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

Should you visit Cork 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 Cork 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.

Cork

Cork is a energetic, cultural, and seaside 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 clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Cork and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cork than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cork is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Cork and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Cork is popular for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also home to The Blarney Castle and Stone.

How is Cork different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cork 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 Cork can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cork 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 Cork. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Cork has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Cork 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.

Cork is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Reykjavik?

Cork 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 Cork. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

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 Cork or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Cork or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Cork and Reykjavik are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cork and Reykjavik are good destinations for backpackers.

Cork is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

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

Is Cork or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Cork is a great city to visit as a student. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international 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.

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

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city 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 mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Cork?

How long in Cork or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

One day in Cork or Reykjavik?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Cork or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Cork. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Cork or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Cork. 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Reykjavik. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Cork or Reykjavik?

Cork 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.

The clean city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cork or Reykjavik?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Cork during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cork 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.

Cork is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Cork often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cork and Reykjavik. The autumn months attract visitors to Cork 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 the autumn, Cork is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cork in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Cork usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during autumn. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cork usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cork or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cork as well as Reykjavik. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cork 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. In January, Cork is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 6°C (43°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Cork often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Cork receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cork usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cork for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Cork is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Cork usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cork usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Cork 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 Cork