Reykjavik: Beer and Booze Tour

Reykjavik can feel like a lot at once, especially your first night. This tour turns the chaos into something you can hold onto, with a guided walk, a tight route through classic spots, and a proper tasting of Icelandic beer. You also get quick orientation in the city center, so you’re not just drinking, you’re getting your bearings.

I especially like the straightforward tasting format, 10 unique Icelandic craft beers (or 5 schnaps and spirits), which makes it easier to explore without committing to full pints. I also like the guides, from Chris to Kristjan and Arnar, who keep things funny and chatty and help you understand why Iceland drinks the way it does.

One consideration: it’s built for people 20 and older, and alcohol-focused stops mean there’s no food included beyond what might come with a sample. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, want a guaranteed meal, or need a more family-friendly setup, this is not the right fit.

Key things you’ll like right away

• 10 craft beer samples (or 5 schnaps/spirits), so you can try a lot without wasting time ordering blindly
• Skúli Craft bar plus other well-known stops, each with a different vibe and a different angle on Icelandic drinking
• You learn the Icelandic beer story, including the fact that beer was once banned for 74 years
• Small group feel, with time to ask your guide about Icelandic culture and where to go after
• A fun, entertaining walk through the center, not a sit-and-chant experience

Why a Reykjavik beer and booze tour makes sense on night one

If you’ve ever landed in a new city and felt like everyone else already knew where to go, you’ll get what this tour is trying to fix. In 150 minutes, it gives you structure: meet at a clear spot, walk a short route, stop in a few bars, and leave with a better sense of what Reykjavik is about.

The best part is the balance. You’re not just handed a flight of drinks. You’re learning what makes Icelandic beer culture different, from the practical side (freshwater used well) to the weird side (yes, beer was banned for 74 years). That context changes how you taste. It’s one thing to sip a stout. It’s another to understand why a country went from banning beer to building a craft scene of its own.

And it’s social without being chaotic. The group is kept small, so you’re not stuck yelling over music to ask a simple question. That matters because Icelandic nightlife is often about conversation, not performance.

Price and value: what $128 really buys you

At $128 per person for 150 minutes, this is not a bargain like a free walking tour. But in Iceland, drinks are not cheap, and this tour does the math for you.

You’re getting either:

• 10 craft beer samples, or
• 5 schnaps and spirits samples

That means you can sample multiple styles instead of paying full price for one drink you might not love. If you’re the type who likes to “try everything,” this is a big deal. One guide helped shape these nights with options for lighter or sweeter choices, so even if you’re not a hardcore beer drinker, you’re likely to find something you enjoy.

You also pay for the human part: the guide is doing the directing, the story-telling, and the bar-to-bar flow. You don’t have to figure out which places are worth your time on a limited schedule. The tour does that for you, and it wraps in quick city orientation so you’re less likely to waste your next hour wandering.

Getting started at Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square

You meet outside Hlöllabátar, the sandwich shop by Ingólfstorg Square, with the two tall stone pillars and CenterHotel Plaza nearby. It’s a good meeting point because it’s recognizable in a sea of Reykjavik streets. Plan to arrive a few minutes early and take a moment to spot the guide.

Your guide is usually wearing a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. That’s small, but it reduces stress, especially in the cold. Reykjavik weather can turn your mental bandwidth into a limited resource fast, so having a clear visual cue helps.

Bring your passport or ID. The tour is designed for legal alcohol age in Iceland, and the rules are taken seriously. This is also why the tour is not set up for people under 20.

Ingólfstorg orientation: the fast route to feeling less lost

Right after meeting, you get a short guided walk and orientation at Ingólfstorg. This isn’t a long history lecture. It’s a quick orientation that helps you understand how the center fits together.

Think of this as the mental warm-up. You’ll start to notice street patterns and key squares, so later, when you’re walking on your own, you don’t feel like you’re constantly checking your phone. It also helps the tour feel like more than just bar hopping. You’re building a small map in your head.

It’s also a good time to settle in with the group. You’ll hear the kind of stories your guide will keep coming back to, which makes the later tastings land better.

Skúli Craft bar: where the night turns into a real tasting

Skúli Craft bar is your first major stop, and it’s a full hour. This is where you get into the thick of it, with beer plus whiskey tasting.

Why this stop matters: it sets the tone. You’re not yet making decisions on your own. The guide is guiding. And because the tasting is structured, you can focus on learning flavors instead of guessing what to order.

Also, craft bars tend to be better at talking through styles. You’ll likely hear practical guidance on what to look for in the pour, not just what to swallow. That makes it easier to remember what you liked later when you’re ordering again.

Reykjavik’s bar scene can be slick and international. This is the moment where Iceland-specific drinking culture feels most clear.

