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

Should you visit Dover or Reykjavik?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, 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.

Dover and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Reykjavik than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Reykjavik is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Dover is more popular for its museums and food. Reykjavik is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Also, Reykjavik is famous for The Thermal Pools. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dover 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 Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

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 Dover or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Reykjavik are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Reykjavik are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Dover or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for students. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town 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 Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Dover?

How long in Dover or Reykjavik?

In either Dover or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Dover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

You'll find food and museums around the town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning town of Dover. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Reykjavik?

Dover 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Dover 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 Dover or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Dover is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dover 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 Dover or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Dover 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 Dover or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Dover is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Dover 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 Dover