Reykjavik Gay Bar Exploration

In a nutshell

• Gay-friendly spa Resort
• In the core of a Unesco Geopark
• Surrounded by geothermal pools
• Gourmet Icelandic cuisine

"Our very own private lagoon!" we exclaimed, our eyes widening as we walked into this lavish and extremely gay-friendly luxury retreat. What could be finer? We knew from the start that this is where we would be investing the majority of our time.

Relaxing in the waters of the Blue Lagoon felt incredible. We discovered how it was heated naturally via geothermal wonders, consistently remaining at a comfortable 98-104°F (37-40°C).

The suite's floor-to-ceiling window wall engulfed the space in natural light, providing a feeling of freshness, cleanliness, and modernity. For food and beverages, we were given a choice between 3 restaurants and a delightful café. Our preferred option was the Lava restaurant, known for its exquisite volcanic views and a menu crafted using fresh, locally sourced components.

The spa treatments were like nothing else. Uniting the seawater with deep massage therapy, it makes the most of its unique position in delivering a thoroughly refreshing experience. Consequently, if it wasn't apparent, the Blue Lagoon doesn't hold back in providing top-tier sophistication. It's the ultimate sanctuary for gay couples and travelers in need of deep relaxation.

In a nutshell

• Fully-equipped studio apartments
• In the hub of the gay scene
• Amazing views over Reykjavik

Regardless of its similarity in name with the beloved book or film about a lady living in the stifling Edwardian era, this gay-friendly hotel experience is anything but that. It's relaxing, rejuvenating, and, most importantly, liberating.

They offer a selection of rooms to suit traveling groups of all sizes, whether you're journeying solo, with a partner, or with your gay companions.

We stayed in the superb studio apartment located on the uppermost floor, which was brimming with color and adorned with sleek, modern furnishings. They provide all visitors access to a convenient coffee and tea station located by the reception area. For us, the highlight of our stay at Room with a View was the substantial balcony, offering views of Reykjavík, Esja, plus Snæfellsjökull. Were it not for the fantastic location, you'd never desire to depart from the room itself!

Speaking of which, the hotel sits right in the core of the downtown district, surrounded by boutiques, coffee shops, and dining establishments. The Kiki gay club is merely a few minutes' stroll away!

Positioned adjacent to the historic dry-dock Slippur, the gay-friendly Icelandair Marina hotel adopts a maritime theme, which allows your stay here to feel like a nautical adventure.

We advise lodging in the Deluxe Room, which presents stunning water views. Combining contemporary furniture with its wood-paneled walls, a stay here is a blend of a luxury hotel room and sleeping inside an authentic sailboat. Ahoy there!

The gym's glass walls permit you to take in the hotel environment while working out, nothing worse than a gym that makes you feel enclosed while you perspire. Moreover, in the evenings, venture into the hotel restaurant-bar, the Slippbarinn, aka the birthplace of Reykjavik's cocktail culture. Here, you'll find tasty food and cocktails crafted using fresh ingredients, lovingly presented.

We advise stopping by their daily Happy Hour between 3-6pm, where they have a special menu available. Their diverse array of cocktails stems from the varied backgrounds of the bar staff, all of whom contribute a unique skillset to produce delicious beverages.

In a nutshell

• Art Deco-themed design hotel
• Fantastic central location
• Close to the gay scene

An imposing presence on the Austurvöllur square, the gay-friendly Hotel Borg has evolved into a landmark in its own right. With its striking Art Deco design, a dazzlingly white exterior, and an outstanding location, it is ideally suited for gay travelers seeking to treat themselves.

Their deluxe room is furnished with rich grays and elegant furniture. It presents an abundance of space. It features a mini-bar, satellite TV, a walk-in shower, and (my personal favorite) a coffee machine! But, for a truly lavish experience, we suggest the tower suite. Spanning across two floors, it offers an expansive view of the city, enabling you to absorb the evening skyline while enjoying a drink from the minibar. And with the Bluetooth speaker, you can invite companions over and have a private dance party (wink wink nudge nudge!).

Their dining establishment, with its plush seating, sky-painted ceiling, and remarkable customer service, is famously known as the "Golden Hall." Serving up delicious Italian cuisine, it is luxury to its core!

We loved the Borg Spa, taking advantage of its array of amazing amenities. It's the perfect place to unwind and sweat out a heavy night or two of drinking!

Located on the quieter part of the primary shopping avenue, Laugavegur, the gay-friendly Hotel Alda provides its guests with the ultimate relaxed vibes.

Away from the nightlife scene, we could indulge in a great night's sleep while still being close to numerous cafes and dining options.

Rooms have a fresh and contemporary design, which look as if they originated directly from the pages of an IKEA pamphlet. They are elaborate without being OTT. Consider the Queen Suite for instance: with its king-sized bed, rainforest walk-in shower, and huge HD TV, it still managed to feel understated and minimal.

