Where To Go Shopping in Reykjavik

A weekend staple, Kolaportid Flea Market is one of the best shopping spots in Reykjavik for those hunting for, well, just about anything. Located near the Old Harbor, this indoor market is packed with stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to books to Icelandic delicacies such as fermented shark. For travelers shopping for souvenirs in Reykjavik, it’s the perfect place to find unique Icelandic goods, including wool sweaters, handmade jewelry, and little trinkets.

If you’re looking for a modern shopping experience, Kringlan Mall is the ultimate hub for shopping in Reykjavik. Iceland’s largest shopping center boasts more than 150 stores, from global brands to Icelandic retailers, as well as more than 20 restaurants and food stalls. And in the true spirit of a shopping mall, there's a movie theater here, too—and a public library for good measure. Whether you’re shopping for practical items that you forgot to pack or you're just curious about the international mall scene, Kringlan is the place to go.

One of Iceland's signature clothing items is the lopapeysa, or an Icelandic wool sweater, which features a distinctive circular pattern around the neck. Local artisans have been hand-knitting these sweaters since the mid-1900s, and there's no better place to buy one than the Handknitting Association of Iceland's shop on Skolavordustigur. At its peak, more than 1,000 people belonged to this professional group, but today that number is closer to 400 or 500.

Insider tip: Can't make it to the store during your trip? You can buy a sweater online and have it shipped home.

Ten female Icelandic artists run Kirsuberjatred (which translates to "the cherry tree"), a collective which sells a range of goods, from clothing to jewelry to homeware. Every item is handmade and one-of-a-kind, showcasing the makers' many talents and unique artistic visions. If you’re looking for beautiful Icelandic gifts or keepsakes that blur the lines between traditional craft and contemporary design, this is one of the best shops to visit in Reykjavik.

Music lovers shouldn't miss Lucky Records, one of the top Reykjavik shops for vinyl enthusiasts. This record store is Iceland's largest: It stocks some 50,000 items and features an extensive collection of new and vintage vinyl and CDs, with a strong focus on Icelandic artists. Whether you’re hunting for Björk albums, Icelandic indie bands, or international classics, you're probably going to find it here. You can also come here to listen to music at one of the listening stations if you don't have a record player at home.

Sometimes, the best gifts are edible. If you’re not sure your loved ones at home will enjoy local delicacies, how about giving chocolate a go instead? Vinberid is a family-run chocolate shop in Reykjavik that sells both Icelandic chocolates and international ones, as well as other sweets. (Icelanders are known for their love of licorice, so you can almost certainly expect to find some here.)

Did you know?: Vinberid opened in 1976 as a grocery store, but it became a candy store in 1995.

Love fashion but hate fashion waste? You can feel good about shopping at Aftur, a circular fashion brand that specializes in upcycled and sustainable products. Using reclaimed materials, the store creates chic pieces that reflect Iceland’s innovative design ethos. And it's attracted celebrity clientele—Icelandic singer Björk and members of the Icelandic bands Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men are customers.

Insider tip: Aftur sells far more than just clothing. The store also sells shoes, jewelry, fragrances, and objets d'art (art objects).

While Reykjavik's shopping scene has plenty of unique local goods to offer, if it's luxury goods you seek—particularly fragrant ones—consider dropping by Fischersund, a family-run boutique perfumery and art and music collective. (Musician Jónsi of Sigur Rós fame is one of the founders.) The brand sells handcrafted fragrances, candles, and skincare products inspired by Icelandic nature. At the shop, you can partake in a guided scent journey to discover Fischersund's fragrances, as well as tour any exhibition that might be on display.

Part bookstore, part café and bar, and part live music venue, Hús Máls og Menningar is far more than just a shop. But you still can shop here—there are plenty of books to browse, with a focus on Icelandic literature and culture. Grab one, then sit down at the café to enjoy reading with some coffee and pastries. By night, the space transforms into a lively bar with live music, making it one of Reykjavik’s most dynamic gathering places.