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

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Should you visit Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a cultural, coastal, and historic coastal town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

How is Dubrovnik different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Food?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Dubrovnik a bit more than Reykjavik.

For foodies, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Reykjavik offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find comparable options between Dubrovnik and Reykjavik.

If you're looking for night time activities Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

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.

Is Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Dubrovnik and Reykjavik both have various trails.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Is Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubrovnik and Reykjavik both offer plenty of spots.

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

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.

Is Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dubrovnik or Reykjavik.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Travelers usually think of Dubrovnik as a better destination for backpackers than Reykjavik.

Dubrovnik is a very popular coastal town to visit for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik better for Public Transit?

Dubrovnik and Reykjavik both offer public transit to get you around.

While Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

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

Is Dubrovnik or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik and Reykjavik are similar when it comes to walkability.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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


Dubrovnik and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Dubrovnik
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Reykjavik
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Dubrovnik?

How long in Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

In either Dubrovnik or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Dubrovnik is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Reykjavik is 1-5 days.


  • How many days in Dubrovnik or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dubrovnik 1-5 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint coastal town of Dubrovnik. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubrovnik has to offer. 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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the famous destination of Dubrovnik. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the green 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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal coastal town of Dubrovnik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly 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 Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Reykjavik or Dubrovnik?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $80, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $208. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dubrovnik and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $42
    Reykjavik $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $84
    Reykjavik $236

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $10
    Reykjavik $39
Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Port to Cavtat: $9.41
  • Transfers up to 3 persons to or from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik: $41
  • Transfers to/from Dubrovnik: $87
  • Transfers to and from Ston area to and from Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik airport: $139
  • Transfers: $68
  • Transfer to or from Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik to or from Kotor and Tivat: $226
  • Transfer to from Slano up to 7 persons to or from Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik APT: $89
  • Transfer from airport to Dubrovnik: $66
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split: $423
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes: $1,173
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik to Krka waterfalls: $200
  • Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Kolašin (Montenegro) ski resorts: $597

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Luxurious Private Airport Transfer and Blue Lagoon | Included Premium Admission: $1,354
  • Private airport transfer with Blue lagoon stopover and lunar landscapes: $804
  • Luxury Private Transfers Reykjavik - Blue Lagoon - Keflavik Airport: $683
  • Private Blue Lagoon & Airport Transfer: $646
  • Luxury Private Transfers Keflavik Airport - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik: $641
  • Private Transfer Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik city (with waiting time): $560
  • Airport transfer to or from Reykjavik with up to 3 hours stop in Blue Lagoon: $485
  • Golden Circle Private Tour & Blue Lagoon Private Transfer: $438
  • Private Reykjavík Round Trip Airport Transfer: $429
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer To or From Keflavik Airport: $352
  • Luxury Private Transfers Reykjavik to Keflavik airport: $343
  • Iceland Private Airport Transfer: $316

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Dubrovnik change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dubrovnik $27
    Reykjavik $26
Typical Food prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $73
  • Unique Sunset and Dinner Cruise in the Magnificent Traditional Karaka boat: $96
  • Dubrovnik Traditional Food Tour: $108
  • Old Town Food Tour: $130
  • Flavours of Dubrovnik - Food Tour: $131
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $147
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $149
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $164
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $166
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $167
  • E-Bike Tour + Farm To Table Cooking Class: $184
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour by Vidokrug: $192

Typical Food prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $188

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Exclusive dinner with a local family: $112
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $123
  • Dinner with an Icelandic Artist in Reykjavik Home: $151
  • Secret Lagoon, Buffet Dinner, and Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik: $159
  • South Coast: Volcanoes, waterfalls & Viking dinner at the Viking house: $179
  • Private Reykjavik Food Tour: $198
  • South Coast: Small group glacier hike, fire & ice with dinner at Viking lodge: $199
  • Cook and Dine Icelandic Cooking Class Gourmet Lunch or Dinner: $204
  • Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: $229
  • West Iceland Private Food Tour from Reykjavik: $723

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $16
    Reykjavik $61
Typical Entertainment prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • 'Up with the Chickens' or "Sunset chasing" Old Town Tour: $16
  • 2 hours Elafiti Islands Private Tour by Barracuda 545: $284
  • 4 Days Montenegro-Albania-Kosovo Tour from Dubrovnik or Kotor: $918
  • 4 days hiking tour Valbona Valley National Park from Dubrovnik: $762
  • 4 hours Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands by RANIERI SUN CRUISER 23: $477
  • 4-Hours Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • 4-Night Three Countries Tour from Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina: $954
  • 5 Days Deluxe Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split All Inclusive: $1,534
  • 6-Night Independent Tour of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula and Split: $952
  • 7 Days Small-Group Tour from Dubrovnik to Athens via Albania: $1,757
  • 8 h Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands by QUICKSILVER activ 675 open: $584
  • 8 hours Dubrovnik Blue Cave Private Tour with boat: $498

Typical Entertainment prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $11
  • Wine and Spa
    $31

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour From Reykjavik: $126
  • (Private tour) 4 Days South Coast, Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes: $3,388
  • 1.5 Hour Midnight Sun Buggy Tour From Reykjavik: $160
  • 10-day Private tour of Iceland: Geysers & Glaciers: $13,561
  • 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
  • 1hr ATV Adventure & Caving from Reykjavik: $254
  • 1hr ATV Adventure & Helicopter Adventure Combination Tour from Reykjavik: $403
  • 1hr ATV Adventure & Rafting Tour from Reykjavik: $287
  • 1hr ATV Adventure & Whale Watching Combination Tour from Reykjavik: $248
  • 1hr ATV Reykjavik Peak Adventure: $143
  • 1hr ATV adventure & Northern lights Hunt from Reykjavik: $238
  • 1hr Buggy & Lava Caving Combination Tour from Reykjavik: $283

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $12
    Reykjavik $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour Dubrovnik: $44
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston- Group Tour: $60
  • Peljesac Peninsula Wine Tour from Dubrovnik: $61
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $63
  • FAMOUS LEGENDS OF PELJESAC and KORCULA with WINE TASTING: $65
  • Island of Korcula with Wine Tasting Day Trip from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Korčula tour with wine tasting from Dubrovnik: $69
  • Wine tasting and visit to Ston: $72
  • Wine Tasting Pelješac and a visit to Ston: $72
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Smiley wine tasting on peninsula Peljesac: $76
  • Smiley Hercegovina wine tour: $77

Typical Alcohol prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $9.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $34
  • Private Reykjavik Pub Crawl: $181
  • Reykjavik Food & Wine Tour: $249

About these numbers

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

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Dubrovnik vs. Reykjavik Travel Comparison

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