Reykjavik's Best Beer And Wine Shopping Experience

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Reykjavik, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, alcohol is not sold in grocery stores in Iceland; instead, it is only sold at state-run liquor stores called Vinbudin or Vínbúð. These stores are typically open from 10 am or 11 am to 6 pm or 7 pm, and they are closed on Sundays. The biggest Vinbudin stores in Reykjavik are also open on Saturdays. Prices for beer at Vinbudin range from 300 to 600 ISK per 330 ml, while wine starts at 2000 ISK for a cheap bottle. If you want to purchase alcohol for a lower price, it is recommended to buy duty-free at the Keflavik airport upon arrival, as alcohol in Iceland is generally considered expensive.

Liquor stores in Reykjavik

If you're looking to buy liquor in Reykjavik, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, according to Icelandic law, supermarkets and other outlets are not permitted to sell alcohol. The government operates specific liquor stores known as "Vinbudin", which are the only places to purchase alcohol outside of bar opening times. There are 17 government-operated liquor stores located in the capital area of Reykjavik.

The biggest Vinbudin stores in Reykjavik are open on Saturdays until 4 pm or 6 pm, in addition to their regular weekday hours. Vinbudin stores typically open from 10 am to 6 pm, with some staying open until 7 pm on Fridays. It's important to note that these stores are always closed on Sundays. The prices at Vinbudin are generally high, with a single can of local beer costing around 500 to 700 ISK, and a cheap bottle of red wine starting at 1800 ISK. For spirits like vodka or whiskey, expect to pay upwards of 7000 ISK.

If you're looking for a wider selection, the larger Vinbudin stores in Reykjavik will have more options available. The stores in the villages outside the capital will have a more limited choice.

For those who want to save money, buying alcohol at the duty-free shop at Keflavik Airport is a good option. The prices are slightly lower than at Vinbudin, and you can purchase a reduced-price liquor allowance of up to six units per person.

It's worth noting that the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 years old, and you will need to provide proof of age with photo identification to purchase alcohol in stores, bars, or restaurants.

Buying duty-free at the airport

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Reykjavik, you may want to consider buying duty-free at the Keflavík Airport. The airport has three duty-free stores, two located on the departure side and one at arrivals. The stores offer a wide range of products, including Icelandic and international alcohol, cosmetics, sweets, tobacco, and toys.

Duty-free stores at the airport are open in accordance with flight traffic, and everyone can shop there. The arrival duty-free store is located right next to baggage claim, offering a range of products, including confectionery, tobacco, alcohol, cosmetics, and toys.

The departure duty-free stores are located in the main building on the 2nd floor (after security) and in the South building on the 1st floor near the D gates. These stores are ideal for purchasing alcohol at a reduced price. The total allowance for each person is six units, for example, 1 litre of red wine, 1 litre of gin, and a six-pack of 0.33l beer.

Foreign travellers may find alcohol prices in Iceland relatively high compared to other countries. The average price for a beer at a bar or restaurant is around $12-15, and the cheapest bottle of wine is typically about $50. Therefore, buying duty-free at the airport can be a more cost-effective option.

Additionally, liquor stores in Iceland are government-operated, and their operating hours may be limited. They are also not located on the ring road, so stocking up at the airport can be a convenient choice if you plan to explore the area.

The cost of beer and wine in bars and restaurants

It is worth noting that alcohol in Iceland is subject to high taxes and a state monopoly on retail sales, which contributes to the high prices. If you are looking for cheaper options, it is recommended to take advantage of happy hour deals or purchase alcohol from duty-free shops at the airport.

• Den Danske Kro offers draft beer for 1000 ISK for VIP club members until 11 PM every day.
• Lebowski Bar: Beer for 1000 ISK and wine for 1000 ISK during happy hour (4 PM - 7 PM).
• Skúli Craft Bar: Beer and wine for 1000 ISK during happy hour (2 PM - 7 PM).
• Litli Barinn: Beer for 990 ISK and wine for 1200 ISK during happy hour (3 PM - 6 PM).
• Bastards: Beer for 1150 ISK and wine for 1150-1600 ISK during happy hour (3 PM - 6 PM and 10 PM - 1 AM).
• Kaffibarinn: Beer for 1000 ISK during happy hour (3 PM - 7 PM).
• Bravó: Beer for 750 ISK and wine for 1000 ISK during happy hour (1 PM - 8 PM).
• Loft Hostel: Beer for 1000 ISK and wine for 1200 ISK during happy hour (4 PM - 7 PM).
• The English Pub: Beer for 850 ISK and wine for 1200 ISK during happy hour (4 PM - 7 PM).
• The American Bar: Beer for 1000 ISK and wine for 1200 ISK during happy hour (4 PM - 7 PM).
• Dillon: Beer for 950 ISK and wine for 1000 ISK during happy hour (4 PM - 8 PM).
• Kaldi Bar: Beer for 1000 ISK during happy hour (4 PM - 7 PM).
• Veður: Beer for 850 ISK and wine for 1000 ISK during happy hour (12 PM - 7:35 PM).
• Sæta Svínið: Beer for 1090 ISK and wine for 1190 ISK during happy hour (3 PM - 6 PM).

