There’s a lot to do and see in Reykjavík — how do you pick which pool to hit up from the dozens of options just in the capital area? Which mountain gets your hiking boots? And let’s be real — where do you catch those northern lights that’ll give you solid bragging rights back home? It wasn’t easy, but our panel of local experts has handpicked this must-do list of the Best Activities in Reykjavík for 2025. Take it from us — it’s all worth checking out.
Best Cinema
Bíó Paradís
Hverfisgata 54
The panel unanimously voted for Bíó Paradís because, well, we all love it. It’s the only cinema left in 101, the only place in town for weirder, less mainstream movies, often followed by panel discussions, and it’s an undisputed hub for culture and creativity. “It’s a very friendly cinema. You feel very welcome,” one panellist said. Another added: “Every city needs a cinema like this.” Oh, and it’s also a bar!
Runner-Up:
Laugarásbíó
Laugarás, 104 Reykjavík
A classic cosy cinema that’s not in a shopping mall — sometimes that’s all you need. While the programming might not differ substantially from other cinemas in town, Laugarásbíó stands out for consistently screening Icelandic films with English subtitles and maintaining a solid children’s programme. (Our panellist admitted they’re not exactly a kid, but thoroughly enjoyed their recent offering of The Super Mario.) Word on the street is they’ve got the best sound system in Iceland too, so audio nerds, this one’s for you.
Runner-Up:
Sambíóin Egilshöll
Fossaleynir 1
If you’re in the mood for blockbusters tonight, skip the art-house cinema and head to Egilshöll. “It’s got the biggest screen,” the panellists agreed, making it perfect for Oppenheimer–level productions, Marvel hits, or whatever’s dominating the box office. It’s got popcorn and all the cinema essentials, and, as the panellists pointed out, “It’s alive at night — there’s bowling and a gaming centre now,” a big contrast to wandering out of an darkened empty shopping mall after a screening at, for instance, Smárabíó.
Previous winners:
2024: Tjarnabíó
2023: Tjarnabíó
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