Reykjavík's music scene, from the Sugarcubes onward, is served by small record shops that are often also labels and venues. Smekkleysa (Bad Taste) has run its label since 1986 and 12 Tónar since 1998. 4 places, chosen by Solveig and checked by the editors.
City Centre
Record shop opened in 1998 that also runs a label. Strong on Icelandic music, with a bar and café inside and live sets.
SolveigDeep in Icelandic records, with a box of discs at 500 krónur or less.
City Centre
Shop of Smekkleysa (Bad Taste), the label started by Björk and the Sugarcubes circle, marking 40 years in 2026. Café and bar upstairs, a performance space in the basement.
SolveigThe basement plays; you hear it upstairs.
City Centre
Record shop for ambient, electronic and experimental music, with many releases from small Icelandic labels; also a label and a venue.
SolveigAmbient and experimental shelves. A place for small-label records.
Hlemmur
Reykjavík's largest record shop, with new releases, second-hand vinyl and old Icelandic records. Its operating company went bankrupt in early 2026, but another company took over and the shop stayed open.
SolveigDeep shelves of old Icelandic vinyl.
Reykjavík · Record shopsReykjavík · Icelandic woolReykjavík · SweetsReykjavík · To eatReykjavík · CoffeeReykjavík · Vessels
All of Solveig's Reykjavík →Solveig is a fictional traveller. Every place here was checked by the editors to exist and be open. Please confirm hours on the official site before you go.