Stays in Reykjavík
Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, offers a unique blend of vibrant city life and striking natural landscapes. Visitors can explore a rich cultural scene, enjoy diverse dining, and easily access remarkable natural wonders.
Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world, is a city brimming with character, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Iceland's dramatic landscapes, from the Golden Circle to the Blue Lagoon. Within the city, travelers discover a lively arts scene, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Accommodation options range from cozy guesthouses to modern apartments, many offering views of the city or surrounding mountains and sea. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Reykjavík provides a memorable Icelandic experience.
Reykjavík in numbers
CoastalNaustavör 30
Spacious apartment with a garden and terrace, close to Reykjavík's attractions
Why guests love itNaustavör 30 is a one-bedroom apartment in Reykjavík with a living room, a terrace and a garden. The kitchen is fully equipped, there is a washing machine and WiFi is free. The listing puts it 3.9 km from The Pearl and 6 km from Hallgrímskirkja, with shops and art museums within reach. Guests rate it a perfect 10 from a single review. Our editorial verdict: a quiet self-catered base for a couple or a small family with a car.
CoastalICELAND SJF Villa, Hot tub & Outdoor Sauna Amazing Mountains and City View Over Reykjavík
Elegant villa with hot tub, outdoor sauna, and striking city and mountain views
Why guests love itICELAND SJF Villa is a three-bedroom villa in Kópavogur with a hot tub, a sauna and an outdoor sauna, which is the reason to book it. The private garden, terrace and balcony look across the mountains and the city towards Reykjavík, and two bathrooms plus a large living room suit a family or two couples. I would choose it for privacy and spa time, and its 9.9 rating from 51 reviews supports that.
FamilyBeautiful flat in downtown Reykjavík with a view
Spacious downtown apartment with a view and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itI recommend this downtown flat to couples and small families who want a spacious one-bedroom apartment in central Reykjavík. It has a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a balcony with a landmark view, plus free WiFi and on-site private parking, a children's playground and a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is a real plus in the centre. Guests rate it 9.8 across more than 140 reviews, nearly the top of the scale.
Reykjavík baseCity View Lux in the City Center with Free Parking
Spacious city center apartment with balcony and free parking
Why guests love itThis is a spacious two-bedroom apartment in central Reykjavík with a living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony. A lift, a washing machine, a work desk and free WiFi are included. Free on-site private parking and an electric vehicle charging station are rare in the city centre and matter for anyone arriving by car. A 9.8 rating across 59 reviews is outstanding, though the sample is modest. I would choose it for a family with a car.
FamilyHarbour View 2BR & 2BA City Center with Free Parking
Spacious city centre apartment with harbour views and free parking
Why guests love itHarbour View 2BR & 2BA gives a family two bedrooms and two bathrooms in central Reykjavík, which removes the morning bathroom queue. The kitchenette covers breakfasts and light dinners, the washing machine helps on a longer stay, and the lift makes buggies and luggage easy. Free private parking on site is a real bonus in the city centre if you are renting a car. I would choose it for a family of four who want to walk to the sights.
CouplesCosy one bedroom apartment in Reykjavík
A comfortable one-bedroom apartment with a private garden and courtyard views
Why guests love itI would choose this ground-floor apartment for a quiet, private stay in Reykjavík. It has one bedroom, a sofa bed, parquet floors and a private entrance, with views over an inner courtyard. The kitchen is fully equipped, free Wi-Fi is included, and there is a terrace and garden to sit in. Guests rate it 9.8 across 71 reviews, a very high score. With a sofa bed as the only extra sleeping space, I would pick it for a couple.
FamilyModern and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Kópavogur
Spacious three-bedroom apartment with city views and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itThree bedrooms in one apartment are hard to find in the capital area, and this one in Kópavogur adds a private balcony with city views and a lift, which helps with suitcases and pushchairs. The fully equipped kitchen and seating area let a family eat in and spread out, and free on-site parking keeps a rental car close. Reykjavík's domestic airport is a short drive away. Guests rate it 9.8 from 21 reviews, so I would put it near the top for families.
