Must-see nightlife in Reykjavík

  • Top Choice
    Kaffibarinn

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Kaldi

    Effortlessly cool with mismatched seats and teal banquettes, plus a popular smoking courtyard, Kaldi is awesome for its range of five Kaldi microbrews,…

  • Top Choice
    Reykjavík Roasters

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Kaffi Vínyl

    '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…

  • Top Choice
    KEX Bar

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Port 9

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Slippbarinn

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Bryggjan Brugghús

    Cavernous, dimly lit and dotted with vintage pub paraphernalia, harbourside Bryggjan Brugghús is a roomy microbrewery where 12 taps dispense its own fresh…

  • Top Choice
    Paloma

    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…

  • Stúdentakjallarinn

    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…

  • Prikið

    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…

  • Kaffi Mokka

    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…

  • Skúli Craft Bar

    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 –…

  • Bravó

    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,…

  • Klaustur

    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…

  • Pablo Discobar

    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…

  • Loftið

    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…

  • Micro Bar

    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…

  • Frederiksen Ale House

    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…

  • Café Haiti

    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…