The Best Bars & Pubs in Reykjavik for Foreigners and Travelers

Here’s the deal. I hate it when articles are geared toward tourists. Best bars for foreigners? What makes them different than the best bars in Reykjavik for locals to get their alcohol fix at?

Well, two things:

• They are at least somewhat typical Icelandic. Locals enjoy English pubs, too. But you are not in Iceland to go to an English pub, right?
• These bars are a great place to meet fellow travelers. Which, as you know by now (or as you will soon find out), is essential when you are taking a trip by yourself.

And there you have it, my excuse for doing this article. I am sure you will enjoy it, though, because there are plenty of great pubs in Iceland’s capital. But these are the absolute best, in my opinion. Shall we?

1. Kex Hostel

Alright, bear with me. Hostels around the world are known for the quirky crowd they attract. When a hostel has a bar, that bar is the place to be, whether you are staying there or not. The Kex hostel is a perfect example of this.

Hiding behind a simple door, an invisible sign, and a stairway that could easily lead to an abandoned backyard, the Kex was actually a biscuit factory once.

If you are looking for a place to stay and you can’t afford too much extravagance – the Kex. Fancy a cheap drink in a fun, whimsically decorated bar? The Kex.

They also do coffee.

You can literally spend the entire day here and not be sorry about it. And if you think it could not get any more hip than that, what if I told you they also do live music? Nothing fancy, of course, just local artists gathering a bunch of friends at gigs, but usually great tunes.

There is a reason the Kex made it into the best bars in Reykjavik without even being a bar. And if you’re looking for more hostels, I have a list of the best in Reykjavik, as it’s always good to have options.

Back to Kex Hostel – I’ve marked it on Google Maps here, or you can learn more about it here.

2. Kaldi Bar/Café

While equally perfect for an all-night party, this tiny, cosy bar is the best place in Iceland’s capital to start the night.

They are known for their original line of craft beers. The Kaldi beers are locally brewed, free from a lot of the chemicals ‘mainstream beer’ contains, and any of their bottles would look cool in your collection.

There’s more to beer here, though: Kaldi has received various awards, some of the most recent being the “Best atmosphere bar 2023,” or the “Best cocktail of the year 2024”. So you know you’re in a great spot!

Relax and chat over some drinks as you plan the rest of the night – marking it here on Google maps, where you can also find the menu through the photos.

Also, read about the cost of living in Iceland to mentally prepare for the prices here.

3. Kaffibarinn

A coffee shop by day and a club by night, the Kaffibarnin is welcoming and fun. They invite a lot of international DJs, but their regular Friday night guy is pretty good as well.

The Kaffibarnin might not have the ‘it place’ value of other bars on this list but it definitely makes up in the after-dark fun you get to have. It helps that it’s also a cult favourite.

Why is the Kaffibarinn one of the very best bars in Reykjavik for foreigners?

It fits the two criteria. Authentic and a place to meet other travelers.

On the weekends, it gets quite crowded. So much so that it’s kind of disgusting when you think about it. On the plus side, Icelanders are a very attractive bunch: both Icelandic women as well as Icelandic men, that is. I bet you would not mind having them in close proximity all that much.

In short, the Kaffibarinn has something for everyone and that is why every single Reykjaviker knows the place. If you don’t, I’m marking it on Google Maps here.

4. Microbar

The name might say micro, but the beer selection is anything but. In fact, this is probably the best beer bar in town. From small Icelandic brands to international favorites and everything in between, the Microbar will definitely satiate your thirst. In more ways than one…

The murals on the walls are by Hugleikur Dagsson.

You might not have heard of him, but he is a pretty big deal here in Iceland. His simple, funny cartoons have won this artoonist (artist and cartoonist, and yes, that is what he calls himself) universal love and a couple of Boredpanda viral articles.

I highly recommend checking him out, even if you don’t end up at the Microbar (or even in Reykjavik). But if you want to check this place out – it’s worth it! I’m marking it on Google Maps here. You can also check the menu or book a table via their official website.

Also read: Where to Stay in Iceland

5. Prikið ehf.

Nestled on the corner of Bankastræti and Laugavegur in downtown Reykjavík, Prikið ehf. has been a cornerstone (quite literally, we can say!) of the city’s café and pub scene since its founding in 1951.

Housed in a charming, Bavarian‑beer‑garden‑style red building, it is a true all-day hangout, opening at 9AM. In the morning, you’ll see people sipping coffee there – you can get your face printed on the coffee, too!

By afternoon, families and couples indulge in open‑faced sandwiches; later at night, the space morphs into a hip DJ‑driven bar packed with locals and travelers alike.

Their signature open‑faced “Big Daddy Kane” steak and “Larry Bird” chicken sandwiches are hits (there’s also a “Snoop Dogg” for variety), and they also serve hearty Icelandic‑style breakfasts like Skyr pancakes and soup with free bread and waffles.

Add to that live music on Fridays (at the very least), and you have a hit pub to visit in the heart of the city. Check out their menu on the official website or go there directly – I’ve marked it on Google Maps here.

6. Slippbarinn

Located in the iconic Marina Hotel, this bar is the city’s first real cocktail place. They are still one of the best, although they do attract an older, calmer crowd now.

Their specialty are cocktails featuring seasonal herbs. The ingredients are always fresh and local, even if the guests are usually travelers staying at the hotel. Locals do acknowledge the legendary status of the bar, though.

I have found it is one of the first places people recommend. Well, that is if they don’t already know your trashier side.

The cocktail craze is huge in Iceland, by the way. More than a couple of establishments have become popular this way. The competition is fierce, though. Expect ever so whimsical creations and barmans calling themselves mixologists.

To be fair, they do make some pretty damn good cocktails, so I am not even mad at the hipstery. Bear in mind that cocktails are an expensive treat. Iceland as a whole is pricey, but if budget is something you mind, there are cheaper ways to get drunk. Just a friendly reminder, that is all.

With all these in mind, I’m marking it on Google Maps here.

Wrapping up

And there you have it. Our 6 Best Pubs in Reykjavik , but then again, you get to have a say here, too. Share your thoughts and suggestions for this list in the comments down below. We will be sure to respond (and go check out the place, of course). Happy travels and if you need extra help, you can always check out my Reykjavik nightlife guide for foreigners.