FamilyHouse of the Snowbird
Historic apartments in the old town with fully equipped kitchens
Why guests love itHouse of the Snowbird occupies a preserved historic house in Reykjavík's old town and rents apartments with fully equipped kitchens: dining area, oven, fridge, toaster and kettle. Free private parking and Wi-Fi are included, restaurants and museums are within walking distance, and the Old Harbour is 200 metres away. Guests give it 9.7 across 353 reviews, and I would pick it for self-catering couples and families.
Northern LightsAurora Lights Retreat
Spacious apartment with sea and mountain views, ideal for aurora watching
Why guests love itAurora Lights Retreat is a spacious one-bedroom apartment in Reykjavík with a living room, parquet floors and a balcony with sea and mountain views. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, streaming services and free WiFi. The listing places it near the Sun Voyager sculpture and Hallgrímskirkja church. Guests rate it 9.7 across 44 reviews. Streaming services help on slow evenings.
FamilyGP Apartment HG-8008
A comfortable ground-floor apartment with a private garden and terrace
Why guests love itGP Apartment HG-8008 is a comfortable one-bedroom apartment on the ground floor in Reykjavík, with a private terrace and garden. It has a fully equipped kitchenette, a washing machine and a dining area, plus free WiFi and free private parking. The ground-floor setting means no stairs. Guests rate it 9.6 across 41 reviews, a high score for a self-catering stay.
CouplesModern Apartment Free Parking Near Reykjavik Center
A modern apartment with free parking, ideal for couples exploring Reykjavík
Why guests love itThis ground-floor apartment in Kópavogur has one bedroom plus a sofa bed, so I would suggest it to a couple or a small family with one or two young children. The fully equipped kitchen, with oven, microwave and coffee machine, makes home cooking easy, and the ground floor spares you carrying bags and buggies up stairs. Free private parking is the other practical gain over central Reykjavík. Families needing separate rooms for each child will want more space.
GeothermalPerfect spacious 2-bedroom apartment near Sky Lagoon
Spacious two-bedroom apartment with modern amenities near Sky Lagoon
Why guests love itA recently renovated two-bedroom apartment in the capital area, close to Sky Lagoon and Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, which is the reason I would pick it for a family who wants geothermal swims built into the trip. The fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine make a stay of several nights easy, and air-conditioning is unusual in Iceland. A bright living room and a balcony round it out. Guests rate it 9.6 from 17 reviews.
FamilyTower Apartments
Spacious apartments with balconies, kitchens, and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itTower Apartments in Reykjavík offers family rooms and apartments, each with a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom and city or garden views. There is a terrace, a children's playground and a shuttle service, and Wi-Fi is free. Guests rate it 9.6 across 378 reviews, a very strong score, and I would pick it for families and groups who want a kitchen and a balcony.
CouplesDowntown Loft with Balcony & Parking
Spacious loft with balcony, parking, and a prime downtown Reykjavík location
Why guests love itI would choose this downtown loft for a longer Reykjavík stay with space. The one-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has a sofa bed in the living room, parquet floors and a fully equipped kitchen, plus free Wi-Fi, a washing machine and a private balcony and patio. Laugavegur Shopping Street and the main city attractions are close. Guests rate it 9.6 across 71 reviews. With a sofa bed, I would pick it for a couple, or a small family with one child.
GeothermalCosy and family friendly apartment in Kópavogur - Birta Rentals
Spacious apartment with garden views, ideal for families near geothermal beach
Why guests love itThis two-bedroom apartment in Kópavogur has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi, which matters on a longer family trip. The balcony looks over the garden. The listing places it near Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach and The Pearl, so a warm-water outing and a city viewpoint are both close. Guests rate it 9.5 from 2 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a roomy, practical base for a family that cooks and does its own laundry.
