Learn all about Reykjavik nightlife in our in-depth guide. What makes Iceland's nightlife different from anywhere else in the world? When does nightlife in Reykjavik start, and what are the best bars and clubs to visit? Read on to discover the best places to go, what to wear, and the best tips for enjoying the nightlife in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues. Reykjavik has something to offer everyone, whether looking for a wild night out or a more relaxed evening. Find accommodation in Reykjavik to be close to the action and rent a small budget car to get around the city easily. You can spend the evenings having fun in Reykjavik, while exploring the countryside during the daytime by booking day tours in Iceland which take you back to the city around dinnertime.
The city's bar scene is trendy, with many bars offering live music and DJs playing all kinds of music. There are also many pubs and clubs to choose from, with a wide variety of music and drinks.
Reykjavik also has various cafes and restaurants that stay open late for those looking for something a bit more low-key. Many of these places offer traditional Icelandic food, as well as international cuisine.
Travelers can sample some of the city's best drinks on a locally-hosted Reykjavik beer and food tour. Other Reykjavik options include this guided 2.5-hour beer and schnapps walking tour and this lively four-hour brewery walking tour with free drinks.
When it comes to finding the best bars in Reykjavik, well, it's all very subjective. It could be wherever has the cheapest beer or a bar that plays your favorite music. It's rare that people go out and stay in the same venue for the entire night.
The best thing to do is follow a bar crawl, make new friends, listen to different music genres, and maybe even stumble into that special person.
Reykjavik visitors should know about the best bars for craft beer. Or, if you're more into cocktail bars, check out this guided cocktail bar tour with complimentary drinks.
Don't panic if you lose your friends; the Iceland bars and nightlife scene is small, and you're bound to find them again quickly.
Here are some of our picks for the best bars in Reykjavik.
Lebowski Bar is inspired by the movie "The Big Lebowski "and is an American-style diner with a movie-themed twist. The leather booths and the wood and black-and-white checkered floor cemented the all-American vibe.
Their happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and their specialty cocktail is the White Russian. The bar plays a movie at night except for Thursday, when you can test out your movie trivial knowledge at their movie quiz. The Dude abides.
Opening Hours:
Address: Laugavegur 20a, 101 Reykjavik
Bastard Brew & Food is an honest British-style gastropub located smack dab in the middle of downtown Reykjavik. They have plenty of seating and dart boards to go around, making it a great place to go if you want to sit down and chat over a pint. Make no mistake, though, the place gets very lively on weekend evenings.
In the daytime, Bastard Brew & Food serves delicious pub fare that includes burgers, tacos, and flatbread. The beers on tap are a selection of great craft beers, including some brewed by the establishment itself.
Address: Vegamotastigur 4, 101 Reykjavik
The Irishman Pub is a go-to Irish pub in Reykjavik with a great selection of beer on draft and a friendly atmosphere. The venue's feel is casual, and a lot of thought has been put into the decor. It's the place to be on St Paddy's Day, and they have special drinks almost every day of the year.
It's a favorite place for football fans to watch a game. They also have a private karaoke room that you can book for parties.
Opening Hours:
Address: Klapparstigur 27, 101 Reykjavik
The English Pub is an excellent all-around pub. They have a giant wheel of fortune where you can win a meter of beer, and there are often acoustic guitar players around. The best atmosphere is in the early evening or on weekdays.
It's not a place to go dancing, but you can sing along with the troubadour. It also boasts a large selection of beer and whiskey in Iceland, with happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Opening Hours:
Address: Austurstraeti 12a, 101 Reykjavik
Kaldi Bar is now very popular amongst tourists and locals alike. It's so popular that you'll struggle to find a free seat. Kaldi Bar is a sit-down and chat bar with multiple beers on tap. A place to see and be seen, but come early to grab a seat. They close at 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Opening Hours:
Address: Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavik
Den Danske Kro is a very popular place to chat the night away, listen to live music and enjoy a drunk sing-along, or challenge your friends in darts. They have happy hour every day between 4 and 7 p.m. where you can get a 2 for 1 off draft beer and wine, which is one of the better deals in Reykjavik.
The bar itself is cozy, as the interior is designed to reflect a rustic Danish pub. It features wooden paneling and furniture, and the walls are adorned with memorabilia and decor that celebrate Danish culture, including vintage beer advertisements and flags.
Opening Hours:
Address: Ingolfsstraeti 3, 101 Reykjavik
Skúli Craft Bar is the perfect place for any craft beer lovers, tucked away between the historic squares of Ingolfstorg and Austurvollur in downtown Reykjavik. It's renowned for its extensive selection of both local and international craft beers.
