12 Bucket List Things to Do in Reykjavik at Night (#4 is UNREAL!)

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The first time I saw the Northern Lights dance above Reykjavik, I spilled hot chocolate all over my new boots…and honestly? Worth it. While most cities wind down after sunset, Iceland’s capital cranks up the quirk factor. I’ve lost count of how many nights I’ve spent hopping between steamy hot pots filled with chatty locals and bars where Björk herself has been known to pop in for a casual drink.

Looking for the best things to do in Reykjavik at night? From rooftop bars where the sunset lasts for hours (in summer) to thermal pools under starlit skies, this city flips the script on typical nightlife. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, that light show up above steals the whole damn show.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik! They take you to prime spots far from city lights for the best aurora views, plus provide pro photos so you can actually enjoy the show. You also get insider tips from guides who know exactly when and where the lights will dance. This aurora chase is a must-do on a Reykjavik itinerary in my opinion!

What to Do at Night in Reykjavik at a Glance

Trying to make the most of Reykjavik after dark? Here’s your go-to guide for the coolest night experiences in Iceland’s capital. Tap any highlight below to jump to that section.

• Best Aurora Adventure: Chase the Northern Lights with Reykjavik Excursions
• Top Live Performance Spot: Harpa Concert Hall
• Best Foodie Night Out: #1 Reykjavik Food Walk Tour
• Most Scenic Thermal Soak: Sky Lagoon
• Coolest Bar for Locals + Tourists: Kaffibarinn
• Best Aurora Spot by the Sea: Grótta Lighthouse
• Top Culture Fix: National Theatre of Iceland
• Coziest Café Hang: Reykjavik’s Cozy Cafés
• Most Unique Group Activity: Reykjavik Escape
• Best Scenic Night Walk: Reykjavik Harbor
• Top Street for Party Vibes: Laugavegur Street

Here’s how I’d do it: start with a food walk or thermal soak, chase the Northern Lights or enjoy a show at Harpa, then wrap it up with drinks and dancing on Laugavegur. Reykjavik after dark? Total magic.

1. Hunt for northern lights on a guided tour

I’ve chased the northern lights across Iceland multiple times, and nothing beats that moment when the aurora suddenly erupts across the sky like nature’s own fireworks display. The aurora borealis appears from late August to early April. In my experience, the peak months are from November through February when the nights are longest and darkest.

Companies like Wake Up Reykjavik and Reykjavik Excursions offer small-group experiences with expert guides who monitor aurora forecasts and take you to locations with the highest probability of sightings each night. Most tours include hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, plus professional photos so you don’t have to fumble with camera settings in the freezing cold. Many operators offer free rebooking within three years if you don’t see the lights on your first attempt.

The beauty of guided tours is that they handle all the logistics…monitoring weather conditions, choosing optimal viewing locations away from Reykjavik’s light pollution, and keeping you warm while you wait. Tours typically last 2-5 hours and include round-trip transportation from Reykjavik. Your guide will also share fascinating insights about the science behind the aurora while entertaining you during the inevitable waiting periods.

Book this early in your trip to maximize your chances since you can usually rebook if weather doesn’t cooperate. Dress in layers including thermal underwear because temperatures can feel like -9°C with wind chill. Most tours depart around 8-9pm, and even if aurora activity is strong, heavy clouds can completely block the display.

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2. Attend a concert at Harpa Concert Hall

Walking into Harpa feels like stepping inside a giant crystal that’s been perfectly tuned for music. This award-winning venue opened in 2011 and features a stunning honeycomb glass facade designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson. The building transforms as darkness falls, with the glass facade creating an incredible play of light inside and out.

The venue emphasizes both professional ambition and diversity, showcasing a wide range of Icelandic music alongside international artists. Eldborg, the largest hall, can accommodate 1,700 people and features exceptional acoustics suitable for all musical genres. Regular shows include “How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes,” “Pearls of Icelandic Songs,” and performances by the Reykjavik Big Band.

Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and hosts major events including international music festivals. The venue also houses two restaurants: La Primavera Ristorante on the 4th floor with fantastic harbor views, and Hnoss Bistro offering weekend brunch and extended hours on concert nights.

You can take guided tours of the building to see areas normally hidden from the public, and all guides are musicians who know Harpa from personal experience. Box office hours run 10am-6pm daily, with extended hours on event nights. Check their website for current programming since performances vary seasonally.

