Laugavegur, the thoroughfare between the main bus stops at Hlemmur and Lækjargata, is part of the main business district, as are the side streets, especially Skólavörðustígur, along with the midtown area. Within the old part of town there are a number of retailers selling clothing, books, gift items, handicrafts, fashionable garments, audio equipment, antiquarian books, stamps, shoes, diverse leather articles, antiques, groceries, and so on. In addition, there is a wide variety of restaurants.

The large Kringlan shopping mall in the south east part of the city offers a wide range of quality goods. Reykjavík's MacDonalds is located in Kringlan, as are several snackbars and a cafeteria. Certain streets in the eastern section of Reykjavík, Síðumúli, Ármúli, Grensásvegur and Skeifan, are lined with larger stores selling furniture, furnishings, audio gear, household appliances, hardware, spare parts and so on. Located in that area as well are several car dealerships and supermarkets. Shopping and service centres are located in residential neighbourhoods.