Opening hours of liquor stores

The only place to buy alcohol in Iceland is at the government-operated liquor stores, which are called Vínbúð or Vinbudín. These are open from 11 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday, with the Skeifan store open until 8 pm on weekdays. All stores are closed on Sundays.

The stores are located in most towns, with 37 in the countryside and 17 in the capital area. The larger the store, the greater the choice of beers, so the biggest choice is in Reykjavik. The prices for beer in the Vinbudín store range between 300 – 600 ISK (2.5 – 5 USD) per 330 ml. The cheapest bottle of wine will set you back 2,000 ISK (16 USD) and prices increase in thousands of ISK. For strong alcohol, you can find a basic selection of whiskeys, rums, vodka, and cognac. Well-known brands include Jack Daniel's (350 ml for 4,000 ISK), Malibu (500 ml for 3,500 ISK), Beefeater (500 ml for 4,500 ISK), Absolut Vodka (700 ml for 6,000 ISK), and Cpt. Morgan Spice Gold (1000 ml for 7,500 ISK).

If you miss the chance to buy alcohol during the day, you'll have to purchase it at a bar, pub, or restaurant, which will be much more expensive. A draft beer will cost around 1,000 ISK for a third or half a litre.

The best clubs and bars in downtown Reykjavik

The Icelandic capital may be small, but its nightlife is anything but. Downtown Reykjavik is packed with clubs and bars to suit all tastes. The main drag, Laugavegur, is ground zero for the hottest clubs and bars in town. Here are some of the best:

Kaffibarinn

An iconic Reykjavik bar ever since scenes from the indie film *101 Reykjavik* were filmed there. It's tiny and gets packed at the weekends, but it's one of those places that it's cool to say you've been to. Expect trendy dance music. Damon Albarn, the Blur frontman, used to own a stake in the bar.

Slippbarinn

A cocktail bar that stays open until 1am.

Pablo Discobar

A cocktail bar with delicious but pricey cocktails, a stylish but fun crowd, and funky decor. It's the perfect spot to go dancing. However, they occasionally have a minimum age of 25 to enter.

American Bar

A bar/club open until 4am.

Kiki Queer Bar

Reykjavik's only gay bar, located on Laugavegur. It attracts some of the best local and visiting DJs, playing everything from Lady Gaga to the latest Icelandic pop music.

Austur

Once the hottest club in Reykjavik, but a dress code and competition from other clubs have knocked it down a peg or two. It's still a place to mingle with locals and dance to trendy music.

Hressingarskálinn

A casual restaurant by day, serving hamburgers and sandwiches. By night, it transforms into a dance club, with hot DJs and live bands playing trendy music.

Lebowski Bar

A casual eatery during the day, but at night it transforms into a wild scene, playing the latest dance music. There's a dance floor at the back. The bar is themed after the Coen brothers film *The Big Lebowski*, with bowling paraphernalia, posters, and even a rug hanging on the side of the bar. The White Russian cocktail, famously featured in the film, costs 1,700ISK.

Boston

A hangout for local artists, writers, hipsters, and hangers-on. It has an unassuming exterior, but the interior boasts good drinks and hot music, mainly rock. It's a tight spot and gets crowded fast.

The English Pub

Part English pub, part sports bar. There's a nice selection of Icelandic and foreign beer, and Guinness on tap. If there's a soccer game being played anywhere in the world, it will likely be shown on one of the screens.

Micro Bar

A beer lover's paradise, carrying about 80 different beers from countries including Belgium, Germany, and the US. The big draws are the wide selection of Icelandic beers on tap and the number of Icelandic craft beers available. The atmosphere is relaxed and relatively quiet, with dim lighting and a large wooden bar.

Frequently asked questions