13 Best Airbnbs in Reykjavík, Iceland
There are Airbnb amenities and then there are Iceland Airbnb amenities. At first glance, they may feel like the same set of offerings: in-unit washer and dryer; expansive, fully equipped kitchen; central location. If you’re lucky, something with a private hot tub or sauna will be available. But there are benefits to booking a Reykjavik Airbnb over a hotel that you wouldn’t recognize on your first visit.
As someone who has visited Iceland more than a dozen times, I can tell you that there’s something special about the Airbnbs housed in the capital city. The secret is in Iceland’s two seasonal phenomena: the northern lights and the midnight sun. When you’re staying in a hotel—a wonderfully anonymous experience, for the most part—you give up a certain layer of freedom. Stepping outside to see the aurora is different in a hotel, where you may feel pressured to get fully dressed and—gasp—put on shoes. In an Airbnb? Slide on some slippers, maybe grab a blanket to wrap up in (or not), and enjoy a late-night viewing session from the porch, or balcony, or backyard. There’s no chance you’ll run into anyone while crossing a lobby.
To help whittle down the options (there are many), we pulled together the best stays across the city—with a few located slightly outside of the city limits. You know, to make the most of that Icelandic nature you came to experience.
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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A designer’s four-bedroom home with water views
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Hot tub, sauna, lake accessThe owners of this home are furniture and home designers—and you can tell. The interiors are open and airy, and the bathroom is anchored by a soaking tub. The kitchen island seats six comfortably and an adjacent table seats eight more. This is a home for groups who love to surround themselves with beautiful, clean design. But the showstopper is at the end of a wooden walkway in the backyard: a hot tub and sauna.
A centrally located studio that feels like a hug
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Dedicated workspace, patio, coffee makerLight pink tones drape the majority of this cozy studio, encompassing anyone who enters with a calm vibe—which is great, considering it’s located on the busiest street in town. You’ll find everything you need to get the day started inside: a coffee machine, stove, a private bathroom, and more.
A three-bedroom filled with Instagrammable moments
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Dedicated workspace, mountain views, washer/dryerThree bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sprawling dinner table you’ll dream about—that’s just the beginning of the amenities list for this downtown apartment. The dining room walls are filled with art and large photo prints, while other spaces feature pops of color in the form of accent walls. This is the place to go if you want to load up your photo album with beautifully lit detail shots—or pull all of your travel buddies together for an unforgettable dinner party.
A tranquil three-bedroom getaway just out of town
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Bath tub, room-darkening shades, PS4If you don’t mind a bit of traveling to get in and out of Reykjavik, this villa in Kjósarhreppur (an hour drive from the capital city) offers proximity to nightlife, tons of restaurants, and crowds while also giving you a quiet place to lay your head at night. The massive windows are the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or tea, and the two bathrooms make it a great option for families or friend groups. Plus, the in-floor heating throughout the house is a super nice touch once the temperatures dip.
A waterside one-bedroom close to the botanic garden
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Water views, backyardMountain views, waterside walks, and Reykjavik’s botanic garden are only a few of the perks that come with this one-bedroom, one-bath home in the Laugardalur district. Teak furniture dots the interior and a concrete floor gives it a modern edge. This guesthouse comes with all the amenities you’d expect from an Airbnb: a backyard space, a TV with streaming capabilities, in-unit washer and dryer, and—to combat the summertime midnight sun—room-darkening shades.
A minimalist one-bedroom loft near the harbor
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Washer/dryer, free parkingI would argue that the harbor is one of the best neighborhoods to make your home base. Here, you’re within walking distance of the downtown district and its buzzy restaurants, but you’ll open your door to the smell of fresh sea air and the sound of fishing boats being hosed down every morning. Plus, you’re steps away from the best doughnuts in the city (Deig). This stay is particularly moody, a masterclass in the Scandinavian aesthetic. With one bedroom and one bath, an in-unit washer and dryer, free parking, and a host who’s happy to accommodate kids with adjusted sleeping arrangements and toys, you’re bound to start planning your next stay before you leave the first one.
A two-bedroom right off the main shopping street
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Air conditioning, backyard, coffee makerYou won’t be scrambling for things to do when staying here, thanks to its location right off of Laugavegur. But when you aren’t shopping, eating, drinking, or visiting the city’s many museums, this two-bedroom, one-bath home offers a cozy living space (and backyard) to relax in. There’s also a washer and dryer in the space—a more-than-welcomed amenity after a day of hiking the nearby Thingvellir National Park.
A cozy one-bedroom apartment with a TV nook
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms
Top amenities: Free parking, crib upon requestThe rich earth tones scattered around this apartment are like a shoulder massage. The owner has done a lot with a small amount of space, most notable is the entertainment corner which houses a giant TV, couch, and plenty of throw blankets. The one-bedroom is great for a couple, but can accommodate up to four people comfortably.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Cozy one-bedroom perfect for a romantic getaway
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Free parking, private balconyThis third-floor apartment, about 20 minutes outside of the city center on foot, is Instagram bait. The home itself, with its circular doorways, bright white walls, and balcony overlooking the city are perfect for photo opportunities. But the one-bedroom home is cozy, too, for when you want to forget the likes and comments and just be in Reykjavík.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Modern four-bedroom with free parking
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Free parking, garden views, private backyardIf you want the best of both worlds—a spot in the city center but plenty of room to hang out indoors—this four-bedroom, two-story home just within the lines of Reykjavík's city center near Hallgrímskirkja, is your best bet. The sunny breakfast room with a small outdoor patio is great for Reykjavík summers, while the cozy living room with an oversized couch has enough room to fit everyone after a long day of sightseeing. If you're coming with your multi-gen family, there's a crib, high chair, and stair gate available, plus a washer to keep the kids' clothes clean.
- Courtesy Airbnb
An artsy one-bedroom with a spacious kitchen
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Washing machine, free parkingOn the outside, this robin's-egg blue home is hard to miss. The one-bedroom apartment inside is just as quirky, and we love the rustic, hodge-podge look that separates it from many of the more corporate Reykjavík Airbnbs. (The location is hard to beat, too, as it's just two blocks from the National Gallery of Iceland.) If you're looking to save a little bit of money on the expensive island, take a cue from those before you and pick up some groceries for a meal or two in, as the equipped kitchen has plenty of counter space. In a review, one guest even wrote "it had everything we needed to self-cater. We ended up eating in more than we expected to as a result."
- Courtesy Airbnb
Family-friendly four-bedroom in the suburbs with incredible views
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Hot tub, ocean and mountain views, room-darkening shadesYou'll probably need a rental car to stay here: 20 minutes north of the city center, this three-bedroom home comes equipped with family-friendly goodies. There's a washer/dryer, crib, high chair, and full kitchen, plus kids' books and toys so you don't have to pack your own. There's a hot tub, too, but the real perks here are the proximity to the imposing Mount Esja for hikes (there are trails easy enough for the kids to trek), just 20 minutes away, and open skies perfect for nighttime Northern Lights viewing.
- Courtesy Airbnb
A rustic two-bedroom near Blue Lagoon with major cabin vibes
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Airbnb Plus, mountain views, fireplace, hot tubYou're going to want a rental car for your stay in this secluded cabin, which sits between Reykjavik's city center to the north and the Blue Lagoon to the south. (Both are just 25-30 minutes away.) The wood cabin has two bedrooms—one with bunks, the other with a double bed—plus a fully-equipped kitchen, wide-open front porch, and indoor fireplace to keep you warm in the winter.
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