Reykjavik: Nightlife

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
trendy | dancing | live music | club

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
dancing | bar | dj

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
dancing | live music | club

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
trendy | lounge | bar

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
lounge | bar | local favorite

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
trendy | local favorite | pub