Reykjavik Travel Guide: Birthdays, Lava, Whales & Hostels

Most people celebrate their birthday with cake and maybe a halfhearted dinner at Chili’s. Me? I go to Iceland. Twice. Two years in a row. Because nothing says “another year older” like chasing whales, watching lava flow, and getting tattooed by a stranger named Martyna while snow threatens to freeze your eyelashes together.

This is my tale of Reykjavik: a city small enough to walk across but big enough to keep you busy for days, whether you’re into churches, cats, lava, or cocktails (preferably all of the above).

Flying to Iceland: Champagne vs. Meh

Year one, I flew Delta and British Airways. The crews? Absolute angels. Think Mary Poppins with free wine. I brought them little gifts because, as a former flight attendant, I know it’s the fastest way to a flight attendant’s heart—and possibly to a free glass of first-class wine, pajamas, or toiletries. (Insider secret: you can’t buy loyalty, but you can bribe it with chocolate.)

Year two, I flew Icelandair. The crew was… fine. Not rude, just not particularly warm. Think “Nordic efficiency” with less sparkle. If you’re a people-person traveler, you’ll notice the difference. If not, you’ll just wonder why your request for water felt like an inconvenience.

Pro tip: Bring your crew little gifts. It doesn’t matter what airline. Flight attendants see thousands of people a week. Be the person they remember fondly, not the one who asked if the Coke Zero was “craft.”

Sleeping in Reykjavik: Hostels Only, Baby

Now, I can’t speak to hotels or Airbnb in Reykjavik because I’m a hostel girl through and through. And before you picture sticky floors and questionable bunkmates—let me assure you: Reykjavik does hostels right.

Baron’s Hostel (Year 1): I stayed here for 7 nights in a 4-bunk room. Cozy, budget-friendly, and the bathrooms were surprisingly good for shared spaces. The community vibe was great, and it felt easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers who were also wondering how many pastries is too many pastries. The only real downside? Bunkmates. Let’s just say, not everyone has mastered the art of the silent midnight snack or the gentle 6 a.m. alarm. But honestly, nothing a solid pair of earplugs- or noise-canceling headphones playing Icelandic whale sounds- can’t fix.
Hostel B47 (Year 2): This time, I splurged (a term I use loosely) on a private room with two twin beds. The beds were way more comfortable here, & while the shared kitchen & bathrooms were fine, I still preferred Baron’s for its common areas.

Fun fact: Both hostels are in the same building but run separately. It’s like Iceland’s version of The Parent Trap, but instead of long-lost twins, you just get two check-in codes and a lot of confused backpackers.

Both hostels were walkable to basically everything in Reykjavik—as long as your definition of “walkable” includes trudging up to three miles in varying degrees of wind. Arrive early or leave late? They’ve got lockers for about $10 so you’re not dragging your luggage around like a tragic Sherpa.

Reykjavik Highlights: Churches, Cats, and Cheesecake

Now onto the good stuff—the things to see and do in Reykjavik. Spoiler: there’s more than enough to fill a few days, even if you don’t leave the city.

Hallgrímskirkja

This giant concrete church is Reykjavik’s crown jewel and happens to be only a block away from both hostels. Its architecture looks like it was designed by someone stacking Legos while listening to heavy metal, and I mean that in the best way.

They do offer English-speaking services on the last Sunday of the month, and while I missed that timing, I still went. They even provide translations so you don’t nod along blankly pretending you know Icelandic.

Perlan Museum

Part museum, part science center, part 360° observation deck. The exhibitions are fascinating (learn about glaciers before they all melt, yay climate change!), and the views are unbeatable. If you’re into photos that scream “look at me being cultured,” this is your spot.

FlyOver Iceland

Imagine Soarin’ at Disney, but way cooler because it’s over Iceland. You’re suspended in front of a massive screen while they pump wind and mist at you, and it genuinely feels like you’re flying. I bought the ticket that included a beverage because apparently, I’m incapable of doing anything sober on vacation.

The Lava Show

This was WILD. They literally melt lava in front of you. You can hear it hiss, pop, and cool while experts narrate like it’s the world’s deadliest cooking show. I got balcony seating (and yes, another adult beverage) which came with a better view and a free piece of lava. Nothing says “souvenir” like hardened molten rock.

Whale Watching

I booked with Elding Whale Watching and saw three whales, which I assume makes me blessed by Poseidon himself. They outfit you with coveralls and jackets, but don’t let that fool you—bundle up like you’re trekking to the North Pole. Oh, and if you get seasick? Take the damn Dramamine.

Bonus: If you don’t see any whales, they give you a free ticket to come back. Fingers crossed you’re not there just for 48 hours.

Harpa Concert Hall

This glass-covered building is one of Reykjavik’s most iconic sights. I didn’t do the full tour, but I did check out their new 15-minute Volcano Express “ride.” It was neat, but after FlyOver Iceland, everything else feels like a screensaver.

Sun Voyager

This steel sculpture of a Viking ship sits by the waterfront and is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city. I saw it on a bright, sunny day with coffee and a pastry from Braud & Co in hand. Pro tip: add northern lights to the background, and you’ve got the world’s best screensaver shot.

Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur)

You’ve seen the photos—bright rainbow stripes leading up to Hallgrímskirkja. It’s one of Reykjavik’s busiest streets, filled with shops and restaurants. But before you get there, stop at Ice Mart Souvenir Shop to meet the world-famous cat Ofelia. She looks fake. She is not. Pet her anyway.

Eyemazy

Here’s where they take a close-up photo of your iris and turn it into art. It’s kind of like buying a selfie of your soul. Quick, painless, and you’ll suddenly understand why people compare eyes to galaxies.

Icelandic Punk Museum

Honestly? Not my vibe. It’s small, packed with articles, instruments, and history. If you’re a die-hard punk fan, you’ll love it. If not, save your krona for coffee. That said, the guy working there really knew his stuff and could probably out-punk anyone’s trivia night.

Reykjavik Ink

Because nothing says “I loved this country” like getting permanently marked. I booked with Martyna, who did her famous teardrop northern lights tattoo. Now I carry Iceland with me everywhere, and no, I don’t regret it. Tattoos are the ultimate souvenir—they never break in your suitcase.

Food, Bars and Hot Springs? That’s Another Post

Yes, I ate. Yes, I drank. Yes, I soaked. Yes, there will be another post about it because food deserves its own love letter and so do the Springs. Spoiler: Reykjavik knows how to bake bread that could start wars.

Final Thoughts: Reykjavik Is My Birthday Tradition

Two years in a row, I’ve celebrated my birthday in Reykjavik, and both times were unforgettable. The city is small but mighty, quirky but welcoming, and filled with enough lava, whales, and pastry shops to make you question why you don’t just move there permanently.

The flights, the hostels, the lava souvenirs, the cat named Ofelia—it all adds up to an experience that’s as weird as it is wonderful. And honestly? I’m already plotting year three.

So if you’re looking for a birthday trip that doesn’t involve surprise parties or sad sheet cake, take my advice: go to Iceland. Pet the cat. See the whales. Bribe your flight crew. And don’t forget your Dramamine.