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

Should you visit Calais or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal 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 safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Calais and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Reykjavik?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Calais than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is better known for its museums, food, beaches, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Calais 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 Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

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 Calais or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Reykjavik.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. 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 Calais or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Reykjavik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reykjavik and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Reykjavik. 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 Calais or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Calais or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Reykjavik.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Calais or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Calais?

How long in Calais or Reykjavik?

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

Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Reykjavik?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Calais or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calais. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Calais. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Reykjavik?

Calais 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Calais and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Calais is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Calais in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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. In October, Calais is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Calais usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Calais during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Calais can be very cold during winter. Calais is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In the spring, Calais is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Calais in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Calais usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Calais