Best Of Reykjavík 2025: Best Theatre

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 Theatre

Þjóðleikhúsið

Hverfisgata 19

Þjóðleikhúsið sparked some serious debate among our panel. While our international panellists made valid points about the need for more English-language theatre, Iceland’s National Theatre still claimed the spotlight. It’s got the credentials, being the oldest theatre in the country, plus it has the most funding, an all-encompassing programme and that unmistakable proper theatre vibe. Surprisingly, it’s also quite kid-friendly, frequently welcoming pre-schoolers to its productions. Another strong point is Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn, located literally beneath the theatre, which offers improv, cabaret, stand-up and drag performances. As one panellist put it: “For me, going to the theatre, it’s the smell, feeling fancy, walking into a historic building. Yes, it’s in Icelandic. But the same goes for most other countries — their national theatre would be doing shows in their language.” Select performances, however, do include English captions.

Runner-Up:

Tjarnarbíó

Tjarnargata 12, 101 Reykjavík

“As a non-Icelandic speaker, I’m kind of excluded from Icelandic theatre,” said one panellist. “But I do like that Tjarnarbíó has drag, comedy, plays and art theatre pieces in English.” Having somehow survived through years of funding cuts and annoying noise complaints from neighbours, Tjarnarbíó not only puts on a programme of diverse shows and pieces to appeal to every taste but also has become the home of Reykjavík Fringe. We love this cute underdog of a theatre and hope it stays on the scene for many years to come.

Runner-Up:

Borgarleikhúsið

Listabraut 3, 103 Reykjavík

The third and last theatre in town, the Reykjavík City Theatre is home to both the Icelandic Theatre Company and Icelandic Dance Company. The theatre regularly puts on a lineup of contemporary plays and jaw-dropping dance performances. While most shows are performed in Icelandic, sometimes with art, language isn’t a barrier — what matters is how you feel.

Previous winners:

2024: Tjarnarbíó

2023: Tjarnarbíó