34 Best Places to Shop in City Center East, Reykjavík

This record shop has its own independent record label, and the staff here can tell you everything about Icelandic music while you sip a great espresso. Some popular local artists at the moment include Ólafur Arnalds, Kaleo, Ásgeir, Agent Fresco, Dikta, Hjaltalín, FM Belfast, GusGus, and the ever-famous Björk.

This Reykjavík-based jewelry brand is known for creating beautiful pieces with local lava rock. The various collections almost always tie in to Icelandic or Nordic mythology and history.

There's a bit of retro flair to this Iceland-based design brand, which draws inspiration from centuries of local history—specifically music and design. The clothes here are a touch romantic, with just enough pop to become conversation pieces.

Here you'll find a large selection of prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptures by contemporary Icelandic artists, as well as some older Icelandic art. A visit to this space is a crash course in the country's best creators.

Step inside and you'll be awash in the neutral color palette of this trendy clothing shop. Take some time to dive a bit deeper into the designs on display: they're simple, timeless, and will remind you of your trip for years to come.

With a focus on French foods, this delicacy shop imports flavors directly from the City of Lights. From olives and cakes to herbs and truffles, there is something special for every kind of cook here.

With nine full-time artists, the Icelandic Tattoo Corp is a collective of some of the best talents in Reykjavík. To book time with a specific artist, reach out to them directly via the studio website.

Primarily an outerwear and outdoor gear store, Icewear is a popular local chain that can be found in a number of places around Reykjavík. If you're looking to bring home a wool blanket, this is often the place to find the least expensive options. They may be one of the best deals in the store; prepare to spend the usual (expensive) prices for sweaters, jackets, socks, and shoes.

The official watch of the Icelandic Coast Guard is a favorite among A-list celebrities like Tom Cruise, Katie Couric, Tobey Maguire, and Viggo Mortensen, not to mention His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Majesty King Constantine II of Greece. Even if you're not impressed with this "Hall of Fame" list, you still might be tempted to get your hands on one of JS Watch's beautiful timepieces, which are perfectly crafted by a master watchmaker.

One look at Litla Jólabúðin and you'll know what it's all about: Christmas. The shop is open year-round despite its seasonality, selling ornaments and other wintertime trinkets. Chances are you'll learn a thing or two about Icelandic holiday culture while you're in there.

This record store, close to Hlemmur bus station, has the largest collection of vintage and contemporary vinyl in Iceland. It also serves as a venue for both underground music artists and up-and-coming alternative bands.

Part bookstore, part café, the independent Mál og Menning sells books focusing on all things Iceland. From local authors and photographers to comic book artists with a dark sense of humor, there's something for everyone here. Plus, the café serves up a mean soup-and-bread deal for less than ISK 1,400.

Walking into the Nordic Store is like stepping into a giant ball of wool. Everywhere you look, you'll find wool sweaters, blankets, socks, scarves—if you can wear it and it's made from wool, you'll find it here. In addition to clothing, the Nordic Store also has a solid selection of outdoor wear and gear, like running shoes, winter coats, and thermal accessories.

This shop sells accessories, jewelry, artwork, and clothing by Icelandic designers. Each piece has a unique tie to the country—either in aesthetic or inspiration—making Ofeigur a unique place to buy a souvenir.

Dried arrangements are the go-to bouquet at this trendy florist shop, but there's much more than that on offer. You can also take classes or opt into their flower subscription service (a great gift for hosts). 

With several storefronts in Reykjavík, plus an outpost in Keflavík airport and another in Perlan and Harpa, Rammagerdin has taken the Icelandic souvenir game to a new level. Almost everything in this shop is handmade locally, and you can't go wrong with anything you pick.

Tattoos make great lifelong souvenirs and Reykjavík Ink is the best-known studio in the city. Make sure to reach out far in advance to schedule time with one of the artists, as walk-ins are rare to snag at this tattoo shop.

If you ever wonder what kind of outerwear could handle the ever-changing weather patterns of Iceland, this raincoat shop has an answer for you. Aside from being completely functional, the jackets sold at Reykjavik Raincoats are undoubtedly Instagram-worthy as well: classic and minimal (thigh-length and hooded) designs putting bold colors front and center.

This gallery-slash-store is run by seven local women artists. The items you'll find here are delightfully different from the souvenirs of more pedestrian stores.

This record store with its own label doubles as a gift shop. Smekkleysa is known by locals for releasing music by the Icelandic alt-rock band Sugarcubes, of which Björk was a founding member. Unfortunately the group disbanded in 1992, but you can still buy their music at this shop.

The Handknitting Association of Iceland has its own outlet, selling (of course) only hand-knit items of various kinds. The back room is a wonderland of woolen knits and other handmade apparel.

Clothing, housewares, accessories—there's a variety of items you can find at this gift shop. It's certainly less Iceland-focused than other souvenir stops in Reykjavík, but you're bound to see a few locals shopping inside.

The real draw at this candy shop is the massive selection of local and imported chocolate. If "local candy" is on your souvenir list, this is the place to go.

As the name suggests, there is a whole lot of wool happening at this gift shop. Sweaters, socks, sculptures—you name it, they have it. There are two locations in Reykjavík, and the other is just down the street at Laugavegur 20.

Founded in 1986, this workshop and store sells jewelry for both men and women, made from a variety of materials, including silver, gold, and Icelandic stones. Stepping inside this shop is like walking into an Icelandic daydream.

What was once a pharmacy is now home to the space where three designers—Ýr Þrastardóttir, Halldóra Sif Guðlaugsdóttir, and Sævar Markús Óskarsson—use to showcase their work. This is the ultimate spot for finding a souvenir others are unlikely to have.

If you didn't make it to the Blue Lagoon—or didn't get a chance to buy their world-renowned products—you can visit this shop in Reykjavík. Here they sell the famous silica mud masks alongside other natural skincare products.

There are three things that make Bónus more than just a grocery store: first, it has an entire room dedicated to dairy that is basically a giant cooler. Second, the logo is an endearing piggy bank that has somehow managed to keep its smile despite a black eye. And finally, the candy selection is not to be missed.

Here you'll find menswear for all occasions, from casual to formal. They stock upscale international brands like Barbour, Van Gils, and Loake alongside the shop's own label, Kormákur & Skjöldur, at this basement outpost.