If you’re into hip hop
Get excited to see
The Icelandic hip hop scene is remarkably vibrant with acts ranging from Úlfur Úlfur and Emmsjé Gauti’s party anthems, Kött Grá Pje and Reykjavíkurdætur’s more aggressive lyrics and newcomers such as Aron Can and Krakk og Spaghetti’s fresh input.
Oh, the places you’ll go!
During the festival, you’ll find shows to your liking all over the place, such as Valshöllin, Nasa and Húrra. After the shows there’s only one place you can go; Prikið. Hip hop lovers in Iceland are a remarkably close knit group and Prikið is their temple!
The perfect hangover food is
Actually, Prikið serves a decent breakfast as well. The hangover buster even comes with a side of painkillers! If eating at the same place you were dancing that very morning doesn’t appeal to you, head over to Shake Shack-inspired Block Burger.
If you prefer heavier rock
Get excited to see
Iceland Airwaves may have reputation for attracting hipsters in tight pants, but there’s plenty of louder artists to be found. Ranging from heavy-ish to punkmetal, go check out HAM, Mammút, Agent Fresco, Tófa, Singapore Sling, Pink Street Boys, Dimma, Auðn, and Sólstafir.
Oh, the places you’ll go!
If we’re talking Airwaves venues, Gaukurinn is a good place for you. After the shows, head over to Dillon, definitely. When they close around three, it’s time to go to Bar 11.
The perfect hangover food is
There’s nothing more metal than eating the face of another animal, so head on over to Fljótt og Gott at BSÍ for some svið (lamb’s heads). Served with mashed potatoes and a coke, it’s actually a pretty decent hangover meal.
If you’re more of a hipster
Get excited to see
Some of Iceland’s rising stars so you can tell everyone you saw them before they were big! East of my Youth, Júníus Meyvant, and Hildur are pretty good. Jófríður of Pascal Pinon and Samaris fame has a new solo project called JFDR and Reykjavíkurdætur, the 16-piece feminist rap collective, has been getting some international attention lately.
Oh, the places you’ll go!
Reykjavík’s tropical cocktail bar, Bar Ananas, is always fun, and Kaffibarinn is that place you’ve heard of that Damon Albarn used to own. Húrra is also just the best!
The perfect hangover food is
When the fishing industry left the Old Harbour area for greener pastures, new restaurants, cafés, and shops started opening up in the spaces left behind. Head to Coocoo’s nest, Bryggjan, or Bergsson RE and get dessert at Valdís Ice cream store or 17 Sortir cake shop. If you’re just in need of a really good burger, stop at the Burger Joint (búllan).
If it’s nothing but Sigur Rós and dream pop for you
Get excited to see
Björk, of course! Ólöf Arnalds is a good bet as well as Ólafur Arnalds (performing with Kiasmos). Kórus is a choir of composers, artists and musicians and that only performs pieces by members of the choir and last but not least, Bedroom community’s show with the Icelandic symphony orchestra should be a sight to behold!
Oh, the places you’ll go!
To be honest, I’d recommend a walk around the pond or a trip out to Grótta to watch the Northern Lights.
The perfect hangover food is
Some of the delicious vegan offerings at Kaffi Vinyl should hit the spot. If you’re not vegan, I’d still recommend treating yourself to something at Vinyl but if it’s meat you’re craving, have some kebab at Mandi, it’s delicious.
If you’re just here to party
Get excited to see
You should have no trouble finding great bands that will make you want to party until your face falls off! FM Belfast, Emmsjé Gauti, Berndsen, and Sykur will surely all keep you dancing all night long!
Oh, the places you’ll go!
To keep the party going on Wednesday and Thursday, you’re going to have to find an afterparty (or host one yourself!) because the bars close at 1am. On the weekend however, head over to Kaffibarinn, Paloma or even B5 for a taste of that crazy Icelandic nightlife. If it’s dancing till dawn you’re after, be sure not to miss LGBT+ club Kiki! Also, remember that if you want alcohol, you’re going to need to get it from the state-run liquor store which closes at six!
The perfect hangover food is
I’m guessing you won’t be too keen to head out early after the night you’ve had. Lucky for you, Domino’s delivers.
