Anyone who is from, or has been to, Reykjavik will tell you there is something truly special about this place. It feels like this tiny, colorful village, but has the energy of a major creative capital at the same time. Most people just use the city as a spot to sleep before rushing off to the South Coast waterfalls, but I honestly think the real magic happens when you slow down and hit the side streets on your own.

If you’re a creative soul who’d rather spend an hour (or two) in a dusty bookstore than on a crowded tour bus, you’re going to love solo traveling in Reykjavik, especially in the colder months. For me, it was all about ducking into a tiny bakery to hide from the wind or finally getting some headspace with a view of the mountains. I spent a lot of time wandering around during my trip, and these are the six cozy spots I kept going back to whenever I needed a slow winter recharge.

Finding a Sanctuary at Hygge Microbakery

After my first couple of days battling the Icelandic wind and rain, I needed a morning that felt intentional and warm. I found exactly that at Hygge Coffee & Microbakery. And the name couldn’t have been more accurate; ‘Hygge’ in Norwegian and Danish, is all about attaining a sense of cozy contentment and finding joy in the small things in life, especially during long, dark winters. Between the minimalist decor, satisfying pastries, and overall attention to detail, this cafe was the ultimate spot to rejuvenate and recharge.

I spent a slow morning here with a latte and their cinnamon knot—the spice was exactly what I needed to warm up and the latte was a perfect complement to it. After a couple of hours of cozying up here, I ended up grabbing an avocado focaccia to go for later. It’s tucked away from the main tourist rush, making it the dreamiest spot to just sit and breathe for a second.

Getting Lost in Bókin Bookstore

There is something about the Icelandic winter that makes you want to disappear into a good book. Bókin is a legendary second-hand shop that feels like a literary time capsule and was easily my favorite bookstore I visited in Iceland. With tall shelves packed with vintage Icelandic sagas and a rustic feel, it’s the kind of place where you can very easily lose track of time while hiding from the winter chill. I noticed a couple books about the holocaust that I had read before, and then I found a book that caught my eye, so I purchased it. The man (owner?) who helped me was so kind and we ended up chatting a bit about the book I chose. It was such a pure, genuine interaction, and it was extra cool to see the knowledge and passion he had for the books in this place.

Fuel Up at Wake and Bake

For a morning when you need something a bit more substantial before heading out into the cold, Wake and Bake is a must. It has that perfectly lived-in, cozy atmosphere that makes solo travel in Reykjavik feel so welcoming. I ordered a bagel sandwich and a latte, and it was the perfect casual, but cozy spot to enjoy some comfort food before setting out to explore the city by foot.

The Soundtrack of the City at Smekkleysa

After returning to Reykjavik after a full morning at the Blue Lagoon, I was really looking forward to finding a cozy spot to read my new old book. So I was headed toward my hotel and saw Smekkleysa on the way and y’all, there was no way I was not going inside. But after 30 minutes browsing through records, I found myself asking if the staff if I could leave my bag for a few minutes while I went to get my book from my hotel. When I came back with my book, I ordered a matcha latte, and got to reading.

I think it’s safe to say this record shop and cafe is the epicenter of the city’s indie scene. It’s a super chill, welcoming space where you can browse vinyl and soak in all the creative energy, AND I discovered a new producer that I really like, “mt. fujitive,” who’s also from Reykjavik! I was pretty positive if I bought the vinyl, it would break in my already overpacked suitcase, so I found his music on Spotify and he’s been on my playlist since.

The Nordic House (Norræna húsið) for the Cultured

This is a bit of a walk from the main center and let me tell you, so worth it. The architecture is stunning and was designed by Alvar Aalto. It has a library and a cafe with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to just sit there and look out over the snowy wetlands while staying perfectly cozy.

Slow Evenings at Tjörnin and Ida Zimsen

For a peaceful evening, walk the perimeter of Tjörnin (The Pond) to watch the swans, then duck into Ida Zimsen. It’s a bookstore-cafe hybrid that’s ideal for people-watching by the window or journaling about your trip. And though they didn’t have it on the day I went, I heard they sometimes have live music.

Reykjavik Solo Travel Mini FAQ

Q: Is Reykjavik safe for solo female travelers?
A: Absolutely! Iceland consistently ranks as the safest country in the world. Always be vigilant no matter where you are, but as a solo female traveler, I felt completely comfortable walking the city streets at any hour.

Q: How many days do you need in Reykjavik? While you can technically see the main sights in 24-48 hours, I recommend at least 3 days to truly experience the cafe culture and hidden gems mentioned in this guide.
A: What is the best way to get around Reykjavik? The city center is incredibly walkable, so that’s mostly what I opted for. For spots further out, the local bus system (Strætó) is said to be easy to use, but most of these “cozy corners” are within a 15-minute walk of each other.