One thing you should know about Reykjavík – it has an incredible nightlife.
Another thing you should also know? Alcohol is SUPER expensive!
So, what’s a traveler who’s ready for a fun night out supposed to do?
If you’re in the capital and don’t want to spend a fortune, then Reykjavík happy hour is your new best friend.
With cocktails easily running $19 USD or more, grabbing drinks in Iceland could easily set you back more than you’ve budgeted.
That’s where these happy hour deals come in handy!
Luckily, many of the Reykjavík happy hour spots, ranging from cozy pubs to trendy cocktail bars, are conveniently located downtown.
I’ve done the “hard work” (sipping cocktails and sampling local brews 😉) to bring you a guide to the top happy hour spots in town.
I’ll also be sharing some insider tips, like how to track down deals with a handy app, and other ways to save on alcohol in Iceland.
Experience the top bars, clubs and the best happy hours in Reykjavík…
(while still keeping your tab in check.😊)
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- How to Find a Happy Hour in Reykjavík
- 10 Happy Hour Bars in Reykjavík
- Other Ways to Save on Alcohol in Iceland
- Reykjavík Map
How to Find a Happy Hour in Reykjavík
If you’re visiting the capital, happy hour in Reykjavík is a great way to mingle with the locals and fellow travelers.
But where can you find them?
Aside from the list I’m going to give you, here are a few tools that can help:
Happyhour.is: You can check out the Happyhour.is website for information on happy hours happening throughout the city. If you click on the one you’re interested in, it’ll give you more details on times and even the cost of some drinks. Really handy!
Barhopp: The Barhopp app makes looking for the best Reykjavík happy hour deals incredibly easy. It’ll help you find discounts on different kinds of drinks. You can browse bars, sort them according to price and bar attributes, and see what events are happening at the pubs and bars around town.
Visitor’s Guide: This website gives you a convenient list of happy hours in Iceland.
Reykjavík happy hour usually takes place in the early evening, which makes it the ideal time to relax before heading out for dinner.
So, I recommend checking these out, especially if you’re sticking to a strict budget!
10 Happy Hour Bars in Reykjavík
Reykjavík happy hour is an excellent way to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife without overspending.
Now, let’s find some of the most popular bars where you can enjoy the best happy hour deals!
Kaldi Bar
If you love gin cocktails, you’ll be happy to know that Kaldi is the bar in Iceland with the largest gin collection.
In 2024 it also snagged the prize for Best Cocktail of the Year!
If beer is more your thing, they also have a great selection of beers on tap, including local brews and those from the Kaldi Brewery.
The atmosphere is great, but it does get quite busy, especially on weekends. So, get there early if you want to grab a good seat!
Happy hour: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily.
Pablo Discobar Happy Hour
As if the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, this place has a ‘70’s-style vibe.
You can expect karaoke, dancing, and some of the best cocktails in Reykjavík.
With its retro decor and lively atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! Pablo Discobar is considered to be one of the best dance clubs in Reykjavík.
Groovy baby! 🎶
Happy hour: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily.
Loft Bar, Reykjavík
The Loft Hi Hostel is a hostel and bar, the perfect combo if you ask me!
Located right in the heart of Reykjavík, it’s an ideal spot to stop for a few drinks after exploring the city.
In addition to happy hour, they also have a “Wine Wednesday” where you can enjoy 20% off wine all day!
Happy hour: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
If you’re traveling solo, this is the perfect spot to meet fellow travelers. The vibe is super chill and social. Check out this blog post for more tips on traveling solo in Iceland.👇
➡️ READ: Solo Travel in Iceland: Why it’s the Best Country in the World to Visit Alone
The fact that Loft is not only a great place to hang out but also a hostel makes it even easier to enjoy Reykjavík’s nightlife without worrying about transportation afterward.
Whether you want something similar to Loft or a different vibe altogether, 👉Booking.com is perfect for booking your accommodations. You can filter by location, budget, and even find spots with free cancellation.
Slippbarinn Happy Hour
I love hanging out at this trendy bar right next to the Old Harbour.
Many bars in the city, like Slippbarinn, take pride in their mixology skills. Enjoying Reykjavík cocktails isn’t just about the drinks – it’s about the whole experience.
For instance, the cocktail menu here is described as a ‘collection of creative experiments,’ so if you love trying something new, this is a great place to start.
What’s also cool is that on some nights, they offer a Late Happy Hour.
Night owls can rejoice! Reykjavík happy hour isn’t just for the early crowd!
Happy Hour: Daily from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Late Happy Hour: Mondays – Thursdays from 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM.