Lemmy: another 45 minutes of beer variety

After the first hour, you shift to Lemmy for about 45 minutes. The pacing matters here. You’re not going from one bar to another every 15 minutes. You have time to taste, talk, and regroup.

This is also a strong place for non-beer drinkers or lighter tasters, because a good guide can help you find easier options. One highlight from earlier nights was guides tailoring choices so someone who didn’t normally drink beer still ended up enjoying multiple tastings.

What to expect at Lemmy, practically: more beer variety. Since you’re aiming for 10 total craft samples across the evening, each bar stop adds a slice of the full picture. You’ll start to notice whether you like hoppy styles, darker malts, or something smoother.

Ölstofa: where you often get an atmosphere bump

Next is Ölstofa for another 45 minutes. This stop is typically where the energy can change. Some nights end up with the final stop being the best by atmosphere, and Ölstofa is one of the anchors in the route.

Here’s the practical advantage: by the time you reach Ölstofa, you’ve already had a couple tastings. That means your palate is waking up. Your questions get smarter. You’re tasting with intention instead of tasting just to taste.

One beer that popped up in past experiences is Black Death. You might get a chance to try it, depending on what’s available and how your evening is flowing. Even if it’s not the one you try, the point is the same: you’re being guided toward Iceland-specific styles, not random international choices.

The wrap-up: drop-off at Bastarður Brew Pub and Ölstofa

At the end, you get two drop-off locations, including Bastarður Brew Pub and Ölstofa. In practice, this means you’re still close to where the action is, without being forced into an immediate decision the second you finish tasting.

This is a helpful way to end an evening. You’re not dumped into a quiet side street with no plan. Your guide can also point you toward what to do next, whether you want another round, a late bite, or a different kind of nightlife.

One thing to remember: the tour doesn’t include food. So if you’re the kind of person who gets hungry after drinking, you may want to eat before you start or plan your post-tour meal right away.

The Iceland beer story you’ll actually remember

The guide is there to explain why Iceland’s beer culture is different. The most memorable points are simple, and they show up in the stories:

• Iceland uses freshwater effectively, and that matters for brewing
• Iceland has a short but proud beer-making tradition, from older periods through today
• There was a 74-year ban on beer, which shaped how drinking culture developed later
• Microbreweries helped spark a resurgence and keep the scene moving

You don’t need to be a beer nerd to enjoy this. The stories give you a lens. When you taste something darker or more unusual, you understand why it fits the modern scene and what it represents.

Guides make or break the night, and the ones here usually nail it

This is the part that keeps showing up: the guides know how to keep people talking. Names that have come up include Chris, Kristjan, Arnar, and Ástþór, plus Asthor and others. Across these nights, the common thread is a guide who pulls the group in, shares plenty of humor, and makes the bar stops feel like a shared experience rather than a schedule you race through.

You’ll also appreciate the small touches. Several nights mention small snacks during the tasting moments. The official info says food is not included, so don’t assume a full snack menu. But in real life, guides often keep the energy steady so the tasting stays fun.

Who this tour is best for

This works best for you if:

• You’re in Reykjavik for a short time and want a fast, structured intro
• You like trying multiple drinks without overpaying for full servings
• You want a social night with conversation, not just background music
• You’re curious about how Icelandic drinking culture evolved

It is not a great fit if:

• You’re under 20, since legal alcohol age in Iceland is 20 and the tour only allows people who meet that rule
• You’re pregnant, since the tour is not suitable for pregnant women
• You want a guaranteed food component as part of the itinerary
• You dislike walking in cool weather, even if the route is designed to be manageable

Practical tips so you enjoy every stop

A few small choices can make a big difference.

• Wear layers. Reykjavik nights can change quickly, and you’ll be walking between bars.
• Bring your passport or ID so you’re not stuck at the start.
• Pace yourself. You’ll have 10 craft beer samples or 5 schnaps/spirits, so it adds up.
• If you’re not a big beer person, tell your guide early. There are options for lighter or sweeter choices, and that can save your night.

Should you book Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

I’d book it if you want a true first-night Reykjavik experience: guided, social, and drink-focused, with enough structure to make the city feel smaller fast. The value is strong because you get a large tasting count, and you learn what you’re drinking instead of just collecting sips.

I’d skip it if you need a food-first plan, if you can’t do alcohol, or if the age and suitability rules won’t work for you. Also, if you hate bar environments in general, this can feel like too much.

For the right person, it’s one of the more efficient ways to get oriented and start building your Reykjavik memories, one tasting at a time.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

The tour lasts 150 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

You get 10 craft beer samples, or alternatively 5 schnaps and spirits samples.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is food included?

Food is not included.

Who can join the tour?

The tour only allows people who are 20 or older, since the legal age to purchase alcohol in Iceland is 20. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women and does not allow infants or children.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your passport or ID card.

What language is the guide?

The tour has a live guide in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.