Grandi is the Brooklyn of Reykjavik.
Grandi named the Brooklyn of Reykjavik
August 4, 2026 - Brooklyn Of (brooklynof.com), a travel publication that names the coolest neighborhood in more than 150 cities worldwide, has named Grandi the Brooklyn of Reykjavik.
The "Brooklyn of" a city is a metaphor, of course: shorthand for the coolest neighborhood in town, the one where independent culture, serious coffee, and creative energy define the character. Not the old town, not where the hop-on-hop-off bus goes. Every big enough city has one, and the site names exactly one per city. In many cities the pick is close to consensus, the name locals would give without hesitating. In others it picks a side. Reykjavik's verdict went to Grandi ahead of Hverfisgata, Hlemmur and Vesturbær, which take the runner-up positions.
"We named Grandi the Brooklyn of Reykjavik, and it was not a hard call. A former fish-packing district where the old warehouses now hold galleries, studios, and some of the city's best food, and the harbor wind makes sure everyone stays inside eating. Locals are welcome to tell us we are wrong," says Per, creator of Brooklyn Of.
The verdict comes with a guide to Grandi's independent hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars and shops: no big chains, nothing sponsored, and placements are not for sale. Selections draw on research and local tastemakers in each city, and readers who disagree are invited to make their case.
The full Reykjavik verdict: brooklynof.com/reykjavik
Press contact: Per, creator of Brooklyn Of, hello [at] brooklynof.com
Press kit and images: brooklynof.com/press/reykjavik
Runner-up neighborhoods: Hverfisgata, Hlemmur, Vesturbær
Free for editorial use in coverage of brooklynof.com. Credit: brooklynof.com.
hello [at] brooklynof.com · Per is available for interviews, quotes, and written commentary on this and every city in the index.