A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Reykjavik for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Aberdeen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Aberdeen is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aberdeen can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aberdeen is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aberdeen. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Reykjavik are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Aberdeen to see the historical old town. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Both Aberdeen and Reykjavik are good shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reykjavik. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Reykjavik.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Aberdeen and Reykjavik are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Aberdeen and Reykjavik offer good public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Aberdeen or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Reykjavik both are very good when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

In either Aberdeen or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Aberdeen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Reykjavik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reykjavik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Aberdeen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Reykjavik.

One day in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the architectural city of Aberdeen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Aberdeen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Reykjavik, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Aberdeen is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Aberdeen is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. In January, Aberdeen is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. Aberdeen is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Aberdeen