Hurra

Reykjavik's music scene is disproportionately vibrant for a city of its size, and Hurra is at the centre of it. This bar and concert venue on Tryggvagata has become the city's unofficial living room for live music, hosting everything from jazz quartets to electronic DJs in a space that somehow manages to feel both intimate and energetic.

The Music

The programming at Hurra is the main draw, and it is consistently excellent. On any given week, the schedule might include an Icelandic indie band, a visiting jazz ensemble, an electronic music night, and a DJ set that runs until the small hours. The eclecticism is deliberate -- Hurra is not a genre venue but a music venue, and the quality of the acts reflects that ambition.

The sound system is good, the sightlines are reasonable given the compact space, and the atmosphere during live shows has an energy that larger venues struggle to replicate. This is where Icelandic bands play before they become famous, and where established acts play because they want to.

The Drinks

The bar stocks a solid selection of Icelandic craft beers alongside international options, and the happy hour -- running until ten in the evening -- brings prices down to levels that make multiple rounds feel acceptable. Cocktails are available but not the focus; this is fundamentally a beer and music bar, and it does not pretend otherwise.

The Atmosphere

Hurra's appeal lies in its lack of pretension. The decor is minimal, the crowd is diverse, and the atmosphere is determined by the music rather than any manufactured aesthetic. On a quiet Tuesday it feels like a neighbourhood bar with good taste in music. On a Saturday at midnight it feels like the beating heart of Reykjavik nightlife. Both versions are genuine.

The dance floor fills naturally as the evening progresses, and the transition from seated listening to standing dancing happens organically. There is no VIP section, no dress code, and no hierarchy beyond whoever is closest to the bar.

Practical Tips

Happy hour before ten o'clock is the way to manage Reykjavik drink prices. Check Hurra's website or Instagram for the weekly schedule -- the best nights are the ones with live music rather than DJ sets, though the latter can surprise you. Weekend closing at 04:30 means Hurra is often the last stop of the night, which gives it a particular late-night energy.

Why Hurra Matters

In every city there is one venue that captures the spirit of the local music scene, and in Reykjavik that venue is Hurra. It is not the biggest, the flashiest, or the most expensive. It is simply the place where the music is good, the beer is cold, and the night unfolds at whatever pace feels right. That is enough.