Most of the nightlife is centered in Reykjavík and is primarily on Laugavegur street, known for its “Rúntur” (pub crawl) culture, high-energy weekend parties, and inclusivity. While expensive, bars often feature happy hours, with peak, high-energy times lasting until 4–5 a.m. on weekends. Iceland’s nightlife is known for its live music, beer culture, and dancing!
Bar Scene, Alex Albert, CC0
Bars and Clubs
Gaukurinn is one of Reykjavík’s oldest pubs and one of the popular spots for local bands, karaoke, and drag shows. There are no reservations required, and the atmosphere is very lively yet relaxed. Standard beers cost about $10-12, while cocktails generally range from $15-20. However, during Happy Hour, draft beers are roughly $7-9. This is a good place to get involved in the heart of pub culture in Iceland.
Slippbarinn is one of Reykjavík’s craft cocktail bars and one of the originals at that! It’s located in the heart of Reykjavík's Old Harbor area, inside the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina. Prices for cocktails range from $17-19, draft and bottled beers $8-12, and glasses of wine $9-11. Unlike other Reykjavík bars, Slippbarinn has become a go-to destination for its innovative drinks, stylish ambiance, and a welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, this bar is celebrated for its eclectic menu of creative cocktails in addition to its delicious dining menu.
Kaffibarinn is a warm café with great coffee by day and a bar that has earned international fame through its starring role in local cult cinema by night. It’s also a bar at night! Every night DJs play a range of music from electric house to indie, and the occasional classics. Drink prices for draft beers are $7.50 at happy hour and $12.50 otherwise. Cocktails range from $16-21. This is a great place to experience a spot locals love, to drink and dance, and maybe even spot a global icon seeking a quiet drink; it’s been known to happen before.
Nightlife Experiences
Other than bars and clubs, there are plenty of fun activities to do in the hours of the night. This can include concerts, comedy shows, or more outdoorsy things like adventures to see the Northern lights. Many musical experiences can be found at the places recommended above, but for some different options, visitors could check out Harpa Concert Hall and Gamla Bíó to see what concert events they are hosting. Additionally, Tjarnarbíó is a theater known for great shows. The comedy and performances change yearly but they always prioritize showing local Icelandic talent.
Insider Tips
While nightlife is extremely safe in Iceland, prices for drinks while out and about can get quite expensive with cocktails starting at prices close to $20 and upwards. Many locals drink at home beforehand and go to bars and clubs for the atmosphere primarily. The nightlife hours tend to begin around midnight, and people stay out until 4 or 5 am.
Many clubs and bars do not have cover fees, but they can vary. However, it's important to note that in Iceland, the drinking age is 20 and guests may be IDed at any time. Drinking and driving, as well as public intoxication are taken very seriously in Iceland, the legal limit is 0.02% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Penalties are severe, starting with heavy fines of $536 to $1,205, immediate license suspension (typically for two months), and in severe or repeat cases, mandatory jail time. Ensure you are not driving with anything in your system. Uber and Lyft do not operate in Iceland, but the taxi system, Hreyfill, does for getting home safely.