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

Should you visit Biarritz or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Biarritz 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Biarritz and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Biarritz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also well known for Grande Plage. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Biarritz different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Reykjavik?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Reykjavik.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Reykjavik is known to be 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 Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Reykjavik make for a very good place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Reykjavik is a good seaside town 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 Biarritz or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Biarritz and Reykjavik.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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 Biarritz or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Reykjavik are very good when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Reykjavik?

In either Biarritz or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Biarritz or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the seaside town of Biarritz. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Biarritz or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside town 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 Biarritz or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing seaside town of Biarritz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer.

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 Biarritz or Reykjavik?

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Reykjavik?

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

Both Reykjavik and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Biarritz is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 20°C (68°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, 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. Biarritz is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Biarritz is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Biarritz in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Biarritz is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Biarritz