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

Should you visit Florence or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Reykjavik, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

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

Florence and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Florence is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Florence different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Florence and Reykjavik.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

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.

Is Florence or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Florence or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

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.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Reykjavik?

Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Florence or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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.

Is Florence or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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

Is Florence or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Florence and Reykjavik both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Florence or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Florence?

How long in Florence or Reykjavik?

In either Florence or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

One day in Florence or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Florence or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the alluring destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Florence or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the artistic city of Florence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Florence or Reykjavik?

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Reykjavik?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence or Reykjavik?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Florence or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Reykjavik. The summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Florence is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 25°C (77°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Florence usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Florence usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Florence or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florence as well as Reykjavik. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Florence is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Florence often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Florence is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florence in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Florence usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Florence usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Florence or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Florence during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Florence is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Florence often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Florence