Bar
Kaldi Bar
Laugavegur beer bar pouring the Icelandic Kaldi house beers alongside 12 taps, with a daily happy hour, a big gin list and an award-winning atmosphere.
Petersen svítan
Rooftop bar and terraces on the third floor of Gamla Bíó, a historic 1926 cinema building on Ingólfsstræti, with views over the rooftops of central Reykjavik.
At a glance
- Type
- Rooftop terrace bar
- Area
- Ingólfsstræti / Miðborg, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- gamlabio.is
Good to know
- Rooftop terraces
- City views
- Private hire
- Historic building
Why we recommend it
Petersen svítan, the Petersen suite, is a bar with rooftop terraces on the third floor of Gamla Bíó, the old cinema on Ingólfsstræti in the heart of Reykjavik. The building dates from 1926, when it was put up for the film business of Peter Petersen, whose name the bar carries, and over the decades it has welcomed cinema audiences, opera lovers and concert-goers. Today the main hall below is an events venue for concerts, comedy, conferences and parties, while the top floor is given over to the bar.
The attraction is the view. From the terraces you look out over the rooftops of the city centre, a rare vantage point in a city of mostly low buildings, and on a fine evening it is one of the most pleasant places in Reykjavik for a drink in the open air. In summer, the long, light evenings make it a popular spot to linger, while in colder months the indoor bar offers the same historic setting with views through the windows.
Petersen svítan opens from Wednesday to Saturday: from 16:00 to 01:00 on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 16:00 to 03:00 on Friday and Saturday. The space can hold up to 150 people, with separate areas for smaller groups, and it can be booked for private events outside regular opening hours.
The bar suits couples, groups of friends and anyone who wants a drink with a view before dinner or a show. Terrace weather in Reykjavik is unpredictable, so on a clear, calm evening make the most of it. If you are attending a concert or comedy night at Gamla Bíó, the bar is a natural place to meet before or after the show; check the venue's events calendar for what is on.
Drinks in Reykjavik are expensive because of high alcohol taxes, so a terrace drink here is best treated as an occasional treat. Arriving soon after opening at 16:00 gives you the best chance of a good spot on the terrace in fine weather.
Ingólfsstræti is in the city centre, a few minutes on foot from Laugavegur, Lækjartorg and the main bus stops, and within easy walking distance of Harpa and most central hotels. Bring an extra layer even in summer, as it can be breezy on the terraces.
Petersen svítan FAQs
Where is Petersen svítan?
It is on the third floor of Gamla Bíó at Ingólfsstræti 2a, 101 Reykjavik.
When is Petersen svítan open?
Wednesday and Thursday from 16:00 to 01:00, and Friday and Saturday from 16:00 to 03:00.
Does it have a terrace?
Yes. The bar has rooftop terraces with views over the city centre.
What is Gamla Bíó?
Gamla Bíó is a historic cinema building from 1926, now used for concerts, comedy, conferences and private events.
Why is it called Petersen?
The building was erected in 1926 for the film business of Peter Petersen, whose name the bar carries.
Can I hire the space?
Yes. Petersen svítan holds up to 150 people and can be booked outside regular opening hours.
Is it good for groups?
Yes. There are separate spaces for smaller groups as well as the main bar.
How do I contact the venue?
Call +354 563 4000 or use the contact form on the Gamla Bíó website.