Reykjavik apartments & rentals: how to choose
An apartment or guesthouse is often the smart Reykjavik choice — a kitchen is a real money-saver against Iceland’s restaurant prices, and space helps for families, groups and longer or early-departure stays. As in many cities, short lets are regulated, so book a compliant one.
⚠︎ Book a legal listing
Iceland regulates short-term home rentals: a private host registering a home-share is limited (broadly ~90 days / a modest income cap) before a proper business licence is required, and legal listings carry a registration number. A listing with no registration details — or a host who is evasive about them — is a red flag worth avoiding.
Rules change — confirm the current requirements: Sýslumenn — registering a home short-term rental (heimagisting).
Who a rental suits
Rentals win for families and groups wanting a kitchen and separate rooms, for stays of several nights, and for travelers who want to self-cater around early tour pickups. Solo and short couple trips are usually simpler in a hotel with breakfast included.
Verify before you book
- A registration number / clear licensing on the listing (legality — the first check).
- Exact location and whether parking is included (it matters if you rent a car).
- A real kitchen if self-catering is the plan — it’s the main reason to choose a rental here.
- Heating and hot water are geothermal and reliable; check for good blackout blinds for summer.
- Check-in logistics for a late arrival or a pre-dawn departure to the airport.
- Recent reviews mentioning noise (downtown weekends) and how responsive the host is.
Where to look for rentals
For rentals, the east edge of 101 (around Hlemmur), Laugardalur and the west side give more space and better value while staying a short hop from downtown. Prime Laugavegur apartments are the most walkable but the priciest and the noisiest on weekends.
Check live rentals & availability
Browse current Reykjavik rentals on Vrbo — confirm the listing shows a registration number.
Check Reykjavik rentals on Vrbo →Some booking links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which options we recommend.
Prefer a front desk and breakfast? Compare hotels →