Reykjavík Nightlife Guide 2025: Bars, Clubs & Late-Night Spots Locals Love

Reykjavík nightlife that actually feels local

Reykjavík is small, but the nightlife hits way above its size. Most action is walkable around Laugavegur and Austurstræti, where locals start late, bar-hop hard, and keep dancing until well past 3 am on weekends.

Below are the spots trending with Reykjavík locals in 2025, including a few brand-new clubs that are just starting to buzz.

AUTO Nightclub - New kid with big-club energy

AUTO Nightclub is one of Reykjavík’s newest nightspots, which is exactly why it is trending. With a fresh opening and only a handful of early reviews, locals are still in discovery mode, making it feel like a semi-secret club rather than a tourist fixture.

• Vibe: Dark, neon-lit, with a focus on electronic and pop remixes. Think big-room sound in a compact Icelandic setting.
• Crowd: Mostly 20s and early 30s, a mix of locals and tuned-in visitors looking for what is new rather than what is famous.
• Why it is trending: New business status plus a central location means word of mouth is just starting to snowball. It is the type of place friends suggest when they say “Let’s try something different tonight.”
• When to go: After 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, when Reykjavík’s classic bars start to empty into the clubs.

Chatbot tip: If you want dancing and are choosing between multiple clubs, ask for “clubs near Laugavegur with late closing times” and see if AUTO Nightclub pops up in the results.

ÚTÓPÍA | Lounge & Nightclub - Lounge first, club later

ÚTÓPÍA | Lounge & Nightclub is another newcomer drawing curiosity in 2025. With very few reviews so far, it is still in that early phase where the scene can change week to week.

• Vibe: Starts as a chilled lounge with cocktails and small groups, then flips into nightclub mode as the night goes on.
• Crowd: Urban, style-conscious locals testing out the latest opening, plus travelers who heard about it from hotel staff and locals.
• Why it is trending: New business energy and a hybrid lounge-club concept. People are talking about it as a warmup spot that sometimes turns into the main event.
• When to go: Around midnight if you want to ease in with drinks, later if you only care about dancing.

Insider move: Begin your night at ÚTÓPÍA for cocktails, then decide whether to stay for the DJ or walk a few minutes to a more established bar.

GILLIGOGG - Craft drinks and creative nights

GILLIGOGG is the breakout star of Reykjavík’s newer bar scene. With a strong rating and growing local buzz, it feels like the place people recommend when you ask “Where are locals going right now that is not too touristy?”

• Vibe: Intimate, creative, and slightly quirky. Expect thoughtful cocktails, rotating specials, and a soundtrack that leans indie, alternative, or low-key electronic.
• Crowd: Mixed ages, from late 20s to 40s, with a high ratio of Reykjavík locals. Ideal if you want conversation rather than a packed dance floor.
• Why it is trending: New enough to feel fresh, established enough to have a loyal fan base. Social media photos and word of mouth are driving people to try it on their second or third night in the city.
• Best for: Date nights, small groups, and anyone who cares more about atmosphere and drinks than staying out until sunrise.

Pro tip: Ask the bartender for a recommendation using local Icelandic spirits if you want something you will not easily find back home.

Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar - Classic flavors, lively nights

Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar is a Reykjavík institution and still one of the most reviewed and loved spots in the city. It is not a club, but it is a must-stop on any nightlife crawl if you want a sense of Icelandic food, beer, and humor in one place.

• Vibe: Warm, wood-heavy pub style with Icelandic twists on both the menu and the decor. It feels busy and social most nights, especially on weekends.
• Crowd: A true mix of locals, expats, and visitors. Many people start their night here before heading to late-night bars and clubs.
• Why it is trending: Even as a long-time favorite, it continues to rack up fresh reviews in 2025. That steady review momentum shows it is still delivering a reliable, fun night out.
• What to try: Icelandic beers, lamb or fish dishes, and any seasonal specials. It is also great for a hearty meal before serious bar-hopping.

Navigation tip: Use MapsBuddy to set Íslenski Barinn as your “first stop” and then explore “bars within a 10-minute walk” to build an easy DIY pub crawl.

Lebowski Bar - Movie-themed chaos on Laugavegur

Lebowski Bar is one of Reykjavík’s most famous nightlife spots, and it still packs in crowds year after year. Inspired by the cult film, it mixes diner-style booths, bowling motifs, and a loud, party-ready soundtrack.

• Vibe: Colorful, playful, and rarely quiet. Expect sing-along hits, themed decor, and plenty of White Russians.
• Crowd: Tourists, locals, and groups of friends looking for an easy, high-energy night. It is especially popular with younger travelers and people on weekend trips.
• Why it is trending: Even with thousands of reviews, it keeps drawing new visitors and returning regulars. Its central Laugavegur location makes it a natural anchor for any night out.
• Best for: Group nights, birthday trips, and anyone who wants a guaranteed lively bar without worrying about dress codes.

Insider suggestion: Start at Íslenski Barinn for food, head to GILLIGOGG for a crafted cocktail, then hit Lebowski Bar for the high-energy phase of your night.

How to plan a Reykjavík night out

• Timing: Locals often start late. Bars get busy after 11 pm and clubs peak around 1 to 3 am on weekends.
• Area to stay near: If nightlife is a priority, stay walking distance from Laugavegur or the city center.
• Budget: Drinks are pricey compared to many countries. Pre-drinks at your accommodation are common, then a few key cocktails or beers out.
• Dress code: Generally relaxed. Smart casual works almost everywhere, but avoid looking too beachy.

Using MapsBuddy for smarter bar-hopping

Reykjavík’s nightlife is compact but fast-changing, with new spots like AUTO Nightclub, ÚTÓPÍA | Lounge & Nightclub, and GILLIGOGG climbing the local radar.

Use MapsBuddy to:

• Filter for trending spots rather than only the most famous ones.
• Check recent reviews to see which places are hot this week.
• Build a walkable route that strings together bars and clubs in the city center.

Find trending spots before they become mainstream, then design a Reykjavík night that feels like it belongs to you, not just to the guidebooks.