Hurra
Hurra operates as Reykjavik's primary live music venue and weekend club from its location on Tryggvagata 22, near the harbor end of the downtown nightlife zone. The space holds around 200 people across a main room with a proper stage and sound system. On weeknights, local and touring bands play sets that range from post-punk to electronic to folk. After midnight on weekends, the live acts wrap up and DJs take over, turning the venue into a dance floor.
What to Expect
Depends on the night. Concert evenings have a focused, attentive crowd watching the stage. Weekend DJ nights are looser, with people dancing and drinking. The transition between the two happens organically around midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Warm and music-focused. The crowd genuinely listens during live sets, which is refreshing.
Live acts span indie, post-punk, electronic, folk, and experimental. DJ sets lean toward indie dance, house, and electronic.
Casual. The music crowd dresses down. Band t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers are the uniform.
Music fans who want to discover Icelandic bands and experience Reykjavik's live scene before it turns into a club.
Cards accepted. Cash works but nobody uses it.
Price Range
Beer 1,500-1,800 ISK, cocktails 2,500-3,200 ISK, concert cover varies 2,000-4,000 ISK
Beer ~$11-13 USD / ~10-12 EUR, cocktails ~$18-24 USD / ~17-22 EUR
Hours
Wed-Thu 20:00-01:00, Fri-Sat 20:00-04:30 (show times vary)
Insider Tip
Check the event schedule online before going. Some of the best shows happen midweek with minimal cover. Get there early for live acts because the sightlines deteriorate quickly once the room fills.
Full Review
Hurra fills a specific role in Reykjavik's nightlife ecosystem. It's the venue where music comes first and drinking is secondary, at least until the bands finish. The room is purpose-built for live sound, with a stage that's visible from most angles and a system that handles everything from acoustic sets to heavy electronic acts without distortion.
The programming deserves attention. Midweek shows often feature unsigned or emerging Icelandic artists playing to crowds of 50-80 people. These intimate sets are where you'll hear music that hasn't been filtered through Spotify algorithms. Weekend headliners draw larger crowds, and the transition to DJ-driven dance music after the last act creates a natural flow for people who want both experiences.
The bar service is straightforward. Prices match the Reykjavik standard, which means expensive by any international comparison. The bartenders know their way around simple cocktails, but this isn't a craft cocktail bar. Beer and spirits are the practical choices.
Location near the harbor puts Hurra at one end of the downtown nightlife circuit. Most people either start here for an early show and migrate toward Laugavegur as the night progresses, or arrive after midnight for the DJ sets. Either approach works, though the live music is the stronger draw.
The Neighborhood
Hurra is on Tryggvagata 22, near the old harbor. It's at the western end of the nightlife zone, about a 5-minute walk from the Laugavegur bar cluster.
Getting There
Walk north from Laugavegur toward the harbor area. Tryggvagata runs parallel to the waterfront. From any central Reykjavik hotel, the walk is under 10 minutes.
Other Venues in Laugavegur
Kaffibarinn
Iconic Reykjavik bar partly owned by Blur's Damon Albarn. Small, packed, and loud on weekends with DJs spinning until closing.
Paloma
Reykjavik's closest thing to a proper nightclub, located above a bar on Naustin. Multiple rooms with different music on weekend nights.
Kiki Queer Bar
Reykjavik's main LGBTQ+ bar on Laugavegur. Welcoming to everyone, with drag shows and themed nights drawing a mixed crowd.
Gaukurinn
Alternative music venue known for punk, metal, and indie acts. Regular comedy nights and open mic events round out the schedule.
Pablo Discobar
Cocktail bar with a Latin American theme on Veltusund. Strong drinks, colorful decor, and a party atmosphere on weekends.