I arrived in Reykjavik in the middle of a snowstorm. But determined to see the city I wrapped up warm in extra layers. I planned to make my way out of the hotel during a brief window in the storm and start along the coast. The weather began to turn again, so I sought shelter in the Sandholt Bakery. I couldn’t have picked a better spot as they had some beautiful cakes for me to enjoy whilst I warmed up. With a clearer sky and a fuller belly, I was ready to explore. I made my way up the road to my first tourist attraction in Iceland, Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street.
Pride of Reykjavik
Back in 2015, the city of Reykjavik decided to paint one of its streets a rainbow to celebrate Reykjavik Gay Pride which started in 1999. Since then the festival has grown and attracts up to 100,000 visitors each year. The now-named Rainbow Street is painted year-round, with many stopping to pose and have their photos taken on it.
For tourists, this is one of the busiest streets in Reykjavik, with souvenir shops and inviting cafes on either side. You can get everything you need here, even traditional Icelandic jumpers (which are incredibly warm and cosy).
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I love a souvenir, so I made sure to return here before my flight home. The street leads up to Hallgrimskirkja Church. This church is beautiful by itself, but for a small fee offers a viewpoint from the tower which gives a beautiful view of the street and surrounding Reykjavik.
Photoshoots on Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street
This spot is definitely one of Reykjavik’s more Instagrammable locations. I found tourists stopping to pose all throughout the day to get that perfect pic. My advice: if you don’t want strangers in the background when you are posing, make sure to get here early. That way you may be in with a chance to have it for yourself.
On my final day I was up bright and early on a Sunday morning. This was the only time I saw this street bare. Of course this may be different in the peak seasons. But it shows the value of setting your alarm just that little bit earlier.
Being a tourist
I loved Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street, it was always the right amount of busy. You aren’t swarmed by tourists when you try to get a photo. But equally there are enough locals and tourists around that it’s not deserted. It wouldn’t be surprising to say that every day in Reykjavik I would pass by this road.
Rainbow Street is so close to a strip of amazing bars and restaurants. We often found somewhere cosy and would bar-hop throughout the night to explore Reykjavik’s nightlife. From custom cocktails in one bar, Latin-American nightclubs and even punk rock bars. There’s a little something for everyone on offer and a lot for open-minded travellers.
Would I recommend you come to and visit Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street? Absolutely! This colourful road is fun and vibrant. And in a city that is known for being expensive, something free is like a hidden gem. It is the perfect meeting spot, as it is so easy to get to anywhere else in the city. From having a coffee here, my next stop would be the FlyOver Iceland exhibit to learn more about Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions
The street was painted in 2015 in celebration of pride. But the street proved to be such a hit with tourists that they decided to keep it year-round.
You can find Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street at the base of Hallgrimskirkja church in the center of the city.
You can find a lot of restaurants and bars on the strip at the bottom of the street. This is Reykjavik’s main street. I would recommend walking a little further down to the Sandholt. It is one of the best bakeries in Reykjavik.
At the top of the street you can find Hallgrimskirkja Church. This beautiful building is worth touring and the view from the top commands an incredible view of the city.
Reykjavik is full of activities to do. I would recommend the FlyOver Iceland or Sky Lagoon next. You can also check out other activities on Get Your Guide.
Yes, Reykjavik is full of hotels for you to stay at, and Rainbow Street is a central location. You will find plenty along Reykjavik’s high street. Check out nearby hotels on the link below.
No! There is actually a second on the east coast in Seyðisfjörður.
You can, it will be harder, but not impossible. Being in the city there is an unavoidable amount of light pollution. But if you want the best chance you can check the Reykjavik’s Aurora Forecast.