The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík Treasure Bed and Breakfast lives up to its name in more ways than one, with its charming wooden exteriors, home-made meals and proximity to the best sights in the city, including the Harpa, Laugavegur – the main shopping street – and mountain-lined harbour. Inside, there are just seven rooms, making it an ideal option for couples seeking a warm, intimate setting in the heart of the city.

Unwind in the tranquil old town at this guesthouse in Reykjavík. You’ll find no reception staff here, but there’s a simple key-drop system for checking in and out. Icelandic blue and white adorn the nine rooms, which have shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen. Tea and coffee facilities are also available in each room. All of the city sights are within walking distance, with Austurvöllur, a public square, just a seven-minute walk away.

With views of Hallgrímskirkja, a Lutheran church, right outside your window, there are very few guesthouses in Reykjavík as perfectly positioned as Freyja. Rooms are modern yet charming and beautifully decorated with washes of soft antique blue. The guesthouse is also within a five-minute walk of some of the most popular landmarks and eateries, such as Laugavegur, Reykjavík Roasters and Kol Restaurant, a fine-dining establishment.

Go whale watching at the harbour, wander the grand Harpa and explore galleries and museums when you stay at the Butterfly Guesthouse, directly in the city centre. This accommodation reflects Reykjavík’s creative prowess from the get-go, with a vibrant mural marking its exterior. Inside, you’ll find simple, cosy rooms and apartments kitted out with high-quality mattresses, guaranteeing a great night’s sleep.

On the outskirts of Reykjavík lies a peaceful peninsula, marked by a backdrop of mountains and the sea. It’s also home to the landmark Grótta Lighthouse – recommended as one of the best places in the city for viewing the Northern Lights – and the Blue House Bed and Breakfast. This accommodation is an excellent base if you’re looking to explore the city and the surrounding landscape. Perks include freshly baked bread for breakfast each morning, self-checkin and free on-site parking.

A historic former residence of the beloved Icelandic artist Guðmundur Thorsteinsson (aka Muggur), magical Guesthouse Galtafell combines a castle-like exterior with bright, spacious rooms. If the fairytale-like natural wonders in Iceland weren’t enough, the guesthouse staff are on hand daily to ensure all of your needs are met throughout your stay. It’s only a five-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja – the tallest church in Iceland.

Near the most celebrated museums in Reykjavík, Igdlo Guesthouse is a simple family-run home, perfect for those looking to learn more about the city culture. Inside, you’ll find bright rooms and shared facilities. There’s complimentary tea and coffee in the common areas, and a continental breakfast is available each morning before setting out on your adventures. Nearby attractions include the Kjarvalsstaðir art museum and Perlan, which hosts various nature exhibitions, including a simulated glacier tunnel.

Sunna Guesthouse is downtown near the best bakeries and cafes in the city. Many of the rooms offer views of the towering Hallgrímskirkja and the beautiful sculpture garden at the Einar Jónsson Museum. Breakfast is served each morning in the dining room, but there are also self-catering apartments if you’d prefer to cook. Sunna is also just a few steps away from the number 8 bus stop for day trips – whether that’s glacier hiking, puffin watching or hunting for the Northern Lights.