Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
This old house with the London Underground symbol over the door contains one of Reykjavík’s coolest bars; it even had a starring role in the cult movie…
Must-see nightlife in Iceland
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Effortlessly cool with mismatched seats and teal banquettes, plus a popular smoking courtyard, Kaldi is awesome for its range of five Kaldi microbrews,…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
These folks take their caffeine seriously. The tiny hipster joint is easily spotted on warm days by its smattering of wooden tables on a small square…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
'Vegan is the new black' reads the neon sign, vinyl discs spin on the decks and a cool crowd tucks into meat-free noodles, burgers and pasta (mains from…
Akureyri
The place in town for draught and local beers, this convivial spot has recently partnered with local (and well-loved) brewery Einstök to create a brewer's…
The Westfjords
This wonderful small cafe serves delicious cake and coffee or beer and wine (1300kr) on a farm called Kirkjuhvammur, just back from Rauðasandur. At low…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Locals love this hostel bar-restaurant (mains 2000kr to 2500kr) in an old cookie factory (kex means 'biscuit') for its broad sea-view windows, inner…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Port 9 sauntered onto Reykjavík's drinking scene supremely confident in the quality of its wines and the knowledge of its staff – offerings here range…
East Iceland
Maybe every tiny town should have a microbrewery. Especially when it's as genial as this one. Opened in 2016, this brewery and bar has free samples of its…
Reykjavík
Jet-setters unite at this buzzy bar at the Old Harbour's Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina. It's bedecked with vintage record players and cool locals…
Reykjavík
Cavernous, dimly lit and dotted with vintage pub paraphernalia, harbourside Bryggjan Brugghús is a roomy microbrewery where 12 taps dispense its own fresh…
Reykjavík
At one of Reykjavík's best late-night dance clubs DJs lay down reggae, electronica and pop upstairs, and a dark deep house dance scene in the basement…
The South
Vík's hippest hang-out is warehouse-style with grey walls, windows looking onto the brewing room and blackboards displaying 10 craft beers on tap. Hop…
Reykjavík
You don't have to be a student to drop by the University of Iceland's on-campus bar. In the dimly-lit, stylish basement you'll find academics of all ages…
Ísafjörður
There's a mellow feel to Edinborg, where a relaxed bar with a pool table sits side by side with a restaurant serving great burgers and fish. That makes it…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Being one of Reykjavík's oldest joints, Prikið feels somewhere between diner and saloon, which is great if you’re up for greasy eats (mains 2000kr to…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
The decor at Reykjavík’s oldest coffee shop has changed little since the 1950s, and its original mosaic pillars and copper lights either look retro-cool…
Reykjavík
The big draw here is the 14 craft beers on tap, the majority of which are normally Icelandic. Or you might want to opt for one of the bottled beers –…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
What's claimed to be the city's longest happy hour (11am to 8pm, local draught beer 800kr) isn't Bravó's only asset. You'll also find friendly bartenders,…
Reykjavík
One of Old Reykjavík's most beguiling night-time hideaways, low-key, welcoming Klaustur is primarily a wine bar, but drinks also include a bold selection…
Reykjavík
In the world's northernmost capital, Pablo Discobar offers an escape from darkness and disappointing weather for the price of a cocktail. Neon-bright and…
Akureyri
Always a hub of convivial main-street activity, the fun timber-clad bar at Akureyri Backpackers is beloved of both travellers and locals for its…
Seyðisfjörður
When you can't get a table elsewhere in town, there's usually space at this friendly, two-storey cafe-bar offering supremely tasty barbecue dishes and…
Reykjavík
Loftið is all about high-end cocktails and good living. Dress up to join the fray at this airy upstairs lounge, which features a zinc bar, retro tailor…
Reykjavík
Boutique brews are the name of the game at this low-key spot in the heart of the action. On tap you'll find 14 creations from the island’s top…
The South
Solid range of microbrews from South Iceland, including the eye-catching Lava beer. Tours last 30 to 40 minutes (per person 3000kr) and include details…
Borgarbyggð
This quaint flower and gift shop is also a cosy cafe with hot drinks, beer and snacks. Relax in overstuffed chairs.
Akureyri
The locals' favourite drinking spot, fun and central Götubarinn (Street Bar) has a surprising amount of cosiness and charm for a place that closes so late…
Reykjavík
A modest selection of draught beers (happy hour is two-for-one; 4pm to 7pm) meets lots of bottled offerings and a decent pub-food menu, including brunch…
Reykjavík
If you’re a coffee aficionado, this tiny cafe in the Old Harbour is the place for you. Owner Elda buys her beans from her home country Haiti and roasts…
North Iceland
Cool mountain-peak graphics and vintage sofas set the scene at this end-of-week bar on Sauðárkrókur's main drag, where local brews are on tap, plus loads…
Reykjavík
The perfect pit stop for art aficionados, Marshall sits in the same building as three cutting-edge galleries. It's appropriately aesthetically appealing:…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Stylish, roomy Artson features a list of crafted cocktails that's as long as your arm. Six are seasonal, 10 are alcohol free and they're all served up…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
The sweeping roof terrace at this lounge-bar at the top of a restored old theatre is supremely stylish, with decking, rattan sofas and expansive views. It…
Borgarbyggð
This little family-run brewhouse 25km northeast of Borgarnes off Rte 50 has a good range of local beers, from strawberry beer to lager and seasonal beers…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Bastard's in-house microbrewery produces two zippy beers for the taps here and around a dozen others sit alongside. It's a swish spot, with an upbeat…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Bright light streams in at this high-end coffee institution, with hardwood tables and a relaxed air.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Ostensibly a queer bar, Kiki is also the place to get your dance on (with pop and electronica the mainstays), since much of Reyjavík's nightlife centres…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Beer, beards and the odd flying bottle. Atmospheric Dillon is a RRRRROCK pub with a great beer garden out the back. Loud live bands hit its tiny corner…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Named in honour of Sesame Street's Cookie Monster, this cheerful neighbourhood spot has super coffee, plus great homemade cakes, salad, soup and grilled…
