Reykjavík
Harpa concert + Slippbarinn nightcap
A Sinfónían programme in one of the best-sounding halls in Europe, then a cocktail across the harbour.
More about this plan
Harpa's main hall, Eldborg, is one of the rooms serious musicians drop everything to play in. Book an Iceland Symphony Orchestra (Sinfónían) programme — they run most Thursdays and Saturdays — or whatever chamber piece or jazz night is on. Arrive early enough to walk around the Ólafur Elíasson glass facade with a glass of wine; the lobby alone is worth ten minutes.
After the concert, walk around the harbour past the fishing boats to Slippbarinn at the Icelandair Hotel Marina. It was the bar that started the Reykjavík cocktail scene about fifteen years ago and is still quietly one of the best. Orange-and-black brick, a view over the slipway, a short seasonal cocktail list that isn't trying too hard.
This is an elegant plan. It is also a plan where both people can say something real about what they just heard.
The plan, stop by stop
- 1
Concert at Harpa (Eldborg)
Sinfónían, a jazz night, or whatever chamber programme is on. Book ahead — the good seats go. Arrive early for a glass of wine in the lobby.
- 2
Nightcap at Slippbarinn
Harbour-side cocktail bar at the Icelandair Hotel Marina. The bar that started the Reykjavík cocktail scene; still one of the best.