The Best Hostels to Book in Reykjavík

Loft is a great choice if you’re a traveller looking to stay in central Reykjavik. Rooms look out over Bankastræti shopping street and are only eight minutes from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja. The hostel is famous for its bar and rooftop terrace and is popular with people of all ages. Offering more than a simple stay, Loft organises activities like painting, yoga and live-music sessions. Whilst breakfast is included, cash-strapped backpackers also have the option of preparing their own meals in the hostel’s kitchen.

Based in an old biscuit factory, Kex has become a prime location for meeting fellow travellers and sampling local beer during the on-site bar’s happy hour. It’s renowned for its regular music events and mix of late-night activities, which includes comedy, pub quizzes, karaoke and even a few open-mic nights. Rooms range from dorms and private doubles to family rooms sleeping six, ideal for big groups as well as solo travellers. When you’re in need of food, head down to Sæmundur í Sparifötunum, the hostel’s gastropub, serving everything from fresh fish to vegetarian dishes.

Situated at the end of the city’s main street, Laugavegur, Galaxy Pod brings the Japanese capsule hotel experience to Reykjavík. Equipped with adjustable lighting, USB chargers, a safety deposit box and your own flat-screen TV, the futuristic rooms have everything you need within a spaceship ambience. The hostel has a gaming area, but if gaming is not your cup of tea, they also host movie nights and have a bar with a happy hour.

Bus Hostel is one of the few accommodation options close to the Wonders of Iceland museum and Klambratún park. Vibrant and lively, the hostel is also situated close to Reykjavík bus terminal, making it an ideal pick for visitors in need of easy access to Keflavík International. Four- to 20-bed dorms are available, including a female-only option, plus the famous Icelandic beer Gull is available on tap from the onsite bar.

This eco-hostel is located outside the city centre in Laugardalur valley, near Iceland’s biggest thermal pool and spa. The modern hostel has a sleek look with a Nordic-inspired interior and a coffee bar, lounge area, patio and garden. A healthy breakfast buffet is available with organic options and fair-trade coffee, plus a barbecue is available for guests to use year-round.

This well-equipped hostel is based in Laugardalur district, a quiet residential area, which translates as hot spring valley. Rooms are bright and designed to give you a good night’s sleep, which is also why the sizeable lockers are found outside the dorms, rather than inside. Laekur is outside central Reykjavík, but only a short bus ride away, making it a perfect place if you’re looking to stay in a quiet neighbourhood without sacrificing easy access to the city.

Beautifully decorated in clean, modern wood tones, B14 feels more like a home than a hostel. The common area is a relaxing haven featuring cushy leather sofas, rugged log stools and a minimalist fireplace. Set on the outskirts of Reykjavík, the hostel is nevertheless close to many restaurants and bars. The hostel offers entertainment in the lounge area, stop by for a night of board games or karaoke.

Bunk up alongside students at the University of Iceland. While the hostel is only open during the summer months, it does offer 43 twin rooms at an affordable price. No dorms here, but you will share a bathroom and communal kitchen with your fellow travellers. It’s just an eight-minute walk to the city centre. Note: there is no wifi in the bedrooms, just communal areas.