Laugavegur

Laugavegur is one of Iceland's oldest shopping streets and the main commercial artery of downtown Reykjavik. It was built in 1885 as a consequence of a resolution made by the town council. It faced economic setbacks largely because shopping malls opened elsewhere, most notably Kringlan which opened in 1987, and Smáralind which opened in 2001. It has the elegance of a historical retail street and is still home to Iceland's more exclusive stores.

The road extends east from Kringlumrbraut, near the mall Kringlan and the town's largest park Laugardalur, to Bankastraeti, which leads into the downtown area. It's around two kilometers (a little more than a mile) long. The popular retail portion of the street begins at the city's bus terminal, Hlemmur, and extends to Bankastrti; the business district is west of here.

Laugavegur has a diverse range of stores, restaurants, and pubs to suit all tastes. Laugavegur features a lot of boutiques offering high-end products, most of which are designed and made in Iceland. There are also second-hand and vintage shops along the road if you want to browse for clothes and jewelry without breaking the budget.

With the establishment of the Kringlan and Smárilind malls, Laugavegur has more competition than it used to, although it is still a vibrant sector. Indeed, developers are beginning to establish an increasing number of stores and pubs on the adjacent Hverfisgata, transforming the neighborhood into a hub for both locals and visitors. The abundance of restaurants along the road offers a broad menu option. Others are typically Icelandic, but there are cuisines from all over the world, and some are even fusion restaurants of many cultures.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland