Reykjavik Nightlife Guide

Reykjavik nightlife begins quite late – it is usual for a group of partiers to gather in someone else’s house before they head to the hottest nightspots. Drink prices are steep, and staying in for a few rounds is more economically viable. That being said, the Icelanders go out quite late that the nightlife appears quite sluggish, when all of a sudden happenings start to kick in. By then it will be very tough to get into the trendiest nightclubs – so unless you’re a VIP or knows the right people, you ought to get in early.

Opening hours for most café-bars are Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 - 01:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 – 03:00. Most hotspots open late, closing around 04:00 or 05:00, and it is not uncommon for partiers to spend all night in the city on weekend nights.

Dress code is strictly smart – don't expect to get into a club in style-conscious Reykjavik with an outfit that is less than spruced up. For foreigners, attire is more casual, but you’ll fit in more and be more comfortable if you turn up in smart-casual.
Most bars and clubs have no entrance fee, and those that do are the larger ones that regularly have live music. One of those is the Gaukur á Stöng, claiming to be "The Oldest Pub in Reykjavik". It has been successful for 18 years and is still one hottest spots with live music played every night. It is the only place in the city guaranteed to have a party atmosphere every night – it is wise to arrive early to avoid the queues.
Another spot that plays live music is the Kaffi Reykjavik, which hosts a different band every night featuring everything from disco to pop to rock. Things tend to get out of hand, though, as the venue also doubles as a pick-up joint for the twenty to thirty something. Meanwhile, jazz and blues alternates with pop and rock at Kringlukráin and Gaukurámtöng.

Kaffibarinn, whether still partly owned by Damon Albarn of the English group Blur or not, remains a gathering place of the city's media and party-hoppers, notwithstanding an alleged tax scandal involving the bar. It remains popular with the Icelandic bohemian set. Meanwhile, celebrities like Björk unwind in Rex Bar for its café-bistro-style bar and its quieter 'Mafia Room' in the basement.

Kaffibrennslan has an incredible selection of beers, and even free English magazines to leaf through for those who are looking forward to a quiet night. For the cheapest beers, Nelly's is the popular choice, and a favorite haunt of the straight and gay set.
22 remains popular, and more so on the weekends. For wannabe yuppies, Pravda is the cool choice – you'll groove to the music on the upstairs glass dance floor.
With Iceland's best DJs, Vegamót makes every night a nonstop party. It's a great restaurant that serves food from noon to evening, and as night progresses and the crowd changes, the restaurant evolves into a wild nightclub

Adult Enertainment

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