Reykjavík - Bars & Nightlife

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Bars & Nightlife

Reykjavík

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Overview

Bars & Nightlife The guide was updated: 2024-09-05

Walking through the Reykjavík city centre during the day, and doing the same after hours when the party is well under way, are two completely different experiences. Reykjavík is well known for its vibrant nightlife, with trendy bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning. Whether you are interested in listening to live music or dancing the night away, you are sure to find something to your liking.

Bars & Clubs — The distinction between cafes, pubs, bars and clubs is far from clear in Reykjavík, with many daytime cafes turning into tightly packed bars and clubs as the night goes on. Many are open until late (five in the morning) and it is not uncommon to spend all night in town on Friday and Saturday nights. Most bars and clubs are in the compact downtown area which makes it easy to test many different places.

Live Music — Reykjavík has a very eclectic music scene which goes far beyond what you might have heard about Björk and Sigur Rós. The scene is made up of a large number of genres, with everything from hardcore punk rock and indie to chamber music and hip-hop. You can take in a concert almost every night of the week.

Gaukurinn

Gaukurinn

Iceland’s oldest pub is going strong, featuring live rock concerts from a mix of mainstream and underground bands. There's something going on almost every night, including stand-up comedy shows and karaoke parties. Gaukurinn has been stable in the Icelandic music scene since forever and many of Iceland’s biggest artists started out here In recent years Gaukurinn has established itself as a safe haven for the queer/alternative/drag and other artists in Iceland.

Solon

Solon

Most party goers know Solon as a weekend party place with DJ's and wild dancing. On top of that, it's a cafe, bistro, restaurant and bar. Depending on the time of day, you can drop in for the perfect cup of coffee, a drink or a dinner, and then stay for the music and dancing.

Lebowski Bar

Lebowski Bar

Naturally, Lebowski Bar is dedicated to The Dude from the famous Coen brothers movie. The outrageous 90s retro interior has lots of rugs, colourful bar stools and diner-style tables, a bowling lane and pop-culture paraphernalia galore. The food menu is American inspired with showstopping burgers, draft beers and 20 types of White Russian.

Prikið

Prikið

A 50s-style diner during the day and a nightclub on weekends. Used to be the oldest continuously running traditional coffeehouse on the street, but caters now to a younger clientele.

Beer & Booze Tour

Beer & Booze Tour

Icelandic craft beer — bet you won't find it anywhere back home. Now, with a beer toor, you can sample 10 different brews and learn about the history of Icelandic beer from the Vikings to present day. You'll be a part of a small and intimate group, so you'll fit right in at one of the bars in Reykjavik. It's a perfect ending to a long day of exploring the city.

Kaffibarinn

Kaffibarinn

Kaffibarinn is a hip bar with a bohemian atmosphere with casual DJ nights and local beers. It was featured in the film 101 Reykjavik and is part-owned by Damon Albarn of Blur/Gorillaz fame.

Slippbarinn

Slippbarinn

Slippbarinn is the place to experience Reykjavík like a local while enjoying Icelandic music, art and even some stand-up comedy. This is the perfect place to gather with old and new friends over a drink in the hippest part of town. The drink menu has an impressive selection of wine and cocktails that will melt the heart of those who love a nice drink.

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