3. Join Reykjavik’s top-rated food walking tour

The Reykjavik Food Walk completely changed my perspective on Icelandic cuisine. This isn’t just about fermented shark and strange delicacies. The tour is ranked #1 of all tours in Reykjavik on TripAdvisor, visiting 5-6 restaurants where you’ll taste over 8 different Icelandic cuisines. Groups are kept small at maximum 12-14 guests to ensure a personal and fun experience.

Tours run at different times with varying restaurant routes depending on opening hours. You’ll sample everything from traditional Icelandic hot dogs to fresh seafood, Icelandic skyr, and local specialties. Everything is included in the tour price. You just show up hungry and they take care of the rest, visiting both famous “must-visit” restaurants and hidden local gems down back streets.

The evening tours are particularly special because you’re experiencing Reykjavik’s dining culture exactly as locals do. Tours meeting at Harpa Concert Hall run approximately 3-4 hours, typically starting around 5pm and finishing about 8pm. They easily accommodate dietary restrictions for vegetarians, pescatarians, and those with gluten or lactose intolerances.

These tours sell out fast, so book early through their website. The walking distance is only about 2km total since you stop frequently at restaurants. Alcohol isn’t included, but you can purchase drinks at each location.

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4. Relax at Sky Lagoon geothermal spa

Sky Lagoon delivers everything I love about Iceland’s geothermal culture in one stunning oceanside package that feels worlds away from tourist crowds. This scenic lagoon opened in 2021 and features a 75-meter infinity-edge pool that appears to blend seamlessly into the Atlantic Ocean, offering views of distant mountain peaks and glaciers.

The experience centers around the Seven-Step Skjól Ritual, combining warm and cold water, dry heat, and fresh air following centuries-old Icelandic bathing traditions. Evening visits are particularly magical, with ambient lighting and Reykjavik lights twinkling in the distance. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, children under 12 aren’t allowed, creating a more adult-oriented atmosphere.

The facility stays open until 10pm in winter and 11pm in summer, making evening visits possible and highly recommended. There are two ticket types: Saman (classic experience with public changing facilities) and Sér (premium experience with private changing rooms and showers). Most people spend 1.5-3 hours here, though you can stay up to 5 hours if you want to enjoy the on-site restaurant.

Book in advance as tickets often sell out, especially for sunset slots which offer the best ocean horizon views. During winter months, you might even witness the northern lights while soaking in the warm geothermal water. The location just minutes from Reykjavik makes this perfect for ending a day of sightseeing.

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5. Experience Reykjavik’s nightlife at Kaffibarinn

Kaffibarinn taught me that the best bars aren’t always the biggest…sometimes magic happens in tiny spaces where everyone becomes instant friends. This legendary bar with its distinctive red exterior has been a Reykjavik institution since the 1990s, creating the city’s party town reputation. The bar famously has connections to Blur’s Damon Albarn and is marked by a London Underground logo outside.

During the day it operates as a coffee shop starting at 3pm, but transforms into an energetic nightlife hub as evening progresses. DJ sets feature everything from indie rock to electronic beats in this tiny space that gets jam-packed during weekends. The venue has three sections: ground floor dancing area and bar, plus a second floor sitting lounge.

From Sunday to Wednesday it maintains more of a café atmosphere, but Thursday through Saturday the volume rises and it becomes one of Reykjavik’s hottest bars. The atmosphere features trendy crowds, excellent music, and not nearly enough space for all the dancing bodies – which is exactly what makes it special.

Arrive before 8pm for better prices since Einstök White Ale costs only 650 ISK during happy hour. The bar transforms from mellow café to raucous party venue on weekends when tables and chairs are pushed aside to create a makeshift dance floor. Note that they don’t allow photography inside (they’ve maintained this privacy policy for years).

6. Visit Grótta Lighthouse for peaceful evening views

Grótta Lighthouse showed me that sometimes the best evening entertainment is simply finding a quiet place to watch the world slow down. Located on a small peninsula at the westernmost tip of Greater Reykjavik, this 1897 lighthouse sits on a tiny tidal island. This means you can only reach it at low tide, which makes getting there part of the adventure.

