Consumerism might be destroying the planet, but hey, you can’t walk around naked. While Iceland may not be a worldwide shopping destination due to high prices and its relative isolation, there’s still a plethora of unique products that are worth spending your hard-earned dough on. From handmade lopapeysur created by dotings Grandmas to obscure Björk b-b-b-sides, here’s your essential guide to shopping in Reykjavík.
Best Record Store
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
Lucky Records is the punky, underground horse of the Reykjavík scene. It’s one of those shops that is easy to get lost in—expect to easily spend an entire afternoon perusing their selection. “Lucky Records is very in-tune with the local music scene,” one panellist explains. “If anyone in the city has released anything, no matter how small, it’ll be in this store. Moreover, the shopkeepers will have listened to it. They are really knowledgeable and opinionated in that old-school record shop way.” Pro-tip: Make sure you check out the back room.
Runner-Up:
Reykjavik Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
Reykjavík Record Shop is a haven created by music nerds, for music nerds. Presenting the best of the Icelandic and international scenes, every piece has been meticulously curated to ensure that you’re getting the crème de la crème of music, be it contemporary or classic.
Runner-Up:
Geisladiskabúð Valda
Laugavegur 64
Valda is by far the most obscure shop in the city. “You’ll find things in this store that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. I once found a Japanese bootleg copy of a Finnish band’s first record. How on Earth did they get that?” one panel member reminisced. “It’s a gem.”
Previous Winners
2018-9: Reykjavík Record Shop
2017: Lucky Records
2015-6: Reykjavík Record Shop
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