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

Should you visit Alesund or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Alesund 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.

Alesund

Alesund is a welcoming, friendly, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Alesund is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Alesund travel costs.

Reykjavik

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

Alesund and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alesund or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alesund. Although Alesund and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Alesund has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alesund is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Alesund and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Alesund is popular for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also home to the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Alesund different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alesund is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Alesund is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alesund is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Alesund. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

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 Alesund or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

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 Alesund or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Alesund 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.

Alesund is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alesund or Reykjavik?

Both Alesund and Reykjavik are good shopping destinations.

Alesund is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

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 Alesund or Reykjavik More Beautiful?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Reykjavik as well. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

Alesund is a beautiful place to visit, too. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Is Alesund or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Alesund or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund 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.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Alesund or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Alesund or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Alesund is a good city to visit for students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

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

Both Alesund and Reykjavik offer good public transit options.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

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

Is Alesund or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Alesund?

How long in Alesund or Reykjavik?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Alesund. 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 Alesund 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 Alesund or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alesund. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Alesund or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Alesund. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Alesund or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Alesund. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Alesund or Reykjavik?

Alesund is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Alesund.

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

Which is Bigger, Alesund or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Alesund 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 Alesund 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 Alesund or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Alesund during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alesund 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.

Alesund is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Alesund usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alesund or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Alesund is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alesund in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Alesund usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alesund or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Alesund 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. Alesund can be very cold during winter. In January, Alesund is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. Alesund usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alesund or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Alesund is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In April, Alesund usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Alesund