Mellow by day and even through the week, Reykjavik turns into something of a boisterous powerhouse at the weekends, as cafés transform into bars and clubs playing everything from house to heavy metal. The more raucous spots are supplemented by a slew of craft beer places and wine bars where it’s possible to enjoy an evening out without feeling like you’re in a mosh pit. Everything can be reached easily on foot, there are very rarely any entrance fees or queues, and dress codes and VIP rooms are the exception rather than the norm.
For more Reykjavik inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels, restaurants and things to do.
Slippbarinn
Slippbarinn, found inside the Icelandair Marina hotel down on Reykjavik’s pretty harbourfront, has built a reputation as a trendy drinking den. The reasons for this are twofold: its warm and welcoming interior, which features a long wooden bar with designer barstools, large windows with views towards the harbour, and light fittings that resemble buoys as a nod to its location; and the high quality of its drinks – particularly its ever-changing cocktails, which are made from fresh, local ingredients and house-made syrups, and served up by enthusiastic mixologists. There are also five beers on tap, a number of good wines, and a decent gin and rum selection, and the food menu stretches to steak burgers, a lamb duet (fillet and shoulder) and a catch of the day. Expect DJs on Saturdays from 5pm, as well as film shows for families during the day.
Contact: slippbarinn.is
Prices: £-££
Slippbarinn has carved out a unique niche as a stylish haunt for beverage connoisseurs with its innovative roster of rotating cocktails infused with locally-sourced ingredients and in-house prepared syrups. The popular crafts beer locale, Micro Bar is back, this time, on Laugavegur 86, the city’s main street, having moved from the rustic backdrop of the basement at Restaurant Reykjavík.
Even with its relocation, the ambiance remains consistent - it is a spacious, well-lit space welcoming up to 45 patrons. Despite the hustle, the bar maintains its core attribute of personal, friendly service, accompanied by soft, ambient music to keep the environment relaxed. The extensive assortment of drinks continues to awe patrons with 14 unique draft brews unavailable elsewhere in Iceland along with an impressive collection of bottled varieties, including New England IPAs, German and Belgian wheat beers, and a selection of wines and whiskeys. For the adventurous drinkers, tasting flights with 5 or 10 select beers are up for grabs.
If you need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out on their Facebook page at facebook.com/MicroBarIceland. Their welcoming staff will answer any queries you may have and guide you about the best time to visit, ensuring you get to experience the vivacious nightlife of Reykjavik at its best.
Prices: £-££
The ramshackle yet cosy Micro Bar knocks out the best selection of artisanal beers in the city Jungle Cocktail Bar
Jungle by name, jungle by nature: this themed cocktail bar has all the lush tropical greenery you could wish for, much of it hanging down over its dapper bar. The real pull, though, are the cocktails, which range from house-crafted specials and classic highballs, created by the capable, award-winning staff. There are also beers on tap, and a selection of wines and champagne, making it a popular for after-work drinks during the week, helped along by the cosy, candlelit ambiance and comfortable velvet sofa booths. Things get more lively at weekends with DJs.
Contact: jungle.is
Prices: £-££
Getting in: No dress code
Bryggjan Brewery
Set a little further out than most of the bars, this independent Belgian-themed brewery, bar and bistro is especially spacious for Reykjavik (it can handle up to 280 guests), and makes for a lovely quiet drinking spot through the week and at weekends. The bar has a great selection of home-brewed craft beers, bottled as well as draft, all of which use a range of global hops (except Belgian!) and carry no additives or extracts. Offers tend to be seasonal, with the hoppy and fruity Gullborg Pale Ale a major summertime draw, as is the German-style Waka Pilsner made with New Zealand hops; if you can’t decide, order a tasting flight of three or six beers, which can be combined with a tour of the brewery. Beer cocktails are also available. The restaurant does a great moules frites and there are live bands some nights through the week. Grab a table outside for wonderful views over the harbour.