CoastalIceland SJF Apartments - 401
Spacious apartment with garden and terrace, ideal for families and couples
Why guests love itI recommend Iceland SJF Apartments - 401 to families and couples who want a spacious two-bedroom apartment in Reykjavík. It has a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette, air-conditioning and free WiFi, plus a terrace and a garden, and it is conveniently located near city attractions. Two bedrooms mean children or friends can have their own space. Guests rate it 9.5 across more than 190 reviews, a top score for a city apartment.
FamilyCasa Dísa - Apartments A Boutique Guesthouse in Reykjavik City`s Central Park and Botanical Garden in Laugardalur, Hot-Spring-Valley
Apartments with kitchens and garden views in Reykjavík's Laugardalur
Why guests love itI recommend Casa Dísa to couples and families who want a boutique apartment with its own kitchen in Reykjavík. Each apartment has a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and garden views, with free WiFi, streaming services and a washing machine, and the property adds an outdoor fireplace, a seating area and bicycle parking. Having a kitchen keeps costs down in a pricey city. Guests rate it 9.5 across almost 150 reviews, a top score.
CouplesCosy modern apartment in Kopavogur
A modern one-bedroom apartment with garden, lake and mountain views
Why guests love itThis cosy one-bedroom apartment in Kópavogur suits a couple or a parent with one young child rather than a larger family. It is on the ground floor with its own entrance, which makes buggies and luggage easy, and soundproofing helps a light sleeper settle. The fully equipped kitchen covers every meal, and the private garden gives a toddler space outside. Lake and mountain views add calm. Kópavogur borders Reykjavík, so the centre is a short drive.
CoastalTower Suites Reykjavík
Penthouse suites with panoramic views and thoughtful amenities in central Reykjavik
Why guests love itTower Suites is a four-star stay on the 20th floor of a glass tower in central Reykjavík. Each penthouse suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic city or sea views, a private bathroom, a complimentary minibar, a Nespresso machine, a telescope and an iPad. Free WiFi is included, and restaurants and coffee shops sit on the ground floor. A 9.5 rating across 346 reviews is outstanding. I would choose it for a family or couple who want the view to be the point.
CoastalIceland SJF Apartments - 301
Spacious apartment with balcony and modern amenities in Reykjavík
Why guests love itIceland SJF Apartments - 301 is a spacious two-bedroom apartment in Reykjavík with a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a dishwasher and a microwave. It also has air-conditioning, free WiFi and streaming services, plus a balcony with garden views and a terrace. The listing places it near major attractions and the domestic airport. Guests rate it 9.5 across 118 reviews.
FamilyLuxury New Apt in Downtown (83 sqm)
Spacious downtown apartment with garden, terrace, and modern amenities
Why guests love itI would pick this ground-floor apartment for a central Reykjavík stay with its own outdoor space. It has one bedroom, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen, plus a garden, terrace and balcony. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, streaming services, a washing machine and a dishwasher are included, and the main attractions are close. Guests rate it 9.5 across 99 reviews. With one bedroom, I would choose it for a couple, or a small family happy to share the living room.
GeothermalEnjoy Reykjavík Yellow Door Apartment
Central Reykjavík apartment with a garden and modern kitchen
Why guests love itI recommend the Enjoy Reykjavík Yellow Door Apartment to couples and small families who want a self-catering base in central Reykjavík. It has one bedroom and one bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a garden and free WiFi, and Hallgrímskirkja Church and Laugavegur Shopping Street are close by. Having a kitchen in the city centre helps with early breakfasts before day trips. Guests rate it 9.5 across more than 320 reviews, a very high score.
FamilyLara Studio in Laugardalur valley, Reykjavík Central Park and Botanical Garden, Private entrance, FREE Private Parking on side
Ground-floor apartment with private entrance and free parking in Laugardalur
Why guests love itI recommend Lara Studio to couples and small families who want a ground-floor apartment in Reykjavík's Laugardalur valley. It has one bedroom, a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a private entrance, with garden and city views, free WiFi, streaming services and a washing machine. Free private parking is on site, which is useful in a capital where parking can be tight. Guests rate it 9.4 across almost 180 reviews, a top score.
