When I turned 30, I asked my brother and sister to celebrate with in in Australia and Greece. I was pushing to visit 30 countries before turning 30 and was living in Australia at 29. They came and celebrated with me 2 weeks before my visa expired and then crossed the 30th country off the list in Athens.
When Christina turned 30, it was 2021 and COVID was still raging. I left Australia again on the coat tails of an ending visa to Charleston SC. We celebrated with all her friends at the beach. Complete with mass testing afterwards when someone tested positive.
When Peter turned 30, he had 5 weddings in a row. We kept pushing back the celebration but by the end of 2025 we had it scheduled. The plan was to visit Iceland for New Year’s. I had been before in 2015 but after 10 years was excited to revisit. The last trip was all about hiking, check out that itinerary here.
To Stay
With 3 of us adults traveling for New Year’s Eve we wanted an apartment. This perfect 3 bedroom 2 bathroom with a balcony overlooking the downtown had everything we needed. Be prepared that most showers will have that sulfur smell. We appreciated having separate rooms to hang our many sweaters, an extra bathroom so my brother could have his space, and a balcony to watch the incredible fireworks going off until the early morning. Book it here.
To Explore
We decided to stay in Reykjavik instead of down in Vic or up north as it was winter. When I visited 10 years ago we rented a car and drove from town to town staying where we could. Considering the snow they had in November we didn’t want to take the risk driving through storms on roads with no street lamps. We booked tours that came with transportation saving us the concern of driving late or jet lagged.
Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
From Reykjavík: Snaefellsnes & Kirkjufell Small Group Day Tour
Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates Pick Up from Reykjavik
Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
To Arrive
The logistics of Iceland makes this event producer swoon. From the airport to downtown Reykjavik there is a bus that leaves promptly and you can buy right from the airport. When we landed at 6am it was a relief not to drive in the dark. The sun doesn’t rise until around 11am. From there the bus drops you at bus depot. From there you are given a color ticket that corresponds to a bus route. The buses are big and spacious enough for suitcases. These drive around and drop at easily marked stops throughout the city. We only had to take a cab one time because we were in a rush. Every other time the bus network got us from door to door. Considering how expensive Iceland is this was a budget saving blessing.
To Eat
Downtown Reykjavik has become quite the food scene. 10 years ago I was in no financial state to eat anything other than the included breakfast from the hostel and bars we brought with us. Now I was ready to explore what options awaited.
- Messinn – local fish shop with massive portions, definitely share the mains
- Sushi Social – fresh fish is the game in Iceland
- OTO – the NYE servings were endless and large, they even gave us mini champagnes to go for midnight
- Kaldi Bar/Café – coffee is crucial with the long days
- Skál – the most delicious dinner and cool vibes
- Dill Restaurant- Michelin stared restaurant, local and luxury
- Hygge kaffi og bakarí – perfect for coffee chats and breaks from the cold
- Kaktus Espressobar – coffee spot not far from the church
Extra suggestions we didn’t get to try – go and let me know if they are worth it
- LEMMY
- Icelandic Street Food
- BakaBaka
- Hosiló
- Sümac Grill + Drinks
- ÓX
my feet don't want to go to sleep 
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