Akureyri
The place in town for draught and local beers, this convivial spot has recently partnered with local (and well-loved) brewery Einstök to create a brewer's…
Must-see nightlife in Iceland
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The Westfjords
This wonderful small cafe serves delicious cake and coffee or beer and wine (1300kr) on a farm called Kirkjuhvammur, just back from Rauðasandur. At low…
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East Iceland
Maybe every tiny town should have a microbrewery. Especially when it's as genial as this one. Opened in 2016, this brewery and bar has free samples of its…
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Reykjavík
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…
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Reykjavík
Cavernous, dimly lit and dotted with vintage pub paraphernalia, harbourside Bryggjan Brugghús is a roomy microbrewery where 12 taps dispense its own fresh…
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Reykjavík
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…
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The South
Vík's hippest hang-out is warehouse-style with grey walls, windows looking onto the brewing room and blackboards displaying 10 craft beers on tap. Hop…
Reykjavík
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…
Ísafjörður
There's a mellow feel to Edinborg, where a relaxed bar with a pool table sits side by side with a restaurant serving great burgers and fish. That makes it…
Reykjavík
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 –…
Reykjavík
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…
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Reykjavík
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…
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Akureyri
Always a hub of convivial main-street activity, the fun timber-clad bar at Akureyri Backpackers is beloved of both travellers and locals for its…
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Seyðisfjörður
When you can't get a table elsewhere in town, there's usually space at this friendly, two-storey cafe-bar offering supremely tasty barbecue dishes and…
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Reykjavík
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…
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Reykjavík
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…
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The South
Solid range of microbrews from South Iceland, including the eye-catching Lava beer. Tours last 30 to 40 minutes (per person 3000kr) and include details…
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Akureyri
The locals' favourite drinking spot, fun and central Götubarinn (Street Bar) has a surprising amount of cosiness and charm for a place that closes so late…
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Reykjavík
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…
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Reykjavík
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…
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North Iceland
Cool mountain-peak graphics and vintage sofas set the scene at this end-of-week bar on Sauðárkrókur's main drag, where local brews are on tap, plus loads…
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Reykjavík
The perfect pit stop for art aficionados, Marshall sits in the same building as three cutting-edge galleries. It's appropriately aesthetically appealing:…
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The Golden Circle
Simple cafe with a nice outdoor terrace, serving good coffee plus hot-spring-baked rye bread with smoked trout or brie. Soup, waffles, cookies and muffins…
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Reykjavík
Tuck into meaty and creative pub food while quaffing a litre of the local ale at this three-storey feature of Reykjavík's gastropub scene. Happy hour is…
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Reykjavík
Distillery producing Flóki, an Icelandic single malt whisky. Distillery visits are by appointment only.
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Reykjavík
This unusual cafe (dishes 990kr to 3700kr) caters to cyclists, with coffee, beer, wine, a shower, laundry and a workshop for DIY repairs.
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East Iceland
You can’t miss the oversized coffee cup announcing this place, primarily a restaurant-bar (kitchen closes at 9.30pm) and pub hang-out for locals. There’s…
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Reykjavík
Up until around 10pm you get a diverse menu at this large, central cafe-bar. After that it looses its civilised veneer and concentrates on drinks and…
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The Golden Circle
The only drinking option in the area is at Skjól Campsite, where the friendly on-site bar serves beer and wine. Also a small pizza menu, snacks like…
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Akureyri
An easy-breezy stop for an evening drink, convivial R5 has a mixed bag of decor (tiles, carpeted banquettes, timber tables) and an array of Euro brews,…
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Akureyri
Café Amour lures Akureyri’s bright young things with its lengthy cocktail list and New World wines. The small club upstairs is pretty garish but draws the…
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The South
One of the few drinking options in town, this simple bar and cafe has booths and TV screens for watching sporting events. It also serves simple breakfasts…
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Reykjavík
A mellow hang-out with good views onto bustling Lækjargata and local brews including Einstök Arctic Ale on tap. The house beer is always 700kr (in…
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Reykjanes Peninsula
A hole-in-the-wall that can get raucous at weekends and has occasional live music. Some sports are shown during big tournaments.
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The South
In the basement of the Suður-Vík Restaurant, this cosy watering hole pours local beers on tap and limited wines.
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