Couples46heima Boutique Apartments by Heimaleiga
Boutique apartments with city views and kitchenettes in central Reykjavík
Why guests love itI recommend 46heima Boutique Apartments to couples who want a central Reykjavík base with their own kitchenette. Each unit has a private bathroom, free WiFi and a balcony with city views, and Solfar Sun Voyager and Hallgrímskirkja Church are close by. Cooking a simple breakfast in the apartment saves time before day trips. Guests rate it 9.4 across 270 reviews, a top score for a city-centre apartment stay.
FamilyNest Apartments
Stylish apartments in the old city centre with garden access
Why guests love itNest Apartments are modern flats in Reykjavík's old city centre, decorated with contemporary art. Each has free WiFi, a Nespresso coffee maker, a seating area, a Bose sound dock and a flat-screen TV with DVD player, and there are books, DVDs and games to borrow. Guests share a furnished garden, and one apartment has a balcony with sea views. Very well rated for a stylish self-catering base.
FamilyIceland SJF Apartments - 201
Spacious apartment with garden views, ideal for families and couples
Why guests love itI recommend Iceland SJF Apartments - 201 to families and couples who want a spacious two-bedroom apartment in Reykjavík. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with garden views and a terrace, plus free WiFi, air-conditioning, a washing machine and free on-site parking. The location is close to city attractions. Guests rate it 9.4 across almost 150 reviews, a top score for a city apartment with room for four.
CoastalModern Downtown Apartment - Harbour View
Spacious downtown apartment with sea views and a fully equipped kitchen
Why guests love itI would pick the Modern Downtown Apartment for a short central stay in Reykjavík with a bit of space. It is a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre with a balcony and sea views, near the Old Harbour. The fully equipped kitchen and the washing machine let you cook and do laundry mid-trip, and free Wi-Fi is included. Guests rate it 9.4 across 112 reviews. With one bedroom, I would choose it for a couple, or a small family that is happy to share.
CouplesNordic Hostel
Comfortable hostel in central Reykjavík with a bar and shared kitchen
Why guests love itNordic Hostel offers interconnected rooms with walk-in showers, free WiFi, a bar and a lounge in central Reykjavík. A shared kitchen, a coffee shop, a lift and luggage storage cover the practical side of a budget stay. Hallgrímskirkja Church and Laugavegur shopping street are a short walk away. With 1,258 reviews and a 9.3 score, I recommend it to couples and small groups who want a central hostel that keeps costs down without feeling basic.
FamilyEIR Apartments by Heimaleiga
Central Reykjavík apartments with kitchens and family rooms
Why guests love itEIR Apartments are family-friendly flats in central Reykjavík, each with a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom and a washing machine, plus free WiFi. That setup helps families who want to cook and keep laundry under control on a longer trip. The Sun Voyager sculpture and Hallgrímskirkja Church are within walking distance. With a 9.3 rating across 144 reviews, I would choose it for a family that wants to walk the city and have a proper kitchen.
CoastalBlue Viking Apartments Reykjavik
Spacious apartments with sea views and a prime city location
Why guests love itBlue Viking Apartments are spacious two-bedroom flats with a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a terrace and a balcony with sea and mountain views. Free WiFi is included, and the Old Harbour and other city attractions are close. Two bedrooms make it workable for a family or two couples sharing. A 9.3 rating across 325 reviews is strong. I would choose it for a family that wants room to spread out and a kitchen near the harbour.
FamilyCandlewood Suites Reykjavik by IHG
Family rooms with kitchenettes and city views in central Reykjavík
Why guests love itCandlewood Suites is an aparthotel, and the family rooms are built around that idea: a kitchenette with a microwave, a dining table, a sofa bed, a private bathroom, a TV and city views. A 24-hour front desk, a lift, express check-in and check-out and free WiFi cover the hotel side. Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Sun Voyager sculpture are nearby. With a 9.3 rating across 80 reviews, I would choose it for a family wanting hotel service with a kitchenette.
