Reykjavik may seem like a small and quaint city, but that doesn’t mean people don’t know how to have a good time. There are endless entertainment options available, from world-class dining establishments to art house cinemas. No matter what your thing is, there’s something for everyone.
However, what sets Reykjavik apart is its legendary nightlife scene, often described as one of the wildest in the world. The locals love to party, and it shows. There are plenty of places to go out in Reykjavik from dive bars to high-end clubs that are always packed into the early morning hours.
If you’re planning to hit the bars in Reykjavik, here’s everything you need to know about Iceland nightlife and why it’s worth reserving a night (or two!) to experience it.
What’s Unique About Iceland Nightclubs?
The nightlife in Reykjavik is unique because Reykjavik is a relatively small city. Bar hopping is easy when every bar and club is within walking distance of each other. Naturally, Icelanders are all about their bar crawls – they rarely stay in one place all night.
As is common in European nightlife, the locals don’t go out on the town till quite late, often past midnight. Traditionally, an Icelandic party starts by drinking at someone’s home (because, of course, overpriced drinks in bars are universal). This pre-game routine lasts until 11 PM at the earliest, so don’t make the mistake of going to night clubs in Iceland early!
Where is the Best Nightlife in Iceland?
Most of the Reykjavik nightlife staples are packed together on Laugavegur Street, right in the heart of the city.
The city’s main shopping street by day, Laugavegur transforms into a lively and loud affair by night. It’s lined with bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants, and food stalls, so you have everything you need in one convenient location.
However, if you’re looking for massive nightclubs, you won’t find them here – at least, not the three-story dance venues you’re used to.
Instead, most venues double as bars or restaurants. In fact, many of them are cafes in the morning. It’s easy to find these dance venues – just follow the loud music!
Best Bars in Reykjavik
Bars are the centerpiece of Iceland nightlife, where locals converge to hang out. As such, you’ll find no shortage of bars in the city, covering every taste and preference. To help you narrow your search, here are a few the locals frequent.
If you’re a beer lover, downtown Reykjavik is a dream destination. Drop by Mikkeller and Friends, serving exciting and innovative (and sometimes quite strange) beers from the Danish craft beer brewery. For some local Icelandic beers, go to Kaldi bar, a local favorite.
Craving a taste of summer in the middle of wintry Iceland? Reykjavik nightlife
has got you covered with Kokteilbarinn which translated directly as The Cocktail Bar, has an excellent range of cocktails and a fun atmosphere. The centerpiece of the bar is the Champagne train, designed to evoke the glamour of the 1920s.
For something a little more laid back, try Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar. This cozy pub caters to an older crowd. It’s a quieter place to enjoy a warm ambiance and engaging conversations over a few drinks.
Dress Code and Age Limits for Reykjavik Clubs
The age limit and legal drinking age for Icelanders is 20 years old. We recommend you bring a form of identification that indicates your birthday, especially if you’re lucky enough to look younger than you are.
While most bars and establishments don’t enforce a dress code, Icelanders tend to dress up when going out. If you want to blend in, we advise doing the same. However, practicality is prioritized during colder weather, so you’ll see more people in thick jackets and snow boots.
Experience Reykjavik Nightlife from Your Own Campervan
If you’re looking to hit the dance floor at some of the best Iceland clubs, nightlife in Reykjavik offers a lively atmosphere that’s as friendly as it is exciting. The array of bars and clubs alone makes it worth adding to your itinerary. If you’re going to Iceland for the iconic natural beauty (as you certainly should!), take a night in town to experience the welcoming nightlife Reykjavik has to offer. And there’s no better way to do that than with the freedom and flexibility of exploring in an Iceland campervan.
Rent.is offers the unique opportunity to experience Iceland on your own time aboard one of our comfortable and roomy campervans. Contact us today, and let’s make your next Iceland trip one for the books.