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

Should you visit Bonn or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Bonn 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Bonn and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bonn than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bonn is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. It is also home to The Bonn Minster.

How is Bonn different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

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 Bonn or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Bonn and Reykjavik.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Bonn or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for hiking. However, Bonn 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.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Reykjavik?

Bonn 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 Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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 Bonn or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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.

Is Bonn or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Reykjavik are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Bonn or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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 Bonn or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

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

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore 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 Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

One day in Bonn or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn 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 Bonn or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bonn. 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.

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 Bonn or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Bonn. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the green 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 Bonn or Reykjavik?

Bonn 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 green 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Reykjavik?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Bonn is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bonn usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, 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, Bonn is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn 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. Bonn can be very cold during winter. In January, Bonn is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Bonn usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. Bonn is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Bonn