The best bars and cafés Iceland

Timetable

The capital is home to some of the island's liveliest nightlife. Most of the bars are located on Laugavegur and are very popular, opening late (some as late as 4 or 5am). Admission is generally free, and some bars offer happy hour . This sometimes starts much earlier than in France, from early afternoon onwards, and lasts until 8pm, but it's best to find out beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises.

More than tea rooms in Iceland, you'll find coffee shops serving lunch, afternoon snacks and sometimes evening meals.

Budget & Tips

Alcoholic beverages are particularly expensive in Iceland, with the average beer costing at least 1,000 Kr. Tipping is not compulsory. Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere.

Coffee is a must in Iceland, often free and self-service in public places, or even at the bakery! When it's a bit chilly, it's a much appreciated "plus".

Age restrictions

The minimum legal age for consuming and purchasing alcohol is 20. However, some establishments may decide to raise this age limit to 22 or 23 (in which case you'll have no choice but to comply). Age is sometimes verified, but this is relatively rare.

What's very local

Iceland was a country of prohibition, and even now you can only buy alcohol at Vinbudin, and only in limited quantities. Similarly, any beer in Iceland, even the least tasty, will cost an average of 1,000 Kr, or rather 1,500 Kr.

Happy hours or early hours? Many bars in Iceland offer happy hour, sometimes from midday until around 8pm. Don't hesitate to ask about them.

Icelanders like to drink strong spirits, such as their famous Brennivin, but the fall in wine prices means that wine is becoming more popular in the evening. Beer can be found in many bars, restaurants and cafés. Einstök beer is one of the most famous, but you can also discover more and more beers from breweries (Egill, Viking, Ölgerðin...) and microbreweries. You can also try Aquavit (brandy) in moderation, or vodka (Reyka is the best-known brand) on special occasions.

To accompany their coffee, Icelanders have a wide choice of pastries and viennoiseries. Möndlukaka (almond cake with a topping) is very popular, as are cinnamon rolls and a large slice of cake.

Kids

Children are allowed into cafés and restaurants, but alcohol consumption is prohibited in these places for those under 20.

Smokers

Most of the time, you'll be able to buy cigarettes in certain supermarkets, at a price currently similar to that on the French market. However, the choice is more limited.