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

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Should you visit Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Reykjavik, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

How is Amsterdam different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Food?

Dining out in both Amsterdam and Reykjavik can be an enjoyable experience.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Amsterdam. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Reykjavik offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Nightlife?

With more options to choose from, you'll find a more vibrant nightlife in Amsterdam.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Shopping?

Shopping in a popular activity in both Reykjavik and Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Families?

Families will find a wider variety of activities in Reykjavik than Amsterdam.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Amsterdam is not always a place people visit with their families. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Reykjavik are both fun to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


Is Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Most people consider Amsterdam to be better for backpackers than Reykjavik.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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

Is Amsterdam or Reykjavik better for Public Transit?

Amsterdam provides more public transit options than Reykjavik.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Amsterdam or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Reykjavik both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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

Amsterdam and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Amsterdam
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Reykjavik
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

In either Amsterdam or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Amsterdam is 2-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Reykjavik is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Amsterdam or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Amsterdam 2-7 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the green destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the clean city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Reykjavik or Amsterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €138, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €198. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam €80
    Reykjavik €112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam €160
    Reykjavik €224

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam €16
    Reykjavik €37
Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    €3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    €15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    €10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    €2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    €3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • VIP Local Transfer inside Amsterdam: $81
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $61
  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam City Centre: $9.55
  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from City Centre to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $9.55
  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Airport Transfer City Center to Schiphol Airport AMS: $73
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City to Airport: $34
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Amsterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $46
  • Taxi Transfer from cruise port terminal in Amsterdam to hotel in Amsterdam: $56
  • Schiphol Airport Transfer - Amsterdam City Center: $135
  • Roundtrip Transfer Schiphol - Amsterdam: $104
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam: $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 3-Hour Lava Caving Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik: $84
  • Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37
  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $28
  • Airport Transfer: $230
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $31
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $43
  • Airport transfer to or from Reykjavik with up to 3 hours stop in Blue Lagoon: $485
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Including Transfer: $229
  • Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $33
  • Blue Lagoon with transfer: $217
  • Departure Private Transfer Business Car Reykjavik City to Reykjavik Airport KEF: $112
  • Departure Private Transfer Luxury Van Reykjavik City to Reykjavik Airport KEF: $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Amsterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amsterdam €35
    Reykjavik €24
Typical Food prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    €6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal: $23
  • Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise: $40
  • Three course lunch/dinner voucher: $42
  • Walking Food Tour: $43
  • 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $48
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local: $50
  • Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam: $62
  • Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river: $62
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $63
  • Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam: $73
  • Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse: $75

Typical Food prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    €179

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Exclusive dinner with a local family: $112
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $123
  • Dinner with an Icelandic Artist in Reykjavik Home: $151
  • Secret Lagoon, Buffet Dinner, and Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik: $159
  • South Coast: Volcanoes, waterfalls & Viking dinner at the Viking house: $179
  • Private Reykjavik Food Tour: $198
  • South Coast: Small group glacier hike, fire & ice with dinner at Viking lodge: $199
  • Cook and Dine Icelandic Cooking Class Gourmet Lunch or Dinner: $204
  • Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: $229
  • West Iceland Private Food Tour from Reykjavik: $723

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam €30
    Reykjavik €58
Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    €6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    €17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $87
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $174
  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District with a Local: $41
  • 1.5-hour Amsterdam Bubbly Bike tour: $757
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $81
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $162
  • 2-Day Nightclub Admission Ticket: Best Nightlife in Amsterdam: $13
  • 2-Hour Private Anne Frank Walking Tour with Drink: $162
  • 2-Hour Private Custom Amsterdam Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $70
  • 2-Hour Semi Private All-Inclusive Cruise on our Boutique Style boats: $79
  • 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $249
  • 2.5-Hour Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike: $204

Typical Entertainment prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    €11
  • Wine and Spa
    €29

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Admission Ticket to Viking World Museum: $14
  • Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Skip the Line: Volcano House Admission Ticket: $17
  • Tales from Iceland Admission Ticket: $18
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - The Culture House Reykjavik: $19
  • Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $20
  • Whales of Iceland Exhibition Entrance Ticket: $22
  • Whales Of Iceland Admission Ticket: $26
  • Bryggjan Brugghús Craft Beer Tour: $27
  • Reykjavik Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Perlan - Wonders of Iceland Tour: $33
  • Perlan Wonders of Iceland - Ice cave & Nature Exhibition Ticket: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam €19
    Reykjavik €23

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Amsterdam Bar Crawl: $27
  • Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl: $31
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour: $61
  • Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings: $67
  • 4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour: $81
  • High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $102
  • Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars: $106
  • Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour: $129
  • Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152
  • Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl: $488

Typical Alcohol prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    €8.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $34
  • Private Reykjavik Pub Crawl: $181
  • Reykjavik Food & Wine Tour: $249

About these numbers

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

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Amsterdam vs. Reykjavik Travel Comparison

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