In winter months, Grótta becomes a prime location for witnessing the northern lights, offering an unobstructed view away from city lights. The area often fills with aurora hunters on clear nights, creating an impromptu community of sky-watchers. Each season offers different experiences: winter brings northern lights opportunities, summer features midnight sun and active birdlife.

The area is a designated nature reserve offering sanctuary for various bird species, especially during migratory seasons. There’s free parking and basic toilet facilities, making it perfect for self-guided visits. From May 1 to July 15, access is restricted to protect nesting birds, though you can still visit during low tide.

Getting there is straightforward: take bus 11 from City Hall to Hofgarðar stop, then walk 5 minutes to the lighthouse. You could also take a 10-minute taxi ride. Check tide times before visiting since the lighthouse is only accessible during low tide. Evening visits work best for photography, especially around sunset when the lighthouse stands dramatically against colorful skies.

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7. Catch a show at Iceland’s National Theatre

The National Theatre of Iceland proved to me that world-class drama doesn’t require a massive metropolis…the most intimate venues create the most powerful experiences. Situated in the historical center of Reykjavik, this architectural marvel designed by Guðjón Samúelsson was inspired by Icelandic folktales about humans entering elf palaces inside giant rocks.

The theatre presents around 30 productions each season across five separate venues, ranging from new Icelandic works to international classics, musicals, and children’s productions. The 2024-2025 season offers captioning in English for the 7th performance of Main Stage productions, making shows accessible to international visitors. The venue employs around 35 actors permanently and welcomes approximately 100,000 spectators each season.

The theatre has four stages: the Main Stage (500 seats), the Black Box (130 seats), the Small Stage for Children (80 seats), and the Theatre Cellar Cabaret Club (100-120 seats). The dark-grey stone building has an art-deco style with red carpeted floors and gilded artworks creating a decadent interior atmosphere.

The theatre is closed during summer months, and the majority of productions are in Icelandic. However, shows are still enjoyable for non-Icelandic speakers, and the more compact size compared to theaters outside Iceland creates a unique experience. It’s located just 10 minutes from Hallgrímskirkja church and within walking distance of most downtown accommodations.

8. Warm up in Reykjavik’s famous coffee houses

Reykjavik’s café culture taught me that the best travel moments often happen when you slow down and embrace local rhythms instead of rushing between attractions. The city’s coffee houses serve as vital social hubs where locals gather to escape the elements, catch up with friends, and enjoy some of the world’s best coffee. These aren’t just places to grab quick caffeine. They’re cultural institutions that embody the Icelandic concept of hygge.

Many of Reykjavik’s cafés stay open late into the evening, creating cozy refuges filled with warm lighting and comfortable seating. Local favorites include Café Babalú, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent coffee, Stofan Café with its vintage furniture and laid-back vibe, and Kaffi Vinyl, where you can browse records while sipping expertly crafted drinks.

The Icelandic coffee culture emphasizes quality over speed, so don’t expect quick service but do expect exceptional quality. Many cafés also serve as informal galleries displaying work by local artists. During evening hours, some transform into wine bars, offering local craft beers alongside their coffee selection.

These venues often host live acoustic music, poetry readings, or simply provide quiet corners perfect for reading or people-watching. Most offer free WiFi and welcome laptop users. This makes them perfect for catching up on travel planning between evening activities. Most stay open until 10pm or later, with some serving alcohol after dinner hours.

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9. Challenge yourself at Reykjavik Escape rooms

Reykjavik Escape saved a rainy evening for me and proved that sometimes the best adventures happen indoors when you’re solving puzzles with strangers who become teammates. Located in central Reykjavik, they operate Tuesday through Friday from 2pm to 8pm, and Saturday from 12pm to 8pm. These live interactive escape games challenge groups of 2-5 people to escape themed rooms within 60 minutes.

With 7 different rooms available, they can accommodate groups of up to 50 people simultaneously. Themes include “Hangover” (where you wake up after a night out with no memory and locked doors), “Prison Break” (escaping from jail during a one-hour guard rotation), and “Dollhouse” (escaping from a creepy children’s playroom after being kidnapped).

Success rates vary by room, with “Prison Break” having a 38% escape rate and “Hangover” having a 35% success rate. Teams of 3-6 people tend to have the best dynamics and success rates. The facility focuses on testing communication, time management, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a fun environment.

