Updated October 2026
For a first date in Reykjavik, try Reykjavík Roasters, Hallgrímskirkja tower, or Tjörnin. Weekday evenings are calmer; on Friday and Saturday, book ahead where you can.
First dates in Reykjavik are usually casual: a coffee, a drink, an ice cream or a walk rather than a formal dinner. Splitting the bill is normal, and in a city this small many people prefer somewhere a little out of the way.
Here are ten real places for every budget, from a free walk around the lake to cocktails and a concert by the harbour, plus two geothermal ideas for a date you will both remember.
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Coffee house and roasteryMiðborg (Kárastígur, near Hallgrímskirkja)krAll ages
A small coffee house that roasts its own beans, open every day from 8:00 to 17:00, a few steps from Hallgrímskirkja. Perfect for a low-pressure first coffee before a walk.
Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavík · Walk-in
Church tower viewpointSkólavörðuholtkrAll ages
Iceland's largest church, with a tower that looks out over the colourful roofs, the sea and the mountains. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (last tower entry 16:45); tower tickets are sold in the church shop and cannot be booked ahead.
Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík · Walk-in
Lake and park walkMiðborg (by City Hall)krAll ages
The small lake in the middle of town, with swans, paved paths on both banks and the Hljómskálagarður park at its south end. Free and calm, ideal for a walk and talk before or after a drink downtown.
Tjörnin, 101 Reykjavík · Walk-in
Art museumMiðborg (Tryggvagata)krAll ages
The harbour branch of the Reykjavík Art Museum, home to Erró's pop art and changing contemporary shows. On Thursdays it stays open until 22:00, which makes it a good evening date with plenty to talk about.
Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík · Takes bookings
Art-house cinemaMiðborg (Hverfisgata)kr krAll ages
The city's independent art-house cinema, with international and Icelandic films. A film gives you an easy topic for the drink afterwards; the box office opens half an hour before the first screening.
Hverfisgata 54, 101 Reykjavík · Takes bookings
Concert hallAusturbakki (harbour)kr krAll ages
The glass concert hall on the harbour, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and to concerts from classical to grassroots Icelandic music. Even without a ticket, its glass facade and harbour views are worth a stroll.
Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík · Takes bookings
Cocktail bar and restaurantOld harbour (Mýrargata)kr kr30s
A cocktail bar and restaurant by the old harbour with a cocktail of the month for 1,900 kr, two mains for the price of one on Mondays and Tuesdays, and occasional live music. Relaxed but special enough for a first date.
Mýrargata 2, 101 Reykjavík · Takes bookings
Restaurant and cocktail barMiðborg (Austurstræti)kr kr kr30s
A restaurant with a cosy lounge and cocktail bar where award-winning bartenders mix the drinks, open from 11:30. Good for a special-occasion dinner or a stylish cocktail in the heart of town.
Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík · Takes bookings
Nature museum and observation deckÖskjuhlíðkr krAll ages
A glass dome on top of the city's hot water tanks with a nature museum, an ice cave and a 360-degree observation deck. The bar is open until 21:00, so you can end with a drink and the view.
Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík · Takes bookings
Lighthouse and coastal walkSeltjarnarnes (west of the centre)krAll ages
A tidal island with a lighthouse at the tip of Seltjarnarnes, cut off at high tide, with a popular outdoor area around it. A favourite spot for sunsets and, in winter, the northern lights; the island itself is closed during nesting season from 1 May to 15 July.
Grótta, Seltjarnarnes · Walk-in
Unusual places worth a special trip when you want a date nobody forgets.
Geothermal ocean-side lagoonKársnes, Kópavogurkr kr krAll ages
A geothermal lagoon at 38 to 40 °C on the edge of the ocean, with a cold plunge and a sauna that looks out to sea. Booking a time slot is a memorable date, especially on a dark winter evening.
Kársnes Harbour, Kópavogur · Takes bookings
Geothermal beach and sea swimmingNauthólsvíkkrAll ages
A city beach where sea walls enclose a lagoon in which cold sea meets warm geothermal water, with a hot tub and changing rooms. Locals come all year for a cold dip, so it makes a bold, unforgettable second date.
Nauthólsvík, Reykjavík · Walk-in
Popular places to meet people in Reykjavik include Kaffibarinn (bar and café), Prikið (café and bar), and KEX Hostel (hostel bar and social space). All of them are easy to visit alone or with friends.
Pick an indoor spot such as Reykjavík Roasters or Hafnarhús (Reykjavík Art Museum). Both work well for a first date in any weather.
Open YesTonite and see who in Reykjavik is going out tonight. Say hi, agree on a time and meet at one of the places on this page.
Checked October 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so call or check the website before you go.
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