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Nightlife in Reykjavík essentially means two types of establishments: pubs, and nightclubs with dancing and live music. Icelanders tend to dress up for nightspots, but visitors can get away with being a bit more casual. On weekends, unless you start before 11 pm, be prepared to wait in line, especially if summer weekend weather
Nightlife in Reykjavík essentially means two types of establishments: pubs, and nightclubs with dancing and live music. Icelanders tend to dress up for nightspots, but visitors can get away with being a bit more casual. On weekends, unless you start before 11 pm, be pre
Nightlife in Reykjavík essentially means two types of establishments: pubs, and nightclubs with dancing and live music.
Nightlife in Reykjavík essentially means two types of establishments: pubs, and nightclubs with dancing and live music. Icelanders tend to dress up for nightspots, but visitors can get away with being a bit more casual. On weekends, unless you start before 11 pm, be prepared to wait in line, especially if summer weekend weather is good. Avoid downtown after midnight during the first weekends of summer, when excessive drinking can result in some raucous and aggressive behavior. Suffice it to say, Icelanders party en masse.
Akureyri-based brewery Einstök has opened the brand's first tasting space in the capital city. The interiors are cozy and moody—large groups mingle with solo drinkers enjoying pints of Arctic Pale Ale and other seasonal brews. The outdoor seating is the best on Laugavegur and provides the ultimate people-watching perch.
One of the city's most famous cafés and nightspots—thanks to its associations with local and international celebs, like Damon Albarn from Blur—Kaffibarinn is a relaxed café during the day but it gets hopping on nights and weekends, when DJs show up and play until the wee hours.
Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Unofficially Iceland's best gay bar, Kiki Queer Bar is a spirited mix of locals and travelers on any given night. Located in the heart of Reykjavík's nightlife hub, you can dance until the wee hours here.
At this elegant wine bar there are always crowds of people lounging on sumptuous upholstery, bathed in flattering lamplight. Located close to Alþingishús (Parliament House), not only is it the best place to mingle with the country's decision makers, it's also a place where you can sample a good deal of quality wine at reasonable prices (one serving amounts to a quarter bottle).
Kirkjutorg 4, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, Iceland
This space is part vintage shop and part cocktail bar and the interiors play the part. Romantic vibes surround each table, where display cases of crystals and curated vintage clothing set the scene.
The line of people waiting to get in to this bar stretches around the block on weekends. And it's totally worth the wait: inside, you'll find some of the city's best DJs, as well as a ton of locals relaxing and mingling. Prikið is open during the day too, when the crowds are much smaller. The burger is a sleeper hit, so try and stop by for lunch if you can.
Bankastræti 12, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
You can't go wrong with any of the craft beers on tap here. This bar is certainly a bit more refined than other beer-focused watering holes in Reykjavík, and prices reflect that. If you're on a budget, opt for smaller pours.
Aðalstræti 9, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
This loud bar's open-floor plan can accommodate groups easily. The best seats are the pillow-topped benches along the window—they were practically made for people-watching. All of the cocktails are great here, but the classics are treated with special care; you can't go wrong with an Old-Fashioned.
Klapparstígur 33, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Right below the Hard Rock Cafe, you'll find this lively nightclub making the most of its near-windowless basement location. According to the owners—Sindri Snær Jensson and Jón Davíð Davíðsson, the duo behind Flatey Pizza and Yuzu Burger—that's the point: to create a space where you'll lose all sense of time.
For a night of reckless glamour among a crowd of well-dressed and heavily perfumed party people, head to b5, a classy (at least before midnight) yet comfortable nightspot illuminated throughout with backlit rose-color panels.
Bankastræti 5, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, Iceland
The menu of gin and tonics here shouldn't be missed, as it truly showcases the variety of the classic cocktail. There are also seasonal drinks and thoughtful mocktails. While the bar is relaxed and cozy, this space also serves as a restaurant for guests of the Grandi Hotel.
A green oasis right in the middle of town, the plant-filled space might make you think you're elsewhere, but you'll be brought right back to reality once you try one of the bar's inventive cocktails. Adventurous drinkers won't want to miss the Cereal Killer, which is made with Bacardi carta blanca, strawberries, cornflakes, oranges, and almonds.
Austurstræti 9, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
This is your basic, no-frills bar serving up drinks and cakes beginning in the afternoon and hosting DJs into the early morning hours. It's located in the main shopping district, making it a great spot to grab a snack and libation in the late afternoon.
Laugavegur 2, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Located in one of the oldest houses in Reykjavik, Lemmy is far from just a bar: you can also order a hearty breakfast here. But this spot is at its best when the drinks are flowing and the picnic tables are filled with locals and visitors alike.
Austurstræti 20, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Sister bar to the vintage shop and bar Lola Flórens and sister café to the Coocoo's Nest, Luna Florens serves up inventive cocktails and baked goods. More often than not, you'll find ingredients like turmeric and edible flowers mixed into your drinks.
Grandagarður 25, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Take a trip back in time—specifically, Miami circa the 1980s. The color theme is pastel, the architecture skews brutalist, and the neon lights never stop. Plus, the cocktails hold their own, too.
Hverfisgata 33, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
The best time to visit Micro Bar is between the hours of 3 and 7 pm, when the bar has two beers on special for happy hour. You'll find a solid selection of Icelandic beers and an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for making new local friends.
Laugarvegur 86, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
During the day, Mikki Refur serves up coffee, but once the sun goes down (or happy hour hits), the wine list becomes the popular choice. There are also small bites to help pace your sips.
Hverfisgata 18, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Technically a nightclub, Pablo Discobar also serves food and some notable cocktails. Since the bar is open until 5 am on Friday and Saturday, you'll often find people making this their last stop after a night on the town. There is a bit of a dress code on weekends (think stylish over formal). You can also catch some great drag shows here, if you're lucky.
Veltusund 1, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
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