A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Information
- Eating & drinking in Reykjavik
- Things to do in Reykjavik
- Where to stay in Reykjavik
- Reykjavik street map
Reykjavik is well known for its modern, urbane and uninhibited nightlife; there are a disproportionate number of bars and clubs for the city's size and, for many travelers, it's the main reason why they head this far north!
From swanky bars and summer gardens to top live bands, entertainment is never in short supply. Bankastræti and Ingólfsstræti are good spots to get the evening started.
Prices, however, can be high and locals often choose to do their drinking early at home or at one of the wonderful geo-thermal pools scattered around the city before heading down to a club. When the venues begin to close, they gather again at Austorvollur Square to keep the party going late into the night.
After a long evening of drinking and dancing, you can grab a hotdog from one of the 'pylsur' stalls which come out in force around Lækjartorg Square to satisfy hungry revelers.
Although the city can be somewhat quiet during the week, Reykjavik is always bouncing by the weekend. With alcohol state-controlled and pricey (just like the other Scandinavian countries), heavy drinking is very much an institution - which tends to guarantee a wild night out.
Eating out in Iceland can also be an expensive business, although local delicacies such as puffin and seafood are indeed superb. The best bet for budget travelers is to head for a main meal at lunchtime, when many places have special offers.
There's a marked difference in price between those establishments with stylish decor and more casual cafes but the variety - and quality - of menus doesn't seem to change as much. Austurstræti has some affordable restaurants, whilst Lækjargata is packed with touristy 'all-you-can-eat' buffets which offer surprisingly good value and quality.
However, if eating out proves beyond your means, fresh produce is also readily available for self-catering across the city and there are a number of cheap snack bars providing cheap food on the go.
Ultimately, life in Reykjavik is a little bit unique - remote yet sophisticated and sunny at night, the city is unlike any other. And its this which (despite the prices) draws in so many backpackers and travelers every year.