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

Should you visit Bari or Reykjavik?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bari and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Bari and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bari or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Reykjavik. Bari is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Bari and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Bari different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari 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 Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bari is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Bari or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Bari or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Bari or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bari or Reykjavik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bari and Reykjavik both offer plenty of notable spots.

Bari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Reykjavik is a great destination for shopping. 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 Bari or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Bari and Reykjavik are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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.

Is Bari or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bari or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Reykjavik is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Bari or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Reykjavik is popular with students. 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 Bari or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bari and Reykjavik both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

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

Is Bari or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Bari and Reykjavik are great when it comes to walkability.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Bari?

How long in Bari or Reykjavik?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Reykjavik 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 Bari.

One day in Bari or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bari or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bari. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bari or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic port city of Bari. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the clean destination of Reykjavik. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bari or Reykjavik?

Bari 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.

The friendly city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bari or Reykjavik?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bari or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bari and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bari is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bari in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bari usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Bari gets 336 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bari usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Bari gets 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bari or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bari as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In October, Bari is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 18°C (65°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Bari often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Bari gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Bari gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Bari are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. Bari is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Bari averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Bari usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Bari gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bari usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Bari gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bari or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Bari during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the spring, Bari is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bari in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. In the spring, Bari often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Bari gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Bari gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Bari