Reykjavik, Iceland has sure been enjoying its time in the spotlight this past couple of years. This gem of a city has skyrocketed in popularity recently and for good reason! Not only is it home to some of the most incredible views of the northern lights, but it’s also filled with geothermal hot springs like the renowned Blue Lagoon! Reykjavik is the place to be.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Reykjavik you probably have heard a story or two about the exorbitant hotel prices Thankfully though, there are now plenty of good value Airbnb’s in Reykjavik to choose from. We called in our travel experts and created a list of the best rentals in Reykjavik to get you more bang for your buck!
Let’s dive into the best Airbnbs Reykjavik has to offer based on your budget, travel group sizes, and the kind of vibes you are looking for.
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Reykjavik
Downtown Studio Prime Location
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Self Check-In w/ Smart Lock
- > 200m from Hallgrímskirkja church
Budget Room In Central Spot
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Full Kitchen Access
- > Seaside just 500m away
Penthouse Downtown Apartment
- > $$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > High-Speed Wifi & Apple TV
- > Balcony With Stunning Views
Room Near Harbor in Historic Home
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Charming Historic Home
- > Breakfast Included
Bright Room w/ Desk
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Washer & Dryer
- > Right on Main Street
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Reykjavik
Downtown Studio Prime Location | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Reykjavik
This one bedroom and one bathroom studio apartment in Reykjavik is located in a prime location right in the heart of downtown. It’s a snug space, perfect for cuddling up in on a cold Icelandic day. The studio is actually freestanding and not actually crammed inside an enormous building. The privacy and the lack of neighbor noise is a huge perk! It is literally just 200 meters from Hallgrímskirkja church, and a seven-minute walk to the sculpture trail and the Sun Voyager.
Additionally, the white walls and decor keeps everything looking sparkling clean. Self-check-in with a smart lock is a breeze. Gotta love it when things are easy breezy!
Budget Room In Central Spot | Best Budget Airbnb in Reykjavik
This private room in a house is a Reykjavik Airbnb with one bedroom and a shared bathroom. There are actually two single beds in the bedroom itself, so it’s perfect if you are traveling with another friend and sick of someone being a blanket hog…
This cozy room is located in a quiet street super close to downtown Reykjavik. There is plentiful free parking right outside on the streets. The room is freshly painted and is located in the basement. Guests are welcome to use the kitchen to its full capability and use the free coffee, tea, and basic kitchen items from spices to cooking oils.
Inside the room itself, there is a closet, a desk, a lamp, and a chair. For a short term rental in a Reykjavik homestay, this is quite the well-furnished place! Location wise, this Reykjavik Airbnb is just a six-minute walk from downtown and is close to many supermarkets. What’s more, is that the seaside is just 500 meters away!.
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View on Osprey View on REIPenthouse Downtown Apartment | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Reykjavik
This bedroom and two bathroom rental comes with a total of six beds inside. It’s a penthouse apartment that offers incredible views of downtown right below your feet. Totaling in 120 square meters, this Reykjavík apartment screams luxury. It is absolutely one of the best Airbnbs in Reykjavík if you’re looking to splurge. The building was built in 1956 but the penthouse was added in 1990 making it a wonderful mix of historic and modern.
It is important to note that there is no elevator in this building. However, guests will enjoy all the luxurious furnishings and amenities, including high-speed Wifi and an Apple TV. Furthermore, a baby crib and baby high chair can be provided upon request. There is also a lovely balcony outside that is perfect to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of tea while taking in the views below.
Room Near Harbor in Historic Home | Perfect Reykjavik Airbnb for Solo Travelers
This one bedroom Reykjavik homestay is in a historic 1902 traditional Icelandic wooden home and is quite the find for solo travelers. While there isn’t a private bathroom attached to the room itself, there are one and half shared bathrooms. The room is exceedingly cozy with crisp, clean white sheets and wooden furnishings and floors.
There is even an acoustic guitar in your room should you wish to strike up a tune (note that “Wonderwall” is not permitted). This short term rental in Reykjavik sits in a quiet neighborhood, just a brief five to ten-minute walk to the city center, harbor, and swimming pool. It’s a treat to stay in this warm and cozy atmosphere in a traditional Icelandic house! You will feel truly welcomed here in this beautiful Reykjavik homestay.
Bright Room w/ Desk | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb in Reykjavik for Digital Nomads
This one bedroom comes with a shared bathroom. It is a room rental inside a lovely Reykjavik homestay. It’s a quiet room inside an actor’s house, located right on the main shopping street. It is within walking distance of anything you’d need in the city, as it is right on Laugavegur Main Street.
The place is super clean and your entire stay is sure to be pleasant and relaxing while being situated in the perfect spot to get good work done! This two-floor Reykjavik apartment is quite spacious. All guests are welcome to use the main floor of the apartment, which includes a kitchen, laundry room, and living room.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Reykjavik
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Reykjavik!
Private Downtown Garden House | Best Airbnb in Reykjavik for Nightlife
This one bedroom and one bathroom studio garden house is perfect for those who want to be close to all the fun in downtown. In fact, downtown Reykjavik has some incredible bars, and this Reykjavik Airbnb puts you right in the middle of the action. From the casual Lebowski Bar to the Kaffibarinn Bar with its late-night DJs, to the Dillon Whiskey Bar with its laid-back vibes, you’re sure to find your perfect watering hole near this Reykjavik Airbnb.
While this short term rental is on the smaller side, it perfectly fits two people and has a nice kitchenette and bathroom. It is completely private. Our favorite part of this Airbnb is that it’s super close to a unique cat coffee house that is Japanese styled just around the corner.
Chic Downtown Apt With View | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
This one bedroom and one bathroom short-term rental is a perfect Reykjavik Airbnb for couples. It’s a new and enormously spacious downtown apartment that offers guests a lovely view over the bay and the mountains. It’s centrally located downtown and is therefore very close to a bevy of restaurants, bars, and shops. The apartment comes with a mammoth king-size bed and a comfortable sleeping sofa in the living room.
There is also a luxurious glass-wall shower, modernly equipped kitchen, and even a washing machine for those who want to do a quick load of laundry! The decor is positively lovely and you and your significant other are sure to feel right at home in this Reykjavik Airbnb.
Pristine Clean Homestay Packed w/ Charm | Best Homestay in Reykjavik
This is a private room in an apartment with a shared bathroom. There are two single beds inside this pristine clean and charming Reykjavik homestay, so it’s perfect for those who are traveling with a friend in tow. The location is close to the water and is just a quick walk to the downtown area. Specifically, it is located in West-Town also called Vesturbær.
Now something truly special about this Airbnb in Reykjavik is that it is kept meticulously tidy. Truly! It’s squeaky, squeaky clean! This Reykjavik apartment is on the ground floor of a three-story house, with a separate entrance from the other floors. Therefore, you’ll have you have your own key and can come and go with privacy and easy! In this short term rental, you’ll be able to use the shared bathroom and kitchenette on the bottom floor as well.
Stylish Loft Room with Ocean View | Runner-Up Homestay in Reykjavik
This one bedroom and two and a half shared bathrooms is a wonderful room rental in a Reykjavik homestay. Right outside your windows, you can soak up the incredible views of the sunset over the ocean. This Reykjavik Airbnb is located in a quiet neighborhood close to the shore. To be specific, the neighborhood is Laugardalur, which is actually home to a huge geothermal swimming pool and the national football stadium too.
The room itself is quite stylish, a lovely blend of old and new. Guests are welcomed to use the garden, back porch, and barbeque facilities. You can also take full advantage of the fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and dryer!
Deluxe Downtown Apartment | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Reykjavik
This two-bedroom and 1 bathroom apartment is one of the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik and is positively luxurious. It is located in the heart of the city, in the center of Laugavegur, right on Main Street. This deluxe short-term rental comes with all of the bells and whistles, from a washing machine to a dishwasher, to an Apple TV with a soundbar you can plug into.
This rental truly has it all! A huge perk is the free private parking spot, as well as the soundproof walls. We all know how noisy neighbors can get, so soundproof walls is a dreamy amenity this Reykjavik Airbnb offers. Moreover, with the large bright windows, this spacious apartment is a dream come true!
