Things To Do In Reykjavik At Night

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and one of the most unique and interesting cities in the world. Located on the southwestern coast of the island, Reykjavik is the northernmost capital of a sovereign state and one of the smallest capitals in the world with a population of around 130,000. This small city is full of life and culture, making it a great place to visit for any traveler looking for an exciting nightlife experience.

Reykjavik has a rich history and heritage that dates back centuries. It was originally founded in 870 AD as a trading post but grew over time to become the vibrant city it is today. It is home to many cultural attractions, including the National Museum of Iceland, the Hallgrimskirkja church, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Reykjavik is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues that stay open late into the night.

Reykjavik is also known for its unique cuisine, which combines traditional Icelandic ingredients with fresh seafood. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as plokkfiskur and harðfiskur, as well as Icelandic specialties such as smoked lamb and dried fish. Reykjavik also has a variety of international restaurants that serve dishes from all over the world.

The city is also known for its vibrant music scene, with many clubs, bars, and pubs that feature live music every night. Visitors can enjoy a variety of genres, from traditional Icelandic folk music to electronic music. Reykjavik is also home to many world-renowned DJs and producers who make regular appearances at local clubs and events.

For those looking for a more relaxed night out, there are many cafes and coffee shops around Reykjavik that stay open late into the night. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while chatting with locals or watching the night go by. There are also many art galleries and museums around Reykjavik that stay open late into the night, allowing visitors to explore the city’s culture and history at their own pace.

Popular Tours

Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour

One of the most popular tours available in Reykjavik is the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour. This tour takes visitors to some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, starting with Thingvellir National Park. Here visitors will explore the area’s stunning landscape, including the rift valley that marks the point where two tectonic plates diverge. The tour then continues to Geysir geothermal area, where visitors will see bubbling hot springs, geysers, and hot rivers. The tour concludes at the Secret Lagoon, a naturally heated hot spring where visitors can take a dip and relax in the warm waters. You can book this tour here.

Northern Lights Tour

The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural phenomena, and a Northern Lights Tour is one of the best ways to experience them. This tour takes visitors out of Reykjavik and into the countryside, where they will be able to see the Northern Lights in all their glory without any light pollution. The tour also includes stops at some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, such as Thingvellir National Park and Geysir geothermal area. The tour usually takes place between September and April, when the Northern Lights are at their most active. You can book this tour here.

Whale Watching Tour

Another popular tour in Reykjavik is a Whale Watching Tour. This tour takes visitors out on a boat off the coast of Reykjavik to observe some of Iceland’s spectacular marine life. Visitors will have the chance to see a variety of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds up close in their natural habitat. The tour typically lasts for three hours and includes an experienced guide who will provide information about the local wildlife. You can book this tour here.

Bars and Clubs

Reykjavik is home to a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs that stay open late into the night. One of the most popular bars in Reykjavik is Kaffibarinn, which is located on Bergstadastraeti street in downtown Reykjavik. This bar offers an extensive selection of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails as well as live music on weekends. For those looking for a unique experience, Kaffibarinn also offers a traditional Icelandic sauna experience on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Another popular bar in Reykjavik is Kaldi Bar, which has been around since 1995 and is known for its lively atmosphere and great selection of beers and spirits. Kaldi Bar features live music every night as well as DJs spinning a variety of genres including hip-hop, funk, reggae, and more. There are also several other bars and clubs located around Reykjavik that stay open late into the night offering drinks, food, and live music.

Live Music Venues

Reykjavik is known for its vibrant music scene and there are several live music venues in the city that stay open late into the night offering a variety of genres from traditional Icelandic folk music to electronic music. One of these venues is Iðnó Concert Hall & Theatre which hosts a variety of events from jazz concerts to stand-up comedy shows to film screenings. Another popular live music venue is Gamla Bíó which hosts regular concerts featuring both local and international musicians from different genres such as rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, and more.

For those looking for something more intimate there are also several small venues around Reykjavik that stay open late into the night offering live music every night. These venues include Húrra Reykjavík which hosts regular DJ sets as well as live bands every weekend while Prikið Kaffihus has been around since 1983 hosting both local acts as well as international musicians from different genres such as folk and blues.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

For those looking for a more relaxed night out there are many cafes and coffee shops located around Reykjavik that stay open late into the night offering coffee and tea as well as light snacks such as sandwiches and pastries. One of these cafes is Mokka Kaffi which has been around since 1962 and is known for its traditional Icelandic atmosphere along with its large selection of coffees, teas, cakes, pastries, and snacks. Another popular cafe in Reykjavik is Stofan Café which offers an extensive selection of coffees from all over the world as well as light sandwiches and salads.

Art Galleries and Museums

Reykjavik is home to many art galleries and museums that stay open late into the night allowing visitors to explore the city’s culture and history at their own pace. One of these galleries is The National Gallery of Iceland which features works from both Icelandic as well as international artists from different eras such as contemporary art, photography, sculpture, painting and more. Another popular museum in Reykjavik is The Settlement Exhibit which tells the story of how Iceland was settled by Norsemen over 1,000 years ago using interactive displays, videos and artifacts.

Conclusion

Reykjavik is a vibrant city full of life and culture that offers something for everyone. From exciting tours to lively bars and clubs to art galleries and museums there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik at night for any traveler looking for an unforgettable experience.