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

Should you visit Cologne or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Cologne and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Reykjavik. Cologne is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

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 Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Cologne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Reykjavik?

Cologne 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 Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Reykjavik does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Reykjavik.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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.

Is Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is well known for couples. Also, Cologne 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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Reykjavik are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

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 Cologne or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a great city to visit as a student. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne is an amazing city 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.

Public transit in Cologne is top-notch. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Cologne and Reykjavik both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Reykjavik?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne 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 Cologne or Reykjavik?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. 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 Cologne or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Cologne. 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 Cologne or Reykjavik?

Cologne 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Reykjavik?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Cologne for 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, Cologne is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

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

Cologne usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Cologne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, 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. Cologne can be very cold during winter. Cologne is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. 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, Cologne is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Cologne usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Cologne