Iceland
101 Reykjavik City Centre
Einar H. Reynis / Unsplash
The walkable core — Laugavegur shopping street, Hallgrímskirkja, and the best restaurants all on foot.
The 101 postcode is Reykjavik's beating heart: a compact grid of colourful corrugated-iron houses, independent restaurants, and coffee shops that covers barely 1km across. Laugavegur (the main shopping street) runs through it, Hallgrímskirkja towers above it, and virtually every worthwhile restaurant and bar sits within a 10-minute walk. Hotels here command a premium, but you'll spend nothing on taxis.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Everything walkable: restaurants, bars, museums, and the harbour all within 15 minutes on foot
- ↑Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa concert hall, and the National Museum all directly accessible without a car
- ↑Reykjavik's best dining and nightlife scene is here — from Dill (New Nordic) to the Friday bar-hop culture
What you sacrifice
- ↓Most expensive neighbourhood: central hotels charge a significant premium over suburbs
- ↓Noisy on weekends: Icelandic bar culture means late-night noise on Fridays and Saturdays
- ↓Parking is limited and expensive — car hire benefits are minimal if you're staying in 101
Best for
Avoid if
Other Iceland neighbourhoods
Reykjavik's creative revival quarter — whale watching, seafood, and art without the tourist density.
Quiet residential west side — locals only, geothermal beach, and a 20-minute walk to the centre.
Family district east of centre — botanical garden, Iceland's largest geothermal pool, and local parks.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Iceland →