Skúli features a modern, minimalistic interior with sleek wooden accents and comfortable seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to linger and chat. Regular tasting events and knowledgeable staff make it a great spot for both newbies and connoisseurs. They offer a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., providing discounts on select craft beers and wine, making it a popular after-work spot in Reykjavik
Opening Hours:
Address: Adalstraeti 9, 101 Reykjavik
If you want a more calm and intimate setting for your evening out, Litli Barinn is the place to go. This neighborhood restaurant and bar has some of the best cocktails in Reykjavik, with a great beer and wine selection. It's perfect for a romantic date with a partner or a cozy night with a small group.
The prices are very affordable, especially the food. If you want something with your drinks, we highly recommend sharing two or three of the small plates or simply enjoying a full meal with the tasty mains. Litli Barinn is close to the main downtown area and has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. They also only play Icelandic music and use locally sourced ingredients!
Opening Hours:
Address: Ranargata 4a, 101 Reykjavik
Gaukurinn is a fun and inclusive dive bar. This spot is the home of Iceland's drag scene and frequently hosts stand-up comedy nights in English. It's an alternative, artsy underground venue with regular movie nights and live music. The lineup is available on their website's main page.
They have gender-neutral bathrooms and serve juicy, grubby, all-vegan food. The music here varies, but rock or metal nights are typical, as well as local electronic artists displaying their latest dance grooves.
Opening Hours:
Address: Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavik
Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar is a great place to sit down, have a beer, and talk to your friends. They serve craft beer on tap, including the Brio beer by local microbrewery Borg. Typically, music is played at low volume or not at all. This bar is a trendy venue with the locals and worth visiting to see its old-timey decor.
Opening Hours:
Address: Vegamotastigur 4, 101 Reykjavik
Bravo is a fun bar with eclectic decor, which makes for a good stop at happy hour or later in the night when the bar gets packed. The crowd is usually a mix of people sitting down for a beer and dancers grooving on the small dance floor. Music genres vary, but it's guaranteed to cause a head bob. The bar is located right below Kiki, making it a convenient stop for a bar crawl.
Opening Hours:
Address: Laugavegur 22, 101, 101 Reykjavik
Bryggjan Brewery is located a little out of the center of town but worth the short walk. It's located (and named after) Reykjavik's Old Harbor, with an appropriate nautical-themed interior and views of the harbored ships outside the windows. They brew their own beer on-site, and you can view the brewery through large window panes.
Bryggjan is a large bar that houses a restaurant with local ingredients and an emphasis on fish and lamb. The bar has a selection of house-brewed beers, local brews, and quirky cocktails. It has a relaxed atmosphere and frequently hosts jazz bands for live music.
Opening Hours:
Address: Grandagardur 8, Reykjavik
Prikid Kaffihus is a café by day and a popular pub by night. Its red facade, accompanied by bright red and green signs, gives it a very cheerful vibe. The music leans towards hip-hop, but it depends on the DJ of the night.
It gets rowdy past midnight, so if you want to enjoy some quieter moments, come before that and enjoy their happy hour prices. Founded in 1951, it's been a mainstay in downtown Reykjavik for a long time.
If you stay up late long enough, you can go back and enjoy their breakfast.
Opening Hours:
Address: Bankastraeti 12, 101 Reykjavik
There are not many venues that would call themselves clubs in Iceland. At least, not how you might describe nightclubs in the rest of the world.
Many of Reykjavik's clubs (and Iceland's clubs) are a blend of a bar, pub, and club. Most of the nightclubs in Iceland (though more frequently bars) are also cafes during the day.
Unfortunately, it seems some of the institutional Iceland clubs have closed down. But fear not; the capital is still home to the best clubs in Iceland:
One of a few proper nightclubs in Iceland, drawing its name from the location in a re-purposed basement parking garage, turned into a glitzy and vibrant dance haven. To enter the club, you need to walk down a flight of stairs, meaning there are no windows, only shimmering lights, and a big shiny dancefloor.
The perfect place to forget about everything and just dance.
Opening Hours:
Address: Laekjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavik
One of the most popular nightclubs in Reykjavik, Paloma, was founded in 2013 and is renowned for playing good music. Its other draw is the basement dance floor with wooden beams reminiscent of a Viking ship. Paloma is popular with locals and visitors, with a great atmosphere and a local and international DJ lineup.
Opening hours:
Address: 1-3 Naustin, 101 Reykjavik
Pablo Discobar has delicious but pricey cocktails, a stylish but fun crowd, and funky decor. It's the perfect spot to go if you're in the mood for dancing. However, you should note that they occasionally have a minimum age of 25 to enter.