The gold-infused Brass Kitchen & Bar serves up tasty food and is a fantastic place to unwind with a drink. Additional areas for relaxation include the dry sauna and outdoor hot tub.

One element we appreciated was their on-site barber. Seby overlooked refreshing his typical short-back-and-sides before we embarked on our trip and would have declined being in any photos if he hadn't gotten a trim…Alda Hotel saved the day (and our Instagram content!)

Proudly displaying its badge as a queer-welcoming establishment, Gaukurinn Bar presents a fun night out to experience live music, relish a drink, and meet new people. An interesting detail: Beer was outlawed in Iceland until 1989, and this bar dispensed the initial draught beer post-prohibition. Many now-famous Icelandic artists once performed on the stage, spanning both pop and rock. Including (yours truly), the Nomadic Boys – though we were kindly asked to leave a few moments later by security…

Gaukurinn warmly greets individuals of all genders and every community, offering unisex restrooms so everyone feels at ease.

Opening hours: daily from 4pm to 1am (3am on weekends).

Located at: Tryggvagata 22.

Ever since the Icelandic beer prohibition was lifted in 1989, Iceland has embraced its fondness for the beverage wholeheartedly. Therefore, a visit to the largest brewery on the island is a must, especially for enjoying a drink at their bar. Experiment with a variety of sensational flavors, such as raspberry sour and mango pale ale, against the cozy and sophisticated backdrop. Attracting people in their 30s+, Kaldi is excellent for people who enjoy conversing with strangers and late-night dancing. Another thing we loved about Kaldi is they have a heated outdoor terrace - believe us - Iceland gets COLD on most days of the year!

Opening hours: daily 12pm to 1am (3am on weekends).

Located at: Laugavegur 20b.

Tucked away beside the fabulous gay club, Kiki, Bravo is where many members of the LGBTQ community assemble for pre-gaming or to have a casual drink. It carries a somewhat rugged aesthetic, with dim lighting and a mix of rickety chairs and loungers. Nonetheless, the staff and local patrons are exceptionally friendly to newcomers. We immediately felt at home. There's also a small dance floor where you can get warmed up before heading off for a more significant night out.

Opening hours: daily until approximately midnight.

Located at: Laugavegur 23.

Inquire of anyone where the hipster haunts in Reykjavik are, and you'll receive the unified response: Kaffibarinn. Despite being one of the oldest bars in the city, we were captivated by its youthful and modern vibe. It has a mixed crowd, of both young and old. While not explicitly an LGBTQ bar, it is nevertheless welcoming of all types of people. It also isn't the kind of place to go for a party. Rather, it prides itself on being a tranquil place to meet and establish friendships, enjoy a delicious coffee or draught beer, and embrace the relaxed atmosphere.

Opening hours: daily from 3pm-1am (4:30am on weekends).

Located at: Bergstaðastræti Street.

Practically every gay local we spoke with raved about how this is "the finest coffee in Iceland"! After all, they source their beans from South America, the undisputed holy grail for bean cultivation. They also train their personnel to thoroughly understand the production side of things so they can respond to customer questions and develop a deep enthusiasm for the perfect pick-me-up drink. Do you have an interest in coffee-making yourself? The cafe regularly holds workshops customers can participate in, where they can learn about the most common brewing methods. And if you'd rather sit and enjoy a beverage, that's fine too. The café is super cozy and a great spot to unwind.

Opening hours: daily 9am-5pm.

Located at: Brautarholt 2.

From the cartoon kid in their logo to their quirky, colorful decor, entering Babalú is akin to revisiting your childhood. Situated 5 minutes away from the Hallgrímskirkja church, you won't miss it due to its bright blue and vibrant orange exterior. Their menu is packed with crepes, grilled sandwiches, and French fries, as well as several vegan options. Their drinks are ideal for warming up on a chilly day, with delicious coffees, hot chocolates, and a selection of teas. While waiting for our meal, we loved observing all the eclectic items on the wall, encompassing postcards, dolls, birdcages, books, and unique ornaments.

Opening hours: daily from 8am to 10pm.

Located at: Skólavörðustígur 22.

Part café, part bookstore, a visit to this locale is a necessity for that Instagram-chic, reader aesthetic. We thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the shelves, identifying old favorites, and discovering new reads to add to our reading Bucket List. We tucked into a slice of carrot cake adorned with cream (warmly welcomed after wandering around Reykjavik all day). Sinking our teeth into it was akin to sampling a taste of gay paradise. The staff was extremely amiable (and a few were extraordinarily adorable!) They also served authentic Italian Espressos and French croissants, which made my Seby feel right at home.

Opening hours: daily from 10am to 6pm.

Located at: &8203;&8203;Vesturgata 2a.

