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

Should you visit Girona or Reykjavik?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Girona and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Girona

Girona is a colorful, medieval, and ancient city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Girona and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Reykjavik?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Girona than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Girona is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also well known for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Girona different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona 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 Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Girona 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 Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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 Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Girona or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Reykjavik?

Girona 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 Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Girona and Reykjavik both great destinations for a couple.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Girona and Reykjavik are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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.

Is Girona or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Girona and Reykjavik are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. 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 Girona or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Girona and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Girona or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Girona?

How long in Girona or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

One day in Girona or Reykjavik?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Girona or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the ancient destination of Girona. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Girona or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Girona. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Girona or Reykjavik?

Girona is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Girona or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Girona during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Girona in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Girona is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. In the summer, Girona often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Girona is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Girona usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Girona or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Girona as well as Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Girona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Girona is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Girona in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Girona often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Girona is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Girona usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Girona