Opening Hours:
Address: Veltusund 1, 101 Reykjavik
Kiki is the hottest gay club in town. It's located at Laugavegur 22, an address synonymous with many of Reykjavik's past gay bars. The music is mainly chart-topping pop, Eurovision songs, and disco anthems. It's a colorful place to dance the night away, and you can't miss its rainbow-color facade.
Opening Hours:
Address: Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavik
Are you feeling hungry after a night of dancing and drinking? You're not alone. Luckily, some late-night Reykjavik eateries can satisfy your pre and post-party cravings.
Dubbed the best hot dog stand in Iceland, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur has been visited by foreign dignitaries and world-famous celebrities. It's also one of the cheapest meals you'll find in Iceland. Unlike regular hot dogs, these are made with three types of meat: beef, pork, and lamb. The nearest one is on Tryggvagata, a short walk from the main street.
Opening Hours:
Address: Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavik
Nothing quite hits the spot like Middle Eastern food late at night. Mandi is a family-run restaurant with late-night food staples like falafel, shawarma, salads, and burgers. They have three locaitons, but their original restaurant in Veltusund by Ingolfstorg is the perfect place for an after-party bite.
Opening Hours:
Address: Veltusund 3b, 101 Reykjavik
Islenski Barinn serves authentic Icelandic dishes if you prefer more local fare. The menu includes smoked lamb, fermented shark, and reindeer burgers. It's a popular place, so it's worth making a reservation.
Bar opening hours:
The kitchen is open daily from 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Address: 1a Ingolfsstraeti, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
The American Bar is a diner combined with a sports bar that provides a typical American nightlife experience with great burgers and music. They also have live music every night and a dance floor on the weekend. Plus, a wheel of fortune for those who are feeling lucky.
Opening Hours:
Address: Austurstraeti 8-10, 101 Reykjavik
Not up for hitting up bars and clubs? There's the nightlife in Reykjavik not related to dancing and partying. One thing is enjoying a local live show.
These might not run as late as you'd like them, but venues across downtown Reykjavik host live shows led by local musicians, poets, and other artists. Some have a cover charge for specific events, so check their social media or website.
KEX Hostel hosts regular live music events. It's a nice bar to sit down and enjoy good music and food. KEX Hostel is located in an old biscuit factory on the road next to Hverfisgata street (with the Icelandic word for biscuit being kex!). It's a block from the city's central bar activity hub and is a nice change of pace to the pub crawl.
Another hostel on the list, Loft Hostel, has a bar that often has live music at night to accompany their happy hour. It's centrally located and has a lovely balcony which is excellent for enjoying sunny days with a beverage.
Lucky Records is a vintage-style record store in downtown Reykjavik and the largest record store in Iceland, selling both new and old vinyl. They often host live music or DJs utilizing the extensive record collection for a set.
The Classical white facade of the Gamla Bio dates back to 1906, and the name means "old cinema" in Icelandic. It was the seat of the Icelandic Opera until they moved to Harpa Concert Hall in 2011. They have regular evening shows, including live music and musicals.
Are you interested in Icelandic films? Bio Paradis is the only proper art-house cinema in the country. Their latest showings start at around 10 p.m. You can also find some international movies. They have great popcorn and a bar!
Reykjavik has many tours departing daily, and that includes at night. Swap your dinner jacket and dress with a summer midnight sun tour, or go chasing the northern lights in the winter.
To be in the center of Reykjavik nightlife, the best place to stay is along the main street Laugavegur. The compromise is that the locations nearest to the bar can be noisy. You can look at our recommendations for where to stay in Reykjavik and find the best prices available when booking your accommodations in Reykjavik on our travel marketplace.
HI Loft Hostel is a vibrant and welcoming hub in the heart of Reykjavik, perfect for travelers seeking a central location and a lively atmosphere. Located on Bankastraeti, at the end of Laugavegur, it’s steps away from shops, restaurants, and bars. The rooftop terrace offers stunning city views, and its proximity to bus services and tour departure points makes it convenient for exploring Reykjavik nightlife or attending live events hosted at the hostel.
The hostel features bright dorms with two to four bunk beds, private bathrooms, lockers, and access to a communal kitchen. Its bar and cafe are a highlight, hosting regular live performances and creating a social space where travelers and locals mingle. With amenities like books, games, and tour booking services, there’s always something to do.
HI Loft Hostel is committed to accessibility and sustainability, offsetting the carbon footprint of every stay. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers and groups looking for a lively and eco-conscious base in downtown Reykjavik.
Alda Hotel Reykjavik is the ideal base for exploring Reykjavik’s nightlife. Located on Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping and entertainment street, it’s just steps away from the best bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as iconic landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall.
