Head-to-head · Reykjavík
101 Reykjavík vs Laugardalur
101 is the central downtown — Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, dense restaurants and bars. Laugardalur is east — geothermal pool, family park, dramatically cheaper. The pick is dinner-focus vs family-and-pool.
Reykjavík's central postal code — Hallgrímskirkja, the harbor, Laugavegur shopping, walking distance to absolutely everything you'd come for.
Full guide →East of central Reykjavík — the geothermal pool, family park, valley setting, dramatically cheaper than 101.
Full guide →Round by round
Restaurants past 9pm
101 Reykjavík101 wins by definition — every Reykjavík dinner happens here.
Family-friendly
LaugardalurLaugardalur wins — pool, park, family-aware. 101 is for adults.
Walkability to centre
101 Reykjavík101 is the centre. Laugardalur is 25 min walk or 10 min bus.
Geothermal pool
LaugardalurLaugardalur — Laugardalslaug is the city's main pool, walkable from any Laugardalur address.
Price
LaugardalurLaugardalur 25-35% cheaper than 101 for equivalent product.
The verdict
Pick 101 Reykjavík if…
Pick 101 for dinner-focused stays, anyone wanting central walkability.
Full 101 Reykjavík guide →Pick Laugardalur if…
Pick Laugardalur for families with rental cars, longer stays, budget-conscious travelers.
Full Laugardalur guide →Bottom line
101 for dinner. Laugardalur for families and value.