Contact: bryggjanbrugghus.is
Prices: £-££
When it comes to creative and locally-inspired brews, you wouldn't want to miss what Bryggjan Brewery offers. Their intriguing collection of house-made craft beers extends from the traditional draft type to bottled options. With a panoply of hops sourced from across the globe, these brews succeed to garner developmental credit. Photo by: SIGURJON RAGNAR via sr-photos.com.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Kaffibarrin in its iconic stature, Prikid seamlessly transitions from a laid-back café-diner during the day to a pulsating watering hole at night. Owing its unique charm to an intentional 1950s diner aesthetic, the eatery offers day-time classics that range from American-originated milkshakes to pancakes as well as burger offerings, supplemented with vegan alternatives. The establishment's Laugavegur-aligned windows serve as perfect viewing points for some eclectic people-watching. As the sun sets, patrons can look forward to a simple yet adequately broad selection of beverages, encompassing mixed drinks, beers, and wines. Often on hand are a revolving roster of DJs and live musicians, injecting a hip hop infused vibrancy to its weekend parties.
Further inquiries: prikid.is
Cost: £
Entry guideline: To circumvent long queues, especially during weekends, early arrivals are advised
Come evening time, Prikid serves a decent, if unfussy, range of mixed drinks Selva
Selva is a vibrant Latin tapas restaurant that doubles up as an exotic late-night drinking and party spot. Staffed by a team from across Latin America and beyond, the drinks here have a focus on the Caribbean and South America—think Pina Coladas and Mojitos, Margaritas, Caipirinhas, and Paloma Mezcal, as well as tropical house-made cocktails like La Jungla and El Dorado. The bar also has the most extensive collection of premium rum (90 types) in Iceland, and serves up an upbeat mix of salsa, merengue and reggaeton that usually gets the crowd dancing in their seats. For sustenance, choose from the restaurant’s range of sharing plates— empanadas, tequenos, tacos, cevices, arepitas , fish and meat skewers.
Contact: selvarestaurant.is
Prices: £-££
Getting in: No dress code
Dillon Whiskey Bar
Dillon, set in an old wooden house on Reykjavik’s buzzy main street, is a stalwart of the city’s pub scene. True to its name, it offers over 170 whiskeys—the usual classics as well as lesser-spotted varieties from Sweden, Japan and even Icelandic: a domestically distilled tipple called Flóki–as well as local beers on draft. There’s a happy hour every day from 3-7pm, and the soundtrack is generally rock-themed, with live acts, DJs and karaoke sessions in the upstairs attic space. Popular with locals as well as tourists, it also has a beer garden in summer, and a heated patio for smokers in winter.
Contact: dillon.is
Prices: £-££
Getting in: No dress code
Pablo Discobar
The punning name captures something of the cheekily ironic and slightly kitsch nature of this craft cocktail bar. It’s a colourful experience from the bright red front door to the floral wallpaper, mirrored ceilings and, yes, discoballs, inside. The bar, decorated with Mexican murals and manned by bartenders often wearing equally flamboyant shirts, serves beers and mixed drinks but mostly a good selection of cocktails (the margaritas are top-notch). The music, as the name also suggests, leans towards disco from the 1970s onwards as well as Latin sounds, and the atmosphere and crowd tend to be equally upbeat. Happy hour runs daily between 5pm-8pm and there’s karaoke (in a state-of-the-art room) and more dancing on the second floor.
Contact: 00 354 552 7333; facebook.com/discobarrvk
Prices: £-££
Among Reykjavik's buzzing nightlife, Pablo Discobar stands out with its vibrant happy hour, twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 4-6 pm and later at night from 11 pm-1 am. Thanks to the flamboyant ambiance captured in the photos by SIGURJON RAGNAR from sr-photos.com, the bar draws a lively crowd.
