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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Carcassonne and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Carcassonne and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Reykjavik. Although Carcassonne and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Reykjavik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. It is also home to The Thermal Pools.

How is Carcassonne different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Reykjavik is a good 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 Carcassonne or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Carcassonne and Reykjavik.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town 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 Carcassonne or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Carcassonne is an amazing town 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 Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

In either Carcassonne or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Carcassonne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

One day in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green city of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the historical destination of Carcassonne. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fairytale town of Carcassonne. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the clean city of Reykjavik. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

Carcassonne 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Carcassonne is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the autumn, Carcassonne is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Reykjavik. Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In January, Carcassonne is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Reykjavik. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Carcassonne is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Carcassonne