Reykjavik is a great tourist destination for those looking to explore the beauty of nature and experience unique culture. It’s located in Iceland, an island nation full of lush landscapes and spectacular sights. Reykjavik also offers many fun activities like whale watching, geothermal spas, and Northern Lights tours. With its vibrant nightlife and arts scene, Reykjavik is a great place to explore cultural gems and have an unforgettable experience. These are the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik.
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We hope you love the Airbnb Reykjavik vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Enormous, cabin-like villa property just 15 minutes from downtown
This enormous, modern cabin-like villa property is out in nature away from the light pollution of the city center (making for great stargazing and the chance to see the northern lights) but just 15 minutes away from the city’s excitement. Minimalist decor with a color scheme of Earth tones matching the outdoor landscape brings the outdoors inside, complemented by the large windows letting in an abundance of sunlight during the day. Highlights of this property include access to a sauna and naturally warm, geothermal waters right on-site, outside — and luxurious amenities including a spacious center island in the kitchen and an enormous soaking tub in the clean, chic bathroom.
This newly remodeled, bright, stylish, and minimalist-decorated apartment is centrally located — boasting easy access to the best spots in downtown Reykjavík from the peace of a calm building. It feels like the best of both worlds for travelers who want to have fun out on the town before settling down. Exposed concrete walls and tones of grays, blacks, and whites in the furniture create a sense of muted tranquility within the space. The open floor plan features a large bedroom with a comfortable bed connected to a fully equipped kitchen for cooking, and a large living room space for lounging.
This well-equipped one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city feels like a charming spot with easy access to numerous restaurants, bars, shops, the harbor, and the bus station. The light-filled space features an open floor plan — including a modern kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom. There’s a king-sized bed in the bedroom and in the living room, the sofa bed can sleep up to two more people.
This property is in the heart of the city, just minutes away from the main shopping street, and walkable to numerous awesome attractions. There’s a spacious bedroom, a large kitchen, and a comfortable living room outfitted with all the amenities a traveler might need. Take in the views of the harbor from the large window in the living room, which lets in plenty of natural light — and admire the modern furnishings, which include stylish furniture and eclectic art.
This compact and quiet tidy fourth-floor studio features easy, walkable access to numerous nearby attractions. It’s located at the rear of the building and offers visitors a clean and bright space to relax in between adventures with laundry facilities and modern furnishings.
This extra-large studio is located on Main Street in the city center of Reykjavik with easy access to dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and numerous popular tourist sites. It’s decorated in warm wooden hues featuring a contemporary design with modern furnishings. Guests will have access to a fully equipped kitchen and full bathroom and can rest in one of the king-sized beds, on the double sofa bed, or on two single beds. There’s even access to laundry facilities, at no extra cost.
This stunning penthouse apartment encompasses the top two floors of a newer building on Laugavegur — a main shopping street in the city. Downstairs, guests will have access to a bathroom featuring a large bathtub and shower. There’s also a kitchen outfitted with everything needed to cook a tasty meal including a refrigerator, microwave, stove, toaster, dishwasher, and even tableware. The downstairs also encompasses the living room space with its 3-seater sofa, large TV, and a big window facing south with views of Hallgrimskirkja, a main landmark of Reykjavik. Upstairs, there’s the bedroom and a balcony which also offers great views of the city.
This stylish city-center studio apartment sits in the center of Reykjavik at the end of the main street — but feels like a peaceful place to set as a home base on a visit to the city. The decor has a vibrant and bohemian feeling, with plenty of natural light and a sprinkling of living plants. There’s a small kitchen that is fully equipped for cooking meals and features a dishwasher. The bedroom/living room space is equipped with a large TV and a full-sized bed, and there’s even an outdoor patio for getting some fresh air.
This stylish, compact first-floor studio apartment features a small kitchenette for cooking with a stove, a fridge, and a microwave, a comfortable bed, and awesome views from the bay window out over the Main Street of Reykjavik for fantastic people-watching. It’s located on Main Street, with easy walking access to a variety of attractions including restaurants, bars, and shops.
It’s widely agreed the best area to stay (especially for new visitors) is Miðborg (Midborg), which is the downtown neighborhood of the city. This neighborhood is highly walkable and there are many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions to explore in a small radius.
Is it better to stay in Keflavik vs Reykjavik?
Keflavik, which is 20-30 minutes away from Reykjavik by car, is closer to the airport, the Blue Lagoon, and peninsula attractions — but most travelers traditionally prefer staying in Reykjavik to be in close proximity to everything.
How many days is enough for Reykjavik?
It’s recommended to spend at least four days in Reykjavik in order to fully explore.
What does Reykjavik mean in Icelandic?
Reykjavik directly translates to “smokey bay” or “bay of smoke with “Reykur” meaning smoke and Vik meaning “bay.”
Why is Reykjavik named that?
This name is said to be inspired by the steam rising from the hot springs and creating a smokey appearance to the early settlers.
Is Reykjavik, Iceland, expensive?
Yes, Reykjavik is an expensive city and Iceland is an expensive country compared to many other destinations in Europe. But there are plenty of free and affordable things to do in town.
Can I see the northern lights in Reykjavik?
Yes, is possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. The best time to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is from late August to mid-April. During this period, you can expect clear skies and long dark hours ideal for spotting the aurora borealis. The peak season for seeing the northern lights starts around October and ends in March, with some of the clearest nights occurring during these months