The experience works well as a pre-dinner activity since sessions last exactly one hour. You can book online for better rates and guaranteed spots, and should arrive 15 minutes early for briefings. Contact them at info@reykjavikescape.com or +354 546 0100 for group bookings and scheduling information.

10. Take an evening walk around Reykjavik Harbor

Reykjavik’s harbor area showed me how working maritime culture and modern urban development can create something unexpectedly beautiful when evening light dances across the water. This waterfront district offers the perfect blend of fishing boats returning with their daily catch, historic buildings telling stories of Iceland’s maritime heritage, and modern developments showcasing the city’s evolution.

The harbor walk takes you past the Old Harbor (Gamla Höfnin) with converted warehouses now housing museums, restaurants, and shops, while the pathway offers unobstructed views across Faxaflói Bay toward Mount Esja and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Evening hours bring that special Arctic light quality photographers love, when the low sun creates dramatic contrasts between colorful building facades and deep blue harbor water.

Street musicians often perform along the waterfront, while the gentle lapping of waves against harbor walls creates a meditative rhythm. The harbor connects seamlessly with other evening activities. You can easily walk from here to Harpa Concert Hall, continue to the city center for dinner, or head toward Grandi district for craft beer tastings.

Time your walk for sunset to catch the best lighting and harbor atmosphere. The pathway is well-lit and safe for evening strolls, with numerous benches for harbor-gazing. Food trucks and casual dining options line parts of the harbor, and during whale watching season, you might spot minke whales or dolphins directly from the harbor walls.

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11. Explore the bars and clubs on Laugavegur Street

Laugavegur Street taught me that the best nightlife districts concentrate incredible variety within walking distance, so you can experience everything without ever needing transportation. This bustling main street serves as the beating heart of Reykjavik’s legendary nightlife scene, lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants where both locals and tourists start their night out.

Locals don’t typically venture out until around midnight, and drinks are expensive – expect to pay upwards of 1,000 ISK for a pint of beer and 2,200 ISK for a cocktail. This pricing means beer is the favored beverage, but the quality and atmosphere justify the cost. The street features everything from quirky themed bars like Lebowski Bar to craft beer specialists like Micro Bar, which carries about 80 different beers from various countries.

Thursday marks the beginning of the weekend here, with popular bars filling up fast and music getting louder. Friday and Saturday are peak party nights when every club and pub buzzes with energy, and streets stay crowded into the early morning hours. The beauty of Laugavegur is its diversity. You can find intimate whiskey bars, underground clubs with live music, and upscale cocktail lounges all within a few blocks.

Start your evening around 9-10pm for dinner and early drinks, as most venues don’t hit their stride until midnight. Many bars offer happy hour specials before 8pm, helping stretch your budget in this expensive city. Dress smartly but practically for walking between venues, and most places don’t require cover charges.

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12. Enjoy panoramic city views from Perlan Museum

Perlan completely changed my perspective on what a museum could be. This isn’t just about looking at exhibits, it’s about experiencing Iceland’s natural wonders in ways that would be impossible otherwise. Located on Öskjuhlíð Hill, this distinctive glass-domed building offers the best panoramic views in Reykjavik, with 360-degree vistas across the capital and surrounding landscapes.

The museum stays open until 9pm daily. The wraparound observation deck provides uninterrupted views of the Icelandic capital, and on clear evenings you can see up to 100km away, including distant glaciers and volcanic peaks. The building’s architecture alone is worth the visit. Six massive water tanks topped with a glass dome that floods the interior with light.

Inside, you’ll find Iceland’s first planetarium featuring an incredible Northern Lights show that recreates the aurora borealis using cutting-edge 8K technology. The museum also houses a 100-meter ice cave built with 350 tons of actual Icelandic snow. This is where temperatures drop to -10°C, creating an authentic glacier experience. Interactive exhibits cover everything from volcanoes and geothermal activity to glaciers and wildlife.

The evening hours are particularly special because you can experience the museum’s exhibits and then head to the observation deck to watch Reykjavik’s lights twinkle below. The building also houses a revolving restaurant and bar on the 5th floor, perfect for enjoying cocktails with those stunning city views. Advance booking is recommended, especially for the ice cave which has limited capacity. Free parking is available right outside, and the location is easily accessible by car, bus, or a 30-minute walk from the city center.