Iceland Nightlife: 10 Best Iceland Bars
Iceland’s inner cities feature some of the most underrated European bar scenes today. Aside from tourists, the locals themselves have been known to spend some time in their hometown bars. If you want to hit the bar after a long day of hiking, touring or even soaking in the hot springs of Iceland, we have gotten you covered! Here is a list of some of the best go-to bars to hit when on a trip to Iceland.
- Trish C.
- From USA
1. Paloma
Look no further if you what you seek is a 24/7 bar in Reykjavik. No matter what time your flight lands, feel free to pay Paloma a visit for a drink at any time. This bar provides a lively feel at all hours and is known as the “Viking Bar”. You might wander in before noon to see some workers taking an early lunch, or enjoy dancing and evening festivities later on during evenings. The bar is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
- Address: 1-3, Naustin, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price range: Cheap and daily Happy Hour Specials
2. Kaldi Bar
The Kaldi Bar is known to be one of the best pregame locations for a few drinks in Reykjavik. Although it is a bit smaller, it is highly unique, and a great place to try a handcrafted Icelandic brew. The bar crafts its own beers, and are known to be a bit more on the natural side, as they contain less additives
- Address: Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price range: Medium to high
3. Micro Bar
If selection is what you're after, then you would do yourself good to check out the Micro Bar. It features both homemade Icelandic alcohol as well as foreign classics on tap. While you enjoy a drink, guests are encouraged to view the art and murals on the wall. You can browse through the extensive beer menu to find what best suits your taste. The Micro Bar is easily one of the most popular bars in the city.
- Address: Vesturgata 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price range: Cheap, affordable beer
4. Gallery Bar
For a more diverse, and cultural scene, check out the Gallery Bar. It cleverly mixes both an art house vibe, and a gentlemanly type feel. As you sip your beer, you can enjoy sitting in an armchair while looking at some of the featured art. The bartenders are experience at mixing high-end cocktails, so that everyone can have the drink they desire.
- Address: Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price Range: High. The bar is located within a five star hotel.
5. Loftid
The Loftid, is one of the few bars in Reykjavik that requires a polished dress code. Classy drinks are served to customers. Those looking to get dressed up for a night out in Reykjavik would find this bar appealing. You can find a mix of both locals and foreigners. This bar serves exquisite cocktails!
- Address: Austurstræti 9, Austurstræti, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price range: Expensive, cocktail bar prices
6. Kaffibarinn
For younger folks looking for a bar that offers the trendiest live music and DJs, Kaffibarinn is the place to be. It offers a distinct party vibe, and city dive bar type feel. The bar itself is recognized as one of the most unique party spots in the capital. Although by day it is a coffee shop, it is a wonderful bar to check out by night. The bar however, is not just a great location for the younger crowd. If you're into live music, it's worth checking out for that reason alone.
- Address:101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price Range: Cheap
7. Boston Bar
The Boston is another great bar to grab a beer and listen to some live music. It's also a go-to bar if you're looking for a plate of Mexican food. The location is beautiful, featuring candle-lighting as well as delightful wooden panelled walls. It is a great place to see for both a meal and a drink during your first night in the city.
- Address: Laugavegur 28a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price Range: Medium
8. The English Pub
The English Pub is a great spot for a traditional pub dinner or lunch. It offers some of the finest beer in the city. The pub is also great for sports viewing. On most nights, there's live music to be enjoyed. The atmosphere itself is fun and keeps guests coming back. If you're looking for a place that offers a great selection of beer and food, then check this place out.
- Address: Austurstræti 12, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price Range: Cheap, frequent happy hour specials.
9. Kex Hostel
If you desire a rich cultural experience at a hostel, then this could be the location in Reykjavik for you. Evolving from once being a biscuit factory, it is now one of the liveliest and most well-known bars in the city. The Kex Hostel draws all kinds of different people within its doors. It is a great place for a decent beer and some basic pub grub to keep you satisfied. It offers a different feel because of the alternative live bands that caters to those interested in this genre of music. Overall, it is a great place to grab a drink and catch some live music, particularly on a weekend night.
- Address: Skúlagata 28, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price Range: Cheap – medium. Hostel type prices that cater to backpackers.
10. Slippbarinn
Legend has it, that the Slippbarinn may be Reykjavik’s very first bar. This gives it a rich and historical vibe, that keeps the locals coming back for more. The bar offers drinks crafted by some of the most highly trained mixologists in the city. Slippbarinn is not only one of the most popular bars in Reykjavik, but in all of Iceland. The bar itself is located within the Reykjavik Hotel Marina, which is also another popular landmark. Many of the drinks are crafted with local ingredients, giving an authentic taste with each sip.
- Address: Mýrargata 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Price Range: Medium – High
Although many of the best bars are in Reykjavik, there are plenty of them all around Iceland. Both hostels, and hotels, feature some of the most prominent bars alongside the high-end restaurants and night spots. Be sure to check out some of these bars during your visit to Iceland.
