Grandi / Old Harbour

Grandi is the waterfront district with art galleries, food hall, and whale watching tours. More local feel than downtown, safe, quieter alternative to 101.

Grandi used to be an industrial fishing harbor and is now filled with art galleries, restaurants, and the Grandi Mathöll food hall where nine vendors sell everything from Korean kimchi tacos to Icelandic lamb. It's 10-15 minutes walk from downtown - close enough to be convenient but with fewer tourists. Whale watching tours leave from here, and you'll see fishing boats next to museums like Whales of Iceland. More locals than downtown - Icelandic families come on weekends, artists work in converted warehouses. Safe during the day and evening but quiet after 10pm when restaurants close. Not many late-night bars. Street lighting along the waterfront is fine and you'll see people jogging or walking dogs after dark. The appeal is that it feels more local and restaurants are slightly cheaper than downtown (though still expensive). The food hall has communal tables which works well for eating alone.