If you're an aficionado of The Big Lebowski, with its beloved character "The Dude" played by Jeff Bridges, the Lebowski Bar is a must-visit. The eclectic decor with rugs lined on the bar, pop-culture photographs, and a real bowling lane enhances the colorful bar stools and overlooks Reykjavik's bustling main street. The quirky diner-style tables and luxe brown sofas provide comfort while you enjoy the myriad quiz nights, DJ sets from 10 pm, or sports screenings. Additionally, the menu boasts some American classics, including burgers, nachos, and chicken wings.
You can further nurse your 'Dude' nostalgia from a selection of over 25 different White Russians, 10 delectable draft beers, or even American-style milkshakes. Notably, Thursday is when you can participate in the movie quiz night at this bar. Check out more on the Lebowski Bar's official website.
Prices: £
Among Reykjavik's vibrant nightlife, Lebowski Bar stands out with its quirky aesthetic, featuring carpets adorning the bar and vividly hued stools, accentuated with pop-culture photographs dotting its space (picture credit to Sigurjón Ragnar Röntgen from sr-photos.com).
Embodying the cozy spirit of downtown Reykjavik (or "Reykjavik 101"), Röntgen Bar has been delighting patrons since its inaugural year in 2019. Its charmingly intimate and inviting atmosphere echoes through its two-floor locale, with gently glowing candles adorning the tables and multi-colored lights draped over windows and ceilings. Additionally, patrons are treated to a visual feast of local art masterpieces adorning its walls.
Not only the likable environment, but the bar also impresses with its wide array of well-curated wines, including the increasingly sought-after natural wines. Beer and cocktail connoisseurs will not be left wanting either, with an assortment that spans skillfully crafted old-fashioneds to irresistible espresso martinis. The venue also hosts a variety of events to keep the vibe lively, from pub quizzes and karaoke on Wednesdays to DJ sets and live music from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Find more about this trendy spot on their website: rontgenbar.is. While there's no strict dress code in place, the pricing is pocket-friendly, rated between £ and ££.
Fancy a stay in one of Reykjavik's best hotels while you explore the city's dynamic nightlife? Then check out the top hotel options right here.
Discover Hlemmur Square Hotel and Hostel
Immerse yourself in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland. Nestling amidst the city's vibrant night life, Hlemmur Square Hotel and Hostel easily distinguishes itself. It skillfully merges the laid-back vibe of top-tier hostels with the luxurious feel of a boutique hotel.
With room rates beginning at an affordable £ 40 every night, guests can enjoy an exciting and fun-filled stay without breaking the bank. The highly rated Hlemmur Square delivers both exceptional services and spacious rooms, not to mention its immediate proximity to some of Reykjavik's best bars.
Ready to experience the captivating fusion of luxury and affordability? To book your stay, simply click here. Availability provided by Booking.com.
Experience Reykjavik through Canopy by Hilton City Centre
HOTEL Reykjavik, Iceland
Proudly proclaiming itself as a 'lifestyle hotel', the Canopy by Hilton City Centre ensures a splendid vacation with its remarkable central location, sophisticated and meticulously detailed interior... From £225 per night. An opportunity not to miss if you wish to relish the best nightlife and bars in Reykjavik.
Enjoy a thrilling nightlife scene bustling with activity and immerse in the rich Icelandic culture while you stay at one of the best centrally located hotels. Did you know that Reykjavik is known for its enduring sunshine in the summer, the sun barely settles even at midnight? Providing an enchanting backdrop for the lively bars and clubs.
Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Discover Splendor at Hotel Borg
Experience Iceland's Luxury at Reykjavik's Hotel Borg
Hotel Borg in Reykjavik, Iceland boasts a rich historical status as the pioneer in luxury hospitality in the country. Currently under ownership by Kea Hotels, it stands as a testament to premium accommodation. Enjoy your stay from as little as £197 per night. Explore available rooms, complemented by service standards that reflect Iceland's warm hospitality. Pricing furnished by Booking.com
