Reykjavik's primary shopping district centers on its main artery, Laugavegur, in the downtown area. A selection of boutiques, designer labels, arts and crafts galleries and jewelry design studios can be found here, including the popular
66°North and the
Blue Lagoon shop.
Over the past few years, Skólavödustígur (the street leading from Laugavegur to the Hallgrímskirkja church) has been transforming into one of the most chic shopping streets in the city. As would be expected in a country that experiences extreme weather conditions, several shops
can be found selling high-quality outdoor wear and equipment, such as
Skátabúdin, Snorrabraut 60, which stocks a range of well-known labels, including the Icelandic trademark
Cintamani.
The
Kringlan shopping mall, in the part of the downtown area known as the ‘new city center', is a hub of social activity. Among its 150 shops is
Íslandia, a one-stop outlet for Icelandic souvenirs.
Smaralind shopping center, a 10-minute drive from the old part of town, features 80 shops, a multi-screen cinema, cafes and restaurants.
Souvenir shops are located on Laekjargata, Bankastraeti, and the area between Tjörnin and the harbor. Fur clothes are a particular Icelandic specialty and are available at the upmarket
Eggert, Skólavördustígur 38. You can buy the famous
lopapeysa (or Icelandic jumper) in many of the tourist shops or from
The Handknitting Association of Iceland, Skólavördustígur 19, although buying one is the mark of a tourist - they are seldom worn by Icelanders.
Reykjavik flea market,
Kolaportið, is a bit of an institution and takes place at Tryggvagata down by the harbor every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, from 1100-1700.
Design here, like in Scandinavian countries, is a national obsession, and the innovative Icelandic design scene is experiencing strong growth, spurred on by young Icelandic designers who are inspired by influences at home and from abroad. Most shops selling Icelandic design (clothes, accessories, homeware) are located in the main shopping streets in the city center and around the harbor, but you may sometimes have to look hard, as many shops and studios are located in back streets or upper floors that are not easily spotted.
Kirsuberjatred, Vesturgata 4, for example, is run by 10 female artists and sells unique Icelandic design giftware, including clothing, ceramics, jewelry and handbags made from fish skin.
Shopping hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1800 and Saturday from 1000 to between 1400 and 1700 (depending on the shop). Some shops stay closed on Saturdays during the summer. Many supermarkets remain open until 2300, seven days a week.
Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, but it is worth remembering that it is among the few countries in Europe where other Europeans can shop tax free. This is because Iceland is not a member of the EU, even though it is a member of the European Economic Zone.
VAT for most goods in Iceland is 24.5%, except for books, which are taxed at 14%. A VAT refund will allow 15% of the retail price of goods to be reclaimed. To qualify, a minimum purchase of IKr4,000 (including VAT) must be made in a store displaying the Global Refund Tax sign (website:
www.globalrefund.com) and a refund cheque obtained at point of purchase. The refund can be claimed back on departure. For refunds of over IKr5,000, the goods must also be shown.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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