FamilyReykjavík Central Apartments
Spacious city centre apartments with full kitchens and free Wi-Fi
Why guests love itThese apartments give families what a hotel room rarely does: a full kitchen with a microwave, electric cooker and dishwasher, a modern bathroom with a shower and a communal laundry room. Some units have a private balcony, and WiFi is free. Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Laugavegur shopping street are easy to reach from the city centre location. With a 9.2 rating across 697 reviews, I would choose it for a family that wants to cook and wash clothes mid-trip.
FamilyModern 2 bedroom apartment in Kópavogur
Spacious two-bedroom apartment with garden and mountain views
Why guests love itFor a family visiting the capital area, this two-bedroom apartment in Kópavogur covers the basics well: a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a washing machine for longer stays. The balcony looks over the garden towards the mountains. Free on-site parking is a real saving of effort compared with central Reykjavík, and the Domestic Airport is close for flights to Akureyri or the Westfjords. I would pick it for a family of four with a car.
FamilyFreyja Guesthouse & Suites
City centre guesthouse with garden views and free bicycles
Why guests love itFreyja Guesthouse & Suites is in central Reykjavík, with private bathrooms, terraces and garden views. Wi-Fi is free, there is a sun terrace, and bicycles can be used at no charge. A shared kitchen, a lounge and an outdoor seating area complete the picture. Guests rate it 9.2 across 581 reviews, and I would pick it for families, couples and budget-minded travellers who want a central address with a garden.
FamilyBlack Pearl Apartment Hotel
Luxury apartments with city-view balconies near Old Reykjavik Harbour
Why guests love itBlack Pearl sits 350 metres from Old Reykjavík Harbour, the departure point for whale-watching boats, so the car can stay parked for the whole city stay. The apartments are bright and spacious, with heated marble floors and blackout curtains that matter in June. Our editorial take for families: walk to the harbour for an evening boat, eat downtown, and use the balcony to watch the city settle before an early start toward the Golden Circle.
Pet-friendlyNew Charming Apartment
Pet-friendly apartment with a garden, terrace, and free parking
Why guests love itNew Charming Apartment is a one-bedroom flat in Reykjavík with a garden and a terrace. The kitchen is fully equipped, there is a washing machine, and free WiFi and free private parking are included. Pets are welcome, which is not a given in the capital. Guests rate it 9 from 2 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a practical home-from-home for a couple or a traveller with a pet, with a car to make use of the parking.
FamilyHotel Eyja
Balinese-style rooms with city views and organic dining in Reykjavík
Why guests love itHotel Eyja stands near Hlemmur Square, just off Laugavegur, Reykjavík's main shopping street. Rooms use Balinese-style furnishings, with four-poster beds and organic toiletries, and the on-site restaurant serves local and organic options. A bar, a fitness centre and bicycle hire round out the facilities, and some rooms look over the city and mountains. With 1,460 reviews and a 9.0 score, I recommend it to couples and families who want a central, characterful stay.
FamilyMinimalistic, Flat, Kópavogur
Modern two-bedroom apartment with mountain views and pet-friendly amenities
Why guests love itMinimalistic, Flat, Kópavogur is a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony that has mountain views. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, free WiFi and private parking. Pets are welcome. Kópavogur borders Reykjavík, so it works as a base near the city's sights rather than inside the centre. Guests rate it 9 across 17 reviews. The kitchen is fully equipped.
FamilyTown House close to Center
Spacious family town house with a garden and outdoor fireplace
Why guests love itFour bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sofa bed in the living room make this Reykjavík town house a roomy family option near the centre. Outside, a sun terrace, garden, outdoor fireplace and barbecue give children space and adults a place to sit on long summer evenings, and there is a balcony as well. The fully equipped kitchen and washing machine handle a week of family life. Guests rate it 9.0 from 15 reviews, and I would book it for several nights.
FamilyHotel Kriunes
Lakeside tranquility with a sauna, hot tub, and water activities
Why guests love itHotel Kriunes is a four-star hotel on the shore of Lake Elliðavatn, with an in-house restaurant and free parking and Wi-Fi. All rooms have a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV, and some have lake views and tea and coffee facilities. A sauna and a hot tub are on site, and boats, kayaks and bicycles can be rented. Guests rate it 9.0 across 1,184 reviews, and I would choose it for a lakeside stay with outdoor activities.
Northern LightsAurora Nooks Apartments by Heimaleiga
Comfortable apartments with kitchenettes, ideal for families and aurora hunters
Why guests love itAurora Nooks offers apartment-style rooms in Reykjavík with a kitchenette, private bathroom, washing machine and soundproofing, so a family can cook, do laundry and sleep undisturbed. There is a lift, free WiFi and private check-in and check-out, which suits late arrivals. Services are practical rather than hotel-like. I would choose it for self-catering stays where space and flexibility matter more than a lobby.
CoastalLundur Apartments
Sea-view apartments with balconies, perfect for coastal adventures
Why guests love itLundur Apartments suit families who want space and a view. Each apartment has a kitchenette, a balcony and sea views, plus parquet floors, a work desk and a washing machine, with a laundry service on top. A terrace and free WiFi round it out. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is 2.5 km away, a short trip for children who like the water. With a rating of 8.9 across 655 reviews, I would choose it for a family on a longer Reykjavík stay.
FamilyBlue Mountain Apartments by Heimaleiga
Self-catering apartments with mountain views and easy access to nature
Why guests love itBlue Mountain Apartments by Heimaleiga offers self-catering studios in Kópavogur, each with a kitchenette, a sofa and a TV, and some with views of the Bláfjöll mountains. Wi-Fi and parking are free. The Smáralind Shopping Center is nearby, and Heiðmörk Nature Reserve is 4 km away. Guests rate it 8.8 across 1,572 reviews, and I would pick it for families and couples who want a practical base outside central Reykjavík.
FamilyUnwind in Luxury Steps From Smáralind Mall
Spacious apartment with terrace and modern comforts near Smáralind Mall
Why guests love itDespite the luxury billing, this is best understood as a spacious, well-kept apartment in Kópavogur, close to Smáralind, Iceland's largest shopping centre. A family gets a private terrace, a balcony and an outdoor seating area, and soundproofing helps children sleep through light summer nights. The kitchenette handles breakfasts and simple dinners rather than ambitious cooking, and streaming services fill a rainy evening. I would book it for a longer stay near the shops; guests rate it 8.8 from 18 reviews.
FamilyIcelandic Apartments by Heimaleiga
Self-serviced apartments with kitchens, views, and easy access to Reykjavik
Why guests love itIcelandic Apartments by Heimaleiga has 40 self-serviced apartments, each with a fully equipped kitchen, for two or four guests. Many units and the shared balconies have scenic views. A grocery store, a gym and a restaurant are close by, and the centre of Reykjavík is a 15-minute drive. Free parking and family rooms are available. Guests rate it 8.8 across 2,666 reviews.
GeothermalEntire house in a quite area
Spacious family home with a hot tub and garden in Reykjavík
Why guests love itThree bedrooms and two bathrooms give a family real room in this Reykjavík house, and the hot tub is the part I would plan evenings around. The garden and terrace look onto greenery, and the fully equipped kitchen and washing machine take care of the practical side of a longer stay. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is close by for a swim in heated seawater. The quiet street suits early bedtimes. Guests rate it 8.7 from 17 reviews.
FamilyPeaceful new apt next to Sky Lagoon
Spacious apartment with a terrace, balcony, and free parking near Sky Lagoon
Why guests love itTwo bedrooms and a sofa bed give a family room in this new apartment next to Sky Lagoon, which I would use as the reason to book: the lagoon is close enough to fit a swim around any day's plans. The fully equipped kitchen and washing machine handle a longer stay, and the terrace and balcony give two places to sit outside. Parquet floors and a living room make it feel like a home. Free on-site parking helps with a car. Guests rate it 8.7 from 11 reviews.
