Opening Hours of Shops in Reykjavik

General Opening Hours of Shops in Reykjavik

Most shops in Reykjavik follow a similar schedule for their opening hours. On weekdays, shops typically open around 9:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. On Saturdays, the opening hours are slightly shorter, with shops closing around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. On Sundays, many shops have reduced hours or are closed entirely, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Opening Hours in Reykjavik Shopping Malls

Reykjavik is home to several shopping malls that offer a diverse range of shops and boutiques under one roof. These malls often have extended opening hours compared to individual stores.

Kringlan, the largest shopping mall in Iceland, is open from around 10 AM to 6:30 PM on Weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends. Kringlan hosts over 180 stores, boasting a diverse range of establishments, including popular international brands, local boutiques, and specialty stores.

Smáralind, another large shopping mall, has slightly different hours, being open from 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and having similarly shorter hours during weekends. It offers a spacious and modern shopping environment with more than 100 stores.

Choosing between Kringlan and Smáralind depends on your preferences and location. While Kringlan is conveniently located near the city center, Smáralind offers more parking space. Both malls have excellent public transportation connections, making them easily accessible.

If you want to get the assistance of a local expert, there's even a guided 4-hour shopping tour available, where you visit one of the malls or the downtown area 

Opening Hours in Downtown Reykjavik

The downtown area of Reykjavik is a treasure trove for shoppers, with its charming streets filled with unique boutiques, fashion stores, and art galleries. Walking down the main street of Laugavegur is a good way of getting to know the city and seeing some of the more interesting shops that Reykjavik has to offer.

The opening hours of shops in downtown Reykjavik may vary slightly, but most stores open around 10:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekdays. On weekends, some shops may have shorter hours, especially on Sundays when some stores are closed.

Strolling through designated shopping streets in Reykjavik, such as Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, is an experience in itself. These vibrant streets are lined with a mix of high-end international brands, local boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

While you're perusing the shops downtown, also use the chance to stop by some of the interesting sites located in the area, such as Harpa concert hall, Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand, or the Icelandic Punk Museum.

Opening Hours of Reykjavik Convenience Stores and Liquor Stores

For grocery shopping or daily necessities, supermarkets and convenience stores in Reykjavik are a convenient option. Many supermarkets, such as Bónus, Nettó, Krónan, and Hagkaup, have longer opening hours, usually until 7 or 8 PM, but some are even open until midnight.

If you are looking for a convenience store in Reykjavik that's open 24 hours a day, 10-11 is your best bet, providing round-the-clock access to essential items. Keep in mind that the prices here will be higher than in most other convenience stores.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Icelandic Liquor and Spirits

The only store that sells alcohol in Iceland is the state-run liquor store Vínbúðin. The opening hours are quite limited, with most outlets being open between 11 AM and 6 PM on weekdays and Saturdays and being closed on Sundays. The store in Skeifan is open until 8 PM on weekdays, making it the only option for buying alcohol after 6 PM.

Opening Hours of Kolaportið

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Karl Gunnarsson.

Kolaportið is the largest flea market in Iceland, located by Reykjavik's old harbor. Visitors who want to see a unique side of the city should definitely swing by and take a gander at the many diverse booths found there. 

Kolaportið is only open on weekends, from 11 AM to 5 PM. While some booths accept cards, many only take cash, so make sure to stop by an ATM before you spend your afternoon stocking up on fun curiosities.

Opening Hours of Shops in Reykjavik During Public Holidays

It's important to note that opening hours may vary significantly during public holidays in Reykjavik. On public holidays like Christmas, Easter, and New Year's Day, most shops are closed, and only a few essential services and restaurants remain open. It's advisable to check the specific opening hours of shops during these holidays to avoid any inconvenience.

• Learn about the National Holidays of Iceland

Some grocery stores, such as Krónan and Bónus, are open for a limited time during certain public holidays. By being aware of the opening hours of shops in Reykjavik, you can plan your shopping excursions effectively and make the most of your time exploring the vibrant retail scene of this Icelandic capital.

VAT Refunds for Iceland Visitors

In Iceland, visitors who are not residents of the country are eligible for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds on certain purchases made during their stay. VAT is a consumption tax that is included in the price of goods and services in Iceland, currently set at 24%. The VAT refund scheme allows visitors to claim a partial refund of the taxes paid on eligible items before leaving the country.

To be eligible for a VAT refund, visitors must meet certain criteria. Firstly, the purchase must be made from a registered tax-free retailer, which is usually indicated by a "Tax-Free Shopping" sign. Many shops in Reykjavik participate in the VAT refund scheme, making it convenient for visitors to claim their refund.

Secondly, the minimum purchase amount required to be eligible for a VAT refund is 12,000 ISK (Icelandic Króna) per transaction, including VAT. This amount can be accumulated from multiple purchases made on the same day from the same retailer.

• See also: Airports in Iceland - Everything You Need to Know

When making a purchase, visitors should inform the salesperson that they wish to claim a VAT refund. The salesperson will provide a special form, known as a Tax-Free Shopping Cheque, which needs to be completed with the visitor's personal information, including name and passport number.

Before leaving Iceland, visitors must present their purchases, along with the completed Tax-Free Shopping Cheques, at the VAT refund desk at Keflavik International Airport. If the purchase amount exceeds 100,000 ISK, take the receipts to the customs office.

Claiming VAT refunds can be a valuable way for visitors to save money on their purchases in Reykjavik. By familiarizing themselves with the refund requirements and participating retailers, visitors can make the most of this opportunity and enjoy their shopping experience in Iceland.

That should cover everything you need to know about opening hours of shops in Reykjavik. Did we leave any of your questions unanswered? Let us know in the comments below!