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

Should you visit Basel or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Basel and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Basel is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also well known for The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Basel different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel 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 Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Basel 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 Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Basel and Reykjavik.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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 Basel or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Reykjavik?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Basel or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Basel and Reykjavik are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. 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 Basel or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Reykjavik are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Reykjavik is a good 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 Basel or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Basel is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Basel or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Basel?

How long in Basel or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel 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 Basel.

One day in Basel or Reykjavik?

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

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the museum-filled destination of Basel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Basel. 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 fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Reykjavik?

Basel 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the safe destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Reykjavik?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Basel during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Basel is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Reykjavik. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Basel is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. In the winter, Basel is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Basel is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Basel