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

Should you visit Connemara or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Connemara 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking, scenic, and natural region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Connemara and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Connemara than Reykjavik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Connemara is better known for its museums, food, and beaches, while Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. Also, Connemara is famous for Connemara National Park.

How is Connemara different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Connemara 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 Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

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 Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Connemara is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Connemara. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Connemara and Reykjavik both have fantastic trails.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Reykjavik to go shopping. 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Connemara and Reykjavik make for a very good place to visit.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

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.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Reykjavik?

In either Connemara or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Connemara because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Connemara, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

You'll find food and museums around the region of Connemara. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Connemara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Connemara or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic region of Connemara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Connemara or Reykjavik?

Connemara is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara 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 Connemara or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Connemara during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Connemara is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Connemara in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Connemara is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Connemara usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Connemara usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Connemara or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Connemara is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Connemara often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the winter. Connemara usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, 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, Connemara is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Connemara in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Connemara usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Connemara usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Connemara