Den Denske Kro (The Danish Bar, Reykjavík)
You can expect live music every night in a cozy, Danish-style tavern.
They have an impressive variety of beers, cocktails, and traditional drinks.
On Thursdays, they have a special on their cocktail menu from open to close. For a fun twist, you can also enjoy board games on Monday nights.
This is a very popular spot among locals, attracting a wide range of visitors from young adults to seniors. So, get there early!
Happy hour: Daily from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Happy hour cocktails in Reykjavík: Thursdays from open to close.
Bryggjan Brugghús
If you’re looking for a mouthwatering meal and drinks in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, then Bryggjan Brugghús is an excellent choice.
Their menu includes both vegetarian and gluten-free options, and you’ll find a variety of local brews.
Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily.
💥Food and drink go hand in hand, so why not make it the ultimate foodie experience by taking the Reykjavík Food Walk Tour?
Indulge in 3 hours of food and fun with this guided tour and experience the flavors of Iceland.
Book the highest-rated food walk tour in the Reykjavík using my VIP code: ICEVIEW for a 10% discount!
Bravó Bar, Reykjavík
Not only does Bravó have a great atmosphere and an eclectic style, but its prime location in Laugavegur Street makes it a popular place to stop by for a drink.
If you’re looking for cheap beer in Reykjavík, Bravó is very reasonably priced.
It also has bragging rights to the longest happy hour in the city, making it another popular choice!
Happy hour: 1:00PM – 8:00PM
Sæta Svínið (Saeta Svínid Gastropub)
This pub translates to ‘Sweet Pig’ and focuses on good food and beer. They have an assortment of drinks including artisan cocktails!
Their menu is extensive and the food and desserts look delicious!
They also host many events including bingo nights.
Happy hour: Daily from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Want to discover more restaurants and bars in Reykjavík? Check out the ultimate food and drink guide below:
➡️ READ: Reykjavík Food & Drink Guide: The Best Foodie Hot Spots In Iceland’s Capital
Micro Bar, Reykjavík
Despite having a more modern feel, the Micro Bar is one of the oldest craft beer bars in the country.
One of the more popular items they have on their menu is their Tasting Tray, where you can choose between 5 or 10 beers.
It’s another great option for Reykjavík happy hour!
Happy Hour: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily.
Reykjavík Happy Hour at Skúli
This is such a perfect spot to enjoy a cozy atmosphere.
The music is low, so you can have a nice conversation with the person you’re with without shouting – which is always nice.😉
The main draw of Skúli is their selection of Icelandic craft beers. They focus mainly on the Borg Brewery (Borg Brugghús) which is one of my favorites!
Happy Hour: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily.
Other Ways to Save on Alcohol in Iceland
Other than taking advantage of Reykjavík’s happy hours, here are a couple of more ways to save money on alcohol in Iceland.
Shop Duty-Free
One of my all-time favorite ways to save money on alcohol in Iceland is by shopping duty-free.
Make sure you stock up on duty-free alcohol before you leave Keflavík airport.
You can thank me later. 😉
For more tips on how to save on your trip to Iceland, be sure to check out this post!👇
➡️ READ: How to Travel Iceland on a Budget: 25 Tips to Save Money on Your Trip
Take a Tour
Taking a Beer & Booze Tour is a fun way to learn about the history of alcohol in Iceland.
Did you know it was banned for 74 years?!
Of course, you’ll also be able to sample Icelandic craft beers (or gin, vodka, or Brennivín if that’s more your taste).
The tour takes you to three great bars and gives you insider tips on where to eat and drink.
Plus, you’ll get to sample a ton of local beers and spirits for one flat tour fee so you can keep your budget in check!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Reykjavík Beer & Booze Tour
Reykjavík Map
Are you ready to make the most out of your trip to Iceland?
Explore the capital with my 👉 Reykjavík Map.
Whether you’re looking for art galleries or iconic landmarks, it’s all here.
Not only will you find the city’s coolest spots, but you’ll also get the inside scoop on where to eat, shop, and enjoy a drink with the locals.
Plus, it’s a great way to navigate the city without the stress of getting lost!
It even includes essentials like grocery stores and toilets… because, trust me, when you’ve got to go, you don’t want to be hunting for a restroom! 😉
With over 200 pinned locations, it’s the perfect tool for experiencing this city like a local, including the nightlife in Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Map
$10.00
Your own personal tour guide showing you the best of the city – from the trendiest restaurants to those little-known local spots most tourists miss out on.
Cheers to unforgettable nights in this incredible city!
Happy Planning!
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