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

Should you visit Giverny or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Giverny 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food 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.

Giverny and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Giverny or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Giverny. Although Giverny and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Giverny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Giverny is very popular for its museums, food, and small town charm, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping. Giverny is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also well known for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. 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 Giverny different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Giverny 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 Giverny can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Giverny 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 Giverny. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

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 Giverny or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Giverny or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Giverny or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Giverny and Reykjavik are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Giverny or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

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

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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

Is Giverny or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Giverny or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Giverny. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Giverny or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the peaceful town of Giverny. 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.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Reykjavik?

Giverny 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Giverny or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny 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 Giverny or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Giverny is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 20°C (68°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Giverny or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Giverny is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Giverny can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Giverny is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Giverny in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Giverny or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Giverny during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Giverny is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Giverny