
Since drinking, like everything else in Iceland, comes at no small price, going-out rituals among native Icelanders commence with apartment get-togethers, followed by an all-night runtur (round tour) – a post-midnight pub-crawl of all Reykjavik's hottest spots. The streets don’t get crowded until after 11pm, bars typically close at 3am, and clubs stay open until at least 4 or 5am (sometimes even later!). Cover charges vary by the day and venue, but expect to pay $15-$20 where there is live music or dancing.
Glaumbar End your evening at this loud, late-night dance haven, bearing in mind that “night” in Iceland extends to 6am, sometimes even later. The crowd is young and the music cliché (expect ubiquitous pop, dance and Top 40 tunes that have polluted the radio for more than a year), but no one seems to mind. Tryggvagata 20; 011-354-552-6868; www.glaumbar.is
Highlander With go-go cages and Guitar Hero, this bar is best suited for those who crave more than idle conversation over a few beers. Laekjargata 10; o11-354-590-1550
Hressingarskálinn (Hressó) Popular with students, this wild diner-by-day, dance-club-by-night is roomy enough to get your groove on. Not the classiest establishment in the city, but probably one of the liveliest. Austurstræti 20; 011-354-561-2240; www.hresso.is
Kaffi Reykjavik Ice Bar After sampling Icelandic brews at Ölstofan, head to Kaffi Reykjavik for a taste of the native liquor brennivin, a strong potato-fermented schnapps that will knock your socks off. Head to the ice bar –made of glacier fragments – if you can stand the cold. Vesturgata 2; 011-354-551-8900
Ölstofan Frequented by journalists and members of Parliament, Ölstofan is a prime early-night stop (local bargoers tend to head here after work) to grab a pint of locally brewed beer with pals. Vegamótastígur 4; 011-354-552-4687
The Dubliner Everyone loves a good old-fashioned Irish pub. Icelanders are no different, and you’ll find them (along with travelers looking to converse in English) packing this modest, fun-loving bar most nights of the week. Hafnarstraeti 4; 011-354-511-3233