As you may have noticed, Icelanders ar big spenders and have expensive taste: big cars, any and all gadgety, clever design, cutting edge technology. But keeping upwith the Jónssons has suddenly become much easier for visitors with a drop in the exhange rate.What used to cost $50 now costs only $25, which makes this consumerist little island much more accessible for foreign guests. On top of this, many retailers offer tax free receipts, which are meant to save you the local sales tax (ahefty 25.5%).
Downtown- 101 Reykjavík
This is the beaten heart of Reykjavík where you'll find the greatest density of independent café's, restaurants and shops - from handmade sushi to the latest in Icelandic music. In downtown you'll also find bus stations, taxi stands and tourist info centres.
Laugavegur - 101 Reykjavík
The main shopping street Laugavegur stretches between Hilton Hotel and the city center, although most the shops thin out towards the eastern end. You'll find streetwear, high fashion, local music and art, quirky souvenirs, cool Icelandic design and all kinds of food and bars along the strip. People watching here is a must.
Skólavörðustígur - 101 Reykjavík
Branching off Laugavegur and leading up to Hallgrímskirkja church on Skólavörðustígur, which is a bit quieter than Laugavegur as it has no bars. Instead you'll find cozy coffeehouses, delicatessens, health food stores as well as galleries and shops with an emphasis on crafts like woolens andceramics. This is a great street for poking around and doing a puzzle over a cup of coffee.
Kringlan Mall - 105 Reykjavík
East of downtown, Kringlan houses 150 shops and restaurants, a multi-screen cinema, food court and a supervised play area for children. Kringlan which was the first mall in Iceland is anchored by Hagkaup grocery and department store, Next fashion store and Útilíf recreation and outdoor store.
Smáralind Mall - 200 Kópavogur
Located in the suburb of Kópavogur immediately south of Reykjavík is Iceland'slargest mall, including 80 international and local chains, large fashion outlets, supermarkets, Debenhams and Hagkaup department stores, a multi-screen cinema, cafés and restaurants and a supervised play area for children.