The hotel offers a range of modern rooms with en suite bathrooms and stylish designs, from cozy singles to spacious family rooms and suites with city or mountain views.
Amenities include an outdoor hot tub, sauna, fitness center, and the Brass Restaurant and Bar, perfect for unwinding after a night out. Guests also receive a complimentary Icelandic smartphone for easy navigation.
Alda Hotel combines comfort, convenience, and a prime location, making it the top choice for nightlife enthusiasts visiting Reykjavik.
Kex Hostel is a lively hub for travelers and locals, perfect for exploring Reykjavik’s nightlife and music scene. Renowned for its live shows, especially jazz, it’s an excellent spot to connect with others and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
Accommodation ranges from budget dorms to private rooms, with options for shared or private facilities. Guests can enjoy communal kitchens, a unique bar set in a converted biscuit factory, and event spaces for gatherings.
Kex Hostel’s central location, social atmosphere, and live events make it the perfect choice for travelers eager to experience Reykjavik’s nightlife and cultural energy.
We've covered a lot of ground on everything related to nightlife in Reykjavik.
To help you keep track, here's a summary:
Reykjavik’s nightlife is vibrant, inclusive, and full of unique charm. While it may not rival the scale of cities like London or New York, Reykjavik offers a laid-back and fun atmosphere with plenty of options for every taste, from cozy bars to lively party venues. The main nightlife scene is centered around Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, making it easy to hop between spots.
Absolutely! Reykjavik’s nightlife is packed with bars, pubs, and clubs, most of which are located in a compact area around Laugavegur. Many venues combine the vibe of a bar, café, and dance club, offering a variety of atmospheres. The lack of entrance fees (unless there’s a live performance) means you can explore different spots freely.
Most bars and pubs open in the afternoon. Thursdays and Sundays, known as “Little Fridays,” see increased activity, but Fridays and Saturdays are when nightlife is at its peak. Bars typically close around 1 AM on weekdays and as late as 4:30–5:30 AM on weekends.
Reykjavik’s nightlife is concentrated around Laugavegur, its main shopping street, and the connecting roads Bankastræti and Austurstræti. Many other popular bars are located on side streets or Hverfisgata, all within walking distance of the main nightlife hub.
Yes! Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in Europe. While alcohol can lead to some rowdy behavior, serious incidents are rare, and the city’s police handle any disturbances quickly.
Reykjavik’s nightlife is relaxed, with no strict dress codes in most venues. While locals often dress up, it’s perfectly fine to prioritize warmth in winter with layers, gloves, and hats.
The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20, and you’ll need an ID showing your date of birth to enter bars or buy alcohol.
The best times to enjoy Reykjavik’s nightlife are during its lively festivals and events. New Year’s Eve is a standout, with bar hopping and fireworks lighting up the night. In November, the Iceland Airwaves music festival turns the city into a hub for live music.
August brings two major events: the The Reykjavik Pride Festival, a colorful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and Culture Night, featuring artistic activities, concerts, and a grand fireworks display. These occasions add an extra spark to Reykjavik’s already vibrant nightlife scene.
Yes, Reykjavik is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. All bars and clubs welcome everyone, but Kiki Queer Bar is specifically known for its lively LGBTQ+ crowd and atmosphere.
To save on bar prices, locals often gather at home for a pre-party, drinking from 6 PM to midnight before heading out. Visitors can join a bar crawl or seek out happy hours to enjoy the nightlife on a budget.
Official after-parties aren’t common, but it’s easy to find informal gatherings with new friends at someone’s house. Alternatively, you can grab a late-night bite at one of Reykjavik’s excellent restaurants or pizza spots.
A map of Reykjavik’s nightlife hotspots can be helpful for locating the city’s favorite drinking spots. If you’re unsure, just follow Laugavegur and its nearby streets for the best nightlife experience.
Yes, Reykjavik has reliable 24-hour taxi services:
Unlike in many countries, you can’t hail taxis on the street. Instead, use designated taxi stands, the most convenient being on Laekjargata, though it can get crowded late on weekends. All taxis use official taximeters, as ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not available in Iceland.
Buses are an alternative for getting around Reykjavik. Nearby bus stops to the nightlife area include Laekjargata, Stjornarradid, and Hlemmur. For schedules and routes, check the official Strætó website or our Reykjavik Bus Guide.
As there is no entry fee to most of these bars, make sure you check out as many as possible before picking out your favorite ones! The nightlife in Reykjavik has the perfect variety to suit your preferences. Let us know your main haunts in Reykjavik below!
Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
Book your complete trip with the best companies only
3,165 reviews
572 reviews
1,654 reviews3,165 reviews