FamilyNew Apt Near Smáralind Mall With Private Parking
Spacious apartment with private parking near Smáralind Mall
Why guests love itThis spacious two-bedroom apartment in Kópavogur gives a family of four a living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, with a private entrance that makes arrivals easy. Private parking keeps the car close for day trips, and Smáralind Mall nearby is handy for supplies, rainy-day shopping and meals out. Kópavogur borders Reykjavík to the south, so the city centre is a short drive. The guest score of 8.4 from 22 reviews is fair.
Geothermal201 Hotel
Modern hotel in Kopavogur with self-service check-in and fitness facilities
Why guests love itThe 201 Hotel sits in Kópavogur, just south of central Reykjavík, a short walk from Smáralind, the country's largest shopping centre. Self-service check-in suits late arrivals, and nearly 7,000 guests average 8.3. Our editorial advice for families: park for free, take the children to the nearby public geothermal pool, follow the jogging paths in the morning, and drive into the city centre only when you need it.
GeothermalApartment in Huldubraut in Kópavogur - Birta Rentals
Family-friendly apartment with garden views and easy access to geothermal beach
Why guests love itA two-bedroom apartment on Huldubraut in Kópavogur, just south of central Reykjavík, with a private entrance opening onto garden views. The kitchen is properly equipped, with an oven, stovetop, dishwasher and microwave, so a family can cook real meals, and a washing machine helps on a longer stay. Free private parking makes it a sensible base for anyone with a rental car, and Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is within easy reach. Guests rate it 8.2 from 12 reviews.
FamilyHótel Heiðmörk
Family-friendly rooms with balconies and free parking near Reykjavík's attractions
Why guests love itHótel Heiðmörk is a Reykjavík base built for families with a car: soundproofed family rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, a lounge, a tour desk and free on-site parking, which is rare in the capital. More than 2,000 guests average 8.2. Our editorial advice: park once, use the tour desk to book a Golden Circle or South Coast day, and save city-centre evenings for when you are happy to drive or take the bus.
GeothermalIceland Comfort Apartments by Heimaleiga
Modern apartments with kitchenettes, close to a geothermal pool
Why guests love itIceland Comfort Apartments by Heimaleiga are modern apartments in central Kópavogur, with kitchenettes and free WiFi. They suit families and couples, with a geothermal swimming pool a five-minute walk away. Free parking is on site, and a grocery store and a restaurant are close by. Guests rate it 7.5 across 2,043 reviews, a mid-range score that points to a practical rather than special stay.
What to expect
- Explore the vibrant city center with its colorful houses and street art.
- Discover iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall.
- Enjoy easy access to natural wonders, including the Northern Lights and geothermal pools.
- Experience a thriving culinary scene, from traditional Icelandic fare to international dishes.
- Benefit from a compact city layout, making many attractions walkable.
Local tips
- Rent a car to explore the Icelandic landscapes beyond the city.
- Expect fast weather changes and dress in layers, even in summer.
- Book excursions well ahead, especially northern lights tours in winter.
- Try the local geothermal swimming pools, a daily habit for many residents.
- Walk Laugavegur, the main shopping street, for independent shops and cafés.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Which areas are best for staying in Reykjavík?
Central Reykjavík suits travellers who want to be close to the main sights, restaurants and nightlife. Areas such as Laugardalur offer a calmer setting with green spaces and the city's largest geothermal pool, while staying well connected to the centre by bus or on foot.
What types of accommodation are there in Reykjavík?
Reykjavík offers a wide range of stays, from modern hotels to apartments with fully equipped kitchens and smaller guesthouses. Many properties have views over the city, the sea or the mountains, and plenty include free Wi-Fi, and some balconies or parking.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?
It depends on what you want. Summer, from June to August, brings long days and milder weather for outdoor activities. Winter, from October to March, is the season for northern lights and snowy landscapes, although the days are much shorter.
How do you get around Reykjavík?
The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Local buses cover longer distances within the capital area, but a rental car is usually the most flexible option for excursions outside the city, such as the Golden Circle or the Reykjanes Peninsula.