This sparkly, hip restaurant called Iðnó is located in an old theatre, and still functions as such, offering some of the best shows on offer in Reykjavík. Overlooking the pond, complete with birds and baby birds, this is the place for an idyllic view of the old city center. To be particularly recommended for late dinners. The menu is interesting, with a variety of Icelandic seafood and lamb dishes and some international main courses. The ground floor has a coffee house/bar and a little veranda, where guests can enjoy the quacking birdlife and feed hungry ducks and elegant swans with breadcrumbs.
Soft blue swirls of mineral-rich water and gently billowing steam that rises from the water's surface make up the magnificence of the Blue Lagoon. A gigantic geothermal spa that has effectively ridden numerous individuals of skin ailments, this man-made lagoon is one of Iceland's finest, and most visited attractions. Situated on a large lava field, the water in the lagoon is typically fed by the output of Svartsengi, a geothermal power plant that lies adjacent to the lagoon. Sulfur and silica are prime ingredients that lend the warm waters of the lagoon its curative powers, drawing eager visitors from across the world. Visitors can apply the famous silica mud mask and see its skin-restorative powers for themselves, or feel the warm gush of the lagoon's waterfalls as it takes away any semblance of soreness from their muscles. There is also a sauna room, and a restaurant on site.
The Reykjavik City Theatre offers entertainment ranging from new Icelandic drama, well-known classics and dance performances, to rock concerts and more. The theater is home to a thriving drama department alongside the Icelandic Dance Company, who host various productions throughout the year. The theater complex is composed of multiple smaller venues, including a main stage with a capacity of 560, and a cafe-theater for more informal, intimate performances. Those who truly enjoy the performing arts would do well to invest in a subscription. With its eclectic program and modern facilities, the Borgarleikhúsið, or the City Theatre of Reykjavík, is a great place to delve into Icelandic culture.
A little outside the city center of Reykjavik, the glass dome of the landmark Perlan glints beautifully under the sun. Perched atop six gigantic hot water storage tanks, this unique architectural marvel is symbolic of the country's geothermal sources, and their key role in Icelandic society. Each tank wondrously holds 4 million liters (1 million gallons) of geothermal hot water. Within the humongous domes, a large atrium hosts exhibitions and events, mostly regarding the history and future of glaciers. From the fourth floor of the dome, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Iceland's stellar landscape, from bird-eye views of Reykjavik and the majestic summit of Mount Esja, all the way to Snæfellsjökull.
It is a rather frightening thought that until the 1990s this beautiful but tiny building housed the National Library of Iceland. Built in 1906-1908, it housed several national collections, the National Library, National Archives, Museum of Natural History and National Museum. However, all of these institutions have found other homes and now this elegant house, designed in the style of Danish National Romanticism, operates mainly as a museum, as well as being a venue for meetings, lectures, artistic events, and official ceremonies. Today The Culture House contains exhibition halls, meeting rooms, a cafeteria and a shop. Themed exhibitions are staged in halls on the ground floor and in the attic, and permanent exhibitions on cultural and historical topics are on the first floor and in the space up to the floor above.
If you are a cinema lover, Bíó Paradís is a place you need to go to. This theater is known for showcasing various regional and international documentaries and short films regularly. The theater property has four screens with capacities ranging from accommodating 205 people to as small as 38 people. Operating since 2010, Bíó Paradís has been a venue for several classic cinema and educational documentaries and is an address to film festivals like Reykjavik International Film Festival, The Reykjavik Short Film Days and more. After watching a movie here, you can enjoy some quick bites and refreshing drinks at its in-house bar and cafe. Besides cinema, this theater also houses a shop offering DVDs and literature over film and film-making.
If you are a cinema lover, Bíó Paradís is a place you need to go to. This theater is known for showcasing various regional and international documentaries and short films regularly. The theater property has four screens with capacities ranging from accommodating 205 people to as small as 38 people. Operating since 2010, Bíó Paradís has been a venue for several classic cinema and educational documentaries and is an address to film festivals like Reykjavik International Film Festival, The Reykjavik Short Film Days and more. After watching a movie here, you can enjoy some quick bites and refreshing drinks at its in-house bar and cafe. Besides cinema, this theater also houses a shop offering DVDs and literature over film and film-making.
Soft blue swirls of mineral-rich water and gently billowing steam that rises from the water's surface make up the magnificence of the Blue Lagoon. A gigantic geothermal spa that has effectively ridden numerous individuals of skin ailments, this man-made lagoon is one of Iceland's finest, and most visited attractions. Situated on a large lava field, the water in the lagoon is typically fed by the output of Svartsengi, a geothermal power plant that lies adjacent to the lagoon. Sulfur and silica are prime ingredients that lend the warm waters of the lagoon its curative powers, drawing eager visitors from across the world. Visitors can apply the famous silica mud mask and see its skin-restorative powers for themselves, or feel the warm gush of the lagoon's waterfalls as it takes away any semblance of soreness from their muscles. There is also a sauna room, and a restaurant on site.
The Reykjavik City Theatre offers entertainment ranging from new Icelandic drama, well-known classics and dance performances, to rock concerts and more. The theater is home to a thriving drama department alongside the Icelandic Dance Company, who host various productions throughout the year. The theater complex is composed of multiple smaller venues, including a main stage with a capacity of 560, and a cafe-theater for more informal, intimate performances. Those who truly enjoy the performing arts would do well to invest in a subscription. With its eclectic program and modern facilities, the Borgarleikhúsið, or the City Theatre of Reykjavík, is a great place to delve into Icelandic culture.
A little outside the city center of Reykjavik, the glass dome of the landmark Perlan glints beautifully under the sun. Perched atop six gigantic hot water storage tanks, this unique architectural marvel is symbolic of the country's geothermal sources, and their key role in Icelandic society. Each tank wondrously holds 4 million liters (1 million gallons) of geothermal hot water. Within the humongous domes, a large atrium hosts exhibitions and events, mostly regarding the history and future of glaciers. From the fourth floor of the dome, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Iceland's stellar landscape, from bird-eye views of Reykjavik and the majestic summit of Mount Esja, all the way to Snæfellsjökull.
Keiluhöllin Egilshöll is among the premier bowling alleys in the country. This avant-garde center has 22 lanes with automatic scoreboards. Hone your skills or compete with friends and family at this establishment. Opened in 2012, it also features a lovely restaurant and sports bar. Though it is expensive, you can be sure of a fun time at this place.
The Nordic House not only lies at the very heart of Iceland's Nordic culture, but is also the only building in the country to have been designed by the famed architect, Alvar Aalto. Since its establishment in 1968, the Nordic House has come to be at the center of a vibrant and diverse cultural program, featuring major events like the Reykjavík International Film Festival and The Nordic Fashion Biennale alongside conferences and meetings. The showpiece of this beautifully designed architectural gem is a fabulous library that boasts an extensive collection of books, CDs, graphic art, magazines, newspapers and other literary materials in seven Nordic languages. Apart from a host of event spaces, auditoriums and exhibition rooms, the Nordic House is also home to the acclaimed AALTO Bistro and a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee.