lively mix of whale-watching boats, cafés, studios, and the Grandi promenade, keeping the working-harbour soul while reinventing the shoreline for people, not just cargo.
Picture this: standing at the edge of the old cemetery, you gaze down Skothúsvegur, a charming street that gracefully separates a serene pond. A quaint bridge arches over the water, leading you up towards the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, its towering presence inviting you to explore further. This autumn scene is a beautiful blend of history and nature, where every step tells a story.
The President of Iceland’s office has found a warm and welcoming home at Staðastaður, Sóleyjargata 1, a charming residence built in 1912 by the dedicated editor and minister Björn Jónsson. In 1996, the presidential office made the thoughtful decision to transition to this beautiful lakeside house, after spending more than two decades at the Government House on Lækjargata. Today, Staðastaður serves as a meaningful working base in Reykjavík for the presidency, beautifully complementing the official residence at Bessastaðir. This space reflects a rich history and continues to support the vital work of Iceland’s leadership.
Skólavörðustígur is a street that rises from Laugavegur to Hallgrímskirkja, featuring a high concentration of Icelandic design boutiques, galleries, and cafés within a few lively blocks. It is arguably the most photogenic shopping street in the city. The name of the street refers to the old "school cairn" located on Skólavörðuholt, the hill that the street ascends. This route was established as Reykjavík began to expand uphill in the early 20th century. At the intersection of Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur, you'll find a vibrant rainbow painted on the road. Initially created as part of Reykjavík Gay Pride, this lively design has become a permanent symbol of inclusivity, serving as both an urban welcome mat and a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Laugavegur, translating to "wash road," was established in 1885 and quickly became the primary shopping street in Reykjavík. It connects with the historic streets Bankastræti and Austurstræti at Lækjartorg. Today, this area functions as a vibrant cultural corridor, featuring parts of Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur, and Vegamótastígur designated as year-round pedestrian zones. The tradition of Skólavörðustígur, known as "Rainbow Street," began in 1999 during Reykjavík Pride, highlighting the street's role in celebrating diversity. The combination of heritage shopfronts, cafés, and car-free areas contributes to the cultural and historical significance of these streets within the old city.
Harpa, a cherished landmark in Reykjavík, graces the Old Harbour waterfront, offering breathtaking views of Faxaflói Bay and the majestic Esjan mountain range. This stunning concert hall and conference center, designed by the renowned Henning Larsen Architects and featuring a striking geometric glass façade by artist Ólafur Elíasson, opened its doors in 2011. It serves as a wonderful venue for the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, bringing the community together through the power of music and performance. The mesmerizing LED-lit exterior, inspired by Iceland’s unique basalt formations, not only highlights Harpa’s significance as a piece of modern Nordic architecture but also makes it a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of the city. It stands as a symbol of creativity and connection for everyone who visits.
Aðalstræti holds a special place in the heart of Reykjavík, being the city's oldest street and a cherished part of the historic Kvosin quarter. As you stroll along its path, you can't help but feel the connection to the past, with Viking-age remains resting beneath your feet, stories waiting to be told at the nearby Settlement Exhibition. The charming 19th- and early-20th-century timber and corrugated-iron houses that line the street create a warm atmosphere, inviting you to discover delightful cafés, unique shops, and small museums. This area is designed with pedestrians in mind, allowing everyone to experience both the rich heritage of Reykjavík and the vibrant energy of its city center.
Tjörnin is a beautiful little lake located in the heart of Reykjavík, a beloved landmark for both locals and visitors alike. It’s heartwarming to see how it brings people together, with Reykjavík City Hall to the north and Fríkirkjan (the Free Church) to the east framing its picturesque waters. Throughout the year, the lake bursts with life, particularly with the graceful whooper swans, playful greylag geese, and charming mallards that many people enjoy watching. In winter, it’s common to see the edges freeze, creating a serene winter landscape. Just south of the pond, the Vatnsmýri wetlands and bird sanctuary play a crucial role in nurturing this urban ecosystem, reminding us of the importance of nature in our lives. With its tranquil waters, historic buildings, and inviting lakeside paths, Tjörnin offers a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city—a place where you can pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Austurvöllur holds a special place in the heart of Reykjavík as the city's central square, inviting locals and visitors alike to gather in its warm embrace. Surrounded by cozy cafés and charming historic streets, it faces the iconic Iceland’s Parliament House (Alþingishúsið) and the beautiful Reykjavík Cathedral (Dómkirkjan). At its center, the bronze statue of Jón Sigurðsson stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, honoring the leader of the 19th-century independence movement. This square has been a vital space for the community, celebrating cherished moments like Independence Day and serving as a backdrop for heartfelt demonstrations, especially during the challenging times of the 2008 financial crisis. Austurvöllur truly reflects the spirit of Icelandic history and the vibrant pulse of everyday life in the city, making it a meaningful stop for anyone looking to connect with the culture and stories of Reykjavík.
