Where to stay in Reykjavik according to the city's best areas

Reykjavik is flooded with a magical light in autumn and its streets are largely free of tourists. Fluctuating (read: unpredictable) weather means you can enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, from exploring the city’s many galleries and museums and dipping into a local hot pool while watching the Northern Lights, to attending annual events and festivals. Whether you're visiting with family, booking on a budget, of staying for one night, here's our neighbourhood guide to the best places to stay in Reykjavik, including the top hotels in Miðborg (the '101'), Vesturbær and Laugardalur.

Miðborg (City Centre)

Reykjavik’s downtown area is synonymous with its “101” postcode. Hip, vibrant and colourful, it’s where you’ll find the vast majority of the city’s bars, restaurants, cafés, museums and galleries along some of its buzziest streets – Laugavegur, Bankastræti and Austurstræti. Among the many main sights here are the distinctive Hallgrimskirkja church, the Harpa conference hall that glistens along the attractive harbour and the lovely city lake, Tjörnin. It’s also a very residential area so you’ll get plenty of interaction with the locals – just be aware that the weekends can be loud and boisterous along some stretches at weekends if you’re a light sleeper. If you're only in Reykjavik for one night this is a good area to explore.

Where to stay in MIÐBORG

• More of the best hotels in Reykjavik

Vesturbær

Located to the west of downtown is the quieter, slightly upscale Vesturbær. Surrounded by sea on both sides, it’s largely residential with limited major sights – the University of Iceland campus and National Museum of Iceland are on its eastern fringe, and there’s a Marine Museum on the northern shore – but most of the hotels here are a pleasant 20 to 30-minute stroll along the harbour from the city centre (occasional buses are available too). The area also contains one of the city’s most popular pools in Reykjavík, Vesturbæjarlaug.

Where to stay in VESTURBÆR

• An insider guide to Reykjavik

Laugardalur

Reykjavik’s valley area can be found to the east and north of the city centre, most commonly reached by heading straight along the main high street Laugavegur, whose eastern end is dotted with cafés, restaurants and shops. A mix of residential and business areas, plus a few geothermal hot springs (locals washed their laundry in them right up to the 1930s), it lacks the obvious charm and vibe of downtown but a slew of hotels and family-themed attractions – such as Reykjavik Zoo, the botanical gardens and Laugardalsvöllur stadium, as well as a large swimming and hot pool complex Laugardalslaug – make it a good spot if you're looking where to stay with family.

Where to stay in LAUGARDALUR