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

Should you visit Bristol or Reykjavik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Reykjavik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Bristol and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Reykjavik. Bristol is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Bristol and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Bristol different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bristol 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 Bristol can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bristol 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 Bristol. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

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 Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Bristol has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Reykjavik?

Bristol 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 Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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 Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Students?

For students, both Bristol and Reykjavik are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for 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 Bristol or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Bristol and Reykjavik are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bristol or Reykjavik?

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

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bristol. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Bristol. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Reykjavik?

Bristol is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Reykjavik?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bristol is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Reykjavik. The autumn months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In October, Bristol is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bristol usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Reykjavik. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Bristol is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Bristol during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bristol for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Bristol is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Bristol