Ocean View Penthouse Apt | Best Airbnb in Reykjavik for Families
This three bedroom and one bathroom penthouse apartment rental is one of the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik for families. It comes with a total of five beds, which makes sleeping more than six guests a breeze. Also, there is a fully equipped kitchen to whip up delicious meals in, as well as an elevator to make hauling the luggage or groceries upstairs easy as pie. There is also a high chair and crib in this Reykjavik Airbnb for those who are traveling with young ones.
We love this open-concept home that has tons of space and room to breathe. Just downstairs is a delicious pastry shop, Bjornsbakari, which serves up traditional Icelandic pastries. Yum! This Airbnb in Reykjavik is located near the port and is very close to the bus stop. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and stores nearby!
Jazzy Downtown Apartment | Best Airbnb in Reykjavik for a Group of Friends
This two-bedroom and one bathroom Reykjavik apartment comes with a total of four beds. It is very clean and modern and sits right in the heart of downtown. There are incredible wooden floors and staircases that give this apartment such a cool atmosphere! In fact, the dark wooden floors give it an almost rustic vibe, which is contrasted by the bright white walls and the hyper-modern bathroom.
Minimal in design, this Reykjavik Airbnb is sure to please even the pickiest of friends! Moreover, this short term rental has high-speed wifi, a TV, a basic kitchen, and a high chair and travel cot can be provided upon request. Also, there is a washer and dryer to use.
Panoramic View of Harbor Studio Apt. | Best Airbnb in Grandi
This one bedroom and one bathroom studio apartment make for a perfect stay in the Grandi neighborhood. It’s a bright and modern space, that is stylishly furnished. We love the enormous windows that offer incredible views of the harbor. It’s right across the street from many restaurants, cafes, and bars. In fact, it’s an easy walk to everywhere in town.
It’s just steps away from some of the best local eateries and bars, and outstanding entertainment too! You’re sure to find this studio apartment in Reykjavik inviting and cozy, and super conveniently located. All of these details makes it one of the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik to stay in!
Cozy Apartment Near Harbor | Another Great Apartment in Grandi
This one bedroom and one bathroom Airbnb in Reykjavik is located in the luxurious Grandi area and is very close to the harbor and to the renowned Saga museum. There are actually two beds, which makes hosting a total of four guests possible.
This entire cozy studio flat is yours for the taking. This short term rental has a fully equipped kitchen and a lovely wooden balcony that has plentiful outdoor furniture for lounging on and enjoying your cup of coffee or cocoa. Being situated on the third floor, the view from the balcony is one you will surely enjoy! Also, there is a washing machine, dishwasher, and industrial coffee maker for the coffee lovers out there! It’s also located fairly close to some restaurants and bars.
Huge Garden Apt. Near Airport | Top Value Airbnb in Midborg
This Reykjavik apartment is a wonderful find for those who are looking to stay near the airport. It’s an 80 square meters apartment that has three bedrooms and one bathroom. This bright and chic apartment also has a huge outdoor garden complete with a playhouse and even a trampoline.
This is one of the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik close to the airport. Moreover, there is actually a supermarket, cafe, and bakery very close to this rental, which only adds to its convenience factor. In fact, it is only a 25-minute walk to the city center, so you’re not too far from the action at all!
FAQ about Airbnbs in Reykjavik
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Reykjavik.
What To Pack For Reykjavik
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Reykjavik Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Reykjavik Airbnbs
Reykjavik is home incredible geothermal pools and jaw-dropping views of the northern lights. Reykjavik is also home to some amazing homes. We hope you found the best Airbnb in Reykjavik to suit your needs, budget, and travel group. No matter which short term rental you chose, we are sure it was a match made in Icelandic heaven (Valhalla!).
If you’re booking your Icelandic trip, you might want to consider getting travel insurance so you can kiss your travel worries and stress goodbye! World Nomads has always had our backs, and they are ready to have yours too. Click here to get a quick quote.
- Check out our Backpacking Iceland guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Reykjavik guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Iceland.
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