Since it's the only official gay hangout spot in Reykjavik (in fact, in all of Iceland), the pressure was on for Kiki Queen Bar to deliver. And girl, it exceeded expectations! Each time we attended, a different drag show was on display. Whether it involved a glamorous queen performing a showstopping lip-sync routine or a seasoned entertainer doing stand-up, it was consistently amusing. Anticipate this club being jam-packed to capacity, with a mix of people of various ages, genders, and physical appearances. The staff is incredibly friendly and aided these two foreigners in selecting a good viewing spot for the drag performances.

Opening hours: only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 8pm to 1am (4:30am on Fri/Sat).

Located at: Laugavegur 22.

Okay, okay, we know we mentioned this one previously. But we wanted to restate it here again to praise the bar as a live music venue. After all, it's a whole different experience from visiting the bar for a quiet drink. Visiting the Gaukurinn Bar is never a dull night out, especially when they have an electrifying fresh artist performing. Spanning from rock to pop, metal to blues, they embrace all music genres, and who knows, you may be witnessing the inception of the subsequent national (or international) superstar. We danced our hearts out here and left with several new favorite artists to add to our travel Spotify playlist.

Opening hours: open daily from 4pm to 1am (3am on weekends).

Located at: Tryggvagata 22

Whether you love it or hate it, the prevalence of sushi is undeniable. Everywhere you go, you'll encounter a sushi restaurant. Plus, we believe the buzz is well-deserved. Inspired by Japanese and South American cuisine, Sushi Social utilizes authentic Icelandic ingredients in its dishes. It's tough to surpass the fish from the North Atlantic. We indulged in the beef tenderloin, presented with onion jam, celeriac mayo, truffle garden potatoes, and a cardamom glaze. Yum! Moreover, if you arrive between 5 and 6pm, Sunday to Thursday, you can savor a drink at half the price as part of their Happy Hour.

When you've reaped all the advantages the Blue Lagoon offers, why not conclude the experience by tucking into a clean, healthy meal at the Lava Restaurant? Initiate the meal with a scrumptious soup or cured beef. And for your main course, we advise choosing either the fresh seafood, accompanied by veggies and nuts, or the grilled beef, topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, there isn't a dish on the menu not worth attempting. Additionally, as you've been so kind to yourself, you can justify a dessert. The crème brulée is irresistible, bursting with delectable vanilla and orange flavor.

Utilizing high-quality components, the chefs at Kol Restaurant take immense pride in making each dish taste and look phenomenal. Grilled fillets, charred salmon, and tender beef are merely a few of the luscious options to look forward to. Moreover, if you can't ascertain this place is luxurious from the menu, you'll assuredly realize when you walk in the entrance. Its combination of brown and gold decor, inviting seating, and suspended lanterns provide the space with a hint of the old Gatsby aesthetic. Best of all, they hold a Bubble Brunch every weekend, which has an extraordinary, delicious menu plus limitless bubbly beverages.

Connecting old traditions with modern delicacies, Jomfruin revolves around quality ingredients, special experiences, and expert service. Strongly influenced by the Danish, if you're stopping in for lunch, we endorse ordering one of the sandwiches. But if that isn't your preference or you're looking for something more filling, stay for dinner. Their menu is filled with quirky meals such as reindeer meatballs (I suppose they retired from Santa's services). Staff are amicable and provide quick and effective service, making the encounter sublime from start to finish.

Sipping on Viking beers, snacking on waffle fries, and chatting to the wait staff about our expedition to the Phallological Museum, there was no more exceptional evening than our journey to Islenski Barinn. The interior was richly decorated, with an antiquated vibe that makes its guests feel right at home. Portions were sizable, more than adequate to satisfy us, and we've got substantial appetites! I devoured a giant reindeer burger, while Seby delighted in a steaming fish pie. If we didn't grasp Icelandic food and culture before, we undeniably do now.

Icelandic by name, Icelandic by nature, this restaurant raises the idea of "sharing is caring" to a whole different level. Grillmarket is entirely about extending dining beyond the solitary experience and transforming it into a communal affair. They don't serve individual meals per person but instead, per table. That way, everyone in your group can sample a little of everything. Raw materials and beef are locally sourced, frequently acquired directly from the farmers, allowing you to trust that each dish is genuinely produced.

Whenever we think of Iceland, two elements come to mind: dramatic, natural landscapes, and spas. So, there was nothing stopping us from visiting the wondrous Sky Lagoon. Traverse through their seven-step Ritual to attain maximum relaxation. Commence by sinking into the lagoon itself, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean. Soak in the fiery sunset, glistening waters, and, should you be fortunate, the captivating Northern Lights. Then, continue through a sequence of icy-cold glacier pools, scorching saunas, invigorating mists, intense massages, and rejuvenating shower rooms. Demonstrated to stimulate the heart and remove toxins, your immune system will be grateful!