9.7/10 Trustpilot
Star Bars
Bravo - This cosy safe haven might resemble the interior of an IKEA home exhibit, but there's a colourful charm to this bar that we've yet to see replicated anywhere else. By the way, the Nordic men here might be dishy, but in this venue, they're probably not interested...
Where? Laugavegur 22, Reykjavik
Snaps Bistro - For a taste of the big apple in Iceland's capital you can't go wrong with Snaps. This spectacular bistro is where all of Reykjavik's artsy-folk go to talk culture and look cool, so your bunch of giggling hens is sure to fit right in!?!
Where? Þórsgata 1, Reykjavik
Café Paris - If any city appreciates the simple elegance of Paris, it's Reykjavik. This bar is the perfect place to escape the hustle and the bustle of the inner city with a range of alluring cocktails inviting you in from the busy sidewalks.
Where? Austurstræti 14, Reykjavik
Best Bites
Saegreifinn - This delightful family restaurant serves plenty of traditional Icelandic cuisine for you to try. It's not great if you don't like fish, but if you aren't fussy, then you simply have to try the Lobster soup - it's been called the worlds best on more than one occasion...
Where? 4 Guildhall Hill, NR2 1JH
Hamborgarafabrikkan - Nope, the name of this diner doesn't translate to 'hangover-conqueror' but it might as well. The square-bun burgers cooked up here might seem unusual, but they're absolutely delicious - this is one holiday treat that you won't mind dropping any diets for.
Where? Höfðatún 2, Reykjavik
Sights & Sounds
Sights
After a big night out in this relatively new city, you could end up feeling a little worse for wear. However, a stroll along Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach will help you sooth any aches and pains from the previous evenings excesses. This man-made safe haven is exceptionally calming. It's a great pace to sunbathe during the summer and you can enjoy a relaxing swim at any time of year - it sounds a little crazy, granted, but cold-swimming is actually one of Iceland's oldest traditions!
Sounds
Reykjavik's nightlife is seriously vibrant and it seems that the twenty-something's of this Icelandic town all keep warm at night by convening to par-tay! Austur has a great atmosphere, and while it's a little odd to think of it as a nightclub at first (it looks a bit like a ski lodge, inside and out) once the party gets rocking, you won't want to leave!
Paloma is one of the most chic clubs we've ever seen - it might not be the most glamorous party venue, but it's got buckets of soul and we came away totally in love!
In the Diary
March - Blues Festival. The city's best bars are treated to performances from some of the world's best jazz musicians - Blues Brothers fancy dress is actively encouraged.
June - Iceland Day. Celebrate all that's great about this wonderful island by enjoying street performances, concerts and stunning balls.
June - Secret Solstice. This spectacular music festival attracts big names as well as local favourites and it takes place at the brightest point of the Icelandic year.
December - Christmas in Reykjavik. The city comes to life with festive cheer - The annual lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree and the chance to see the Northern Lights are unmissable highlights!
Top of the Shops
Reykjavik isn't known for its daring fashion, but the variety of visually arresting styles you'll see upon landing in this beautiful city are a testament of how dressing for the cold doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing looking good. From chic Scandinavian dresses to glamorous fur coats, the shops here are full of gorgeous threads that'll look perfect around the Christmas markets when you're back home.
Kolaportid - This flea market is absolutely gorgeous - the rag-tag collection of Icelandic bric-a-brac you'll find here is just waiting to be explored, plus Kolaportid also sells traditional foods for you to take home with you. 'Shark meat, anybody?'
Where? Tryggvagata 19, Reykjavik
Geysir - The girls will love this fashionably bijou boutique selling traditional Icelandic clothing as well as handmade products from the farmers market and the enormously popular Fjallraven backpacks.
Where? Skólavörðustíg, Reykjavik
Kronkron - If fashion is all about the 'money, money, money' with your group of hens then this stylish shop has big name designers as well as a few surprisingly cute bits and bobs from Icelandic up-and-comers!
Where? 63B Laugavegur, Reykjavik
Girls About Town - Getting around Reykjavik...
While you'll be sorry to hear that the locals don't all get around via husky/reindeer pulled sledges, the Icelandic capital does have an excellent bus network that's perfect for scaling the length and breadth of this fantastic city. You can pay about 350 ISK for a one way ticket, or if you think you might be using the buses a lot you can buy yourself a Reykjavik City Card that'll give you unlimited travel for a set period of time, as well as free entry to most major attractions.
Hen Days
Reykjavik is a phenomenal hen party location, there's a load to do here amidst all the sightseeing and there's a wide variety of activities to try. Whale Watching, Snorkelling and Glacier Hiking are just some of the unforgettable experiences you can take the girls on in this spectacular location. A Golden Circle Tour always makes for a fabulous time, and a visit to the calming Blue Lagoon is a worthy pilgrimage for many a hen party! See more...
Hen Nights
The Northern Lights aren't the only thing that comes out at night in this amazing town, all of Reykjavik's bright young things love to party and once the sun goes down the city's streets are always buzzing. Start your evening with a delicious meal in an Icelandic Restaurant before exploring the town's best party spots with our Guided Bar Crawl. Of course, the bride-to-be's big night out wouldn't be complete without Guestlist Nightclubbing!
