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

Should you visit Howth or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Howth and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Howth and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, and small town charm, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse. 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 Howth different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Howth is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Howth 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 Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

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 Howth or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Howth or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Howth is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Reykjavik?

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

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Howth or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Howth or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Howth or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Howth and Reykjavik.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Howth or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Howth and Reykjavik both are very good when exploring on foot.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Howth?

How long in Howth or Reykjavik?

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

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

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green 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 Howth or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Howth. 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 fishing village has to offer. This fishing village 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 Howth or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the beautiful fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Howth or Reykjavik?

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Howth as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, 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, Howth is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 16°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Howth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. 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. Howth is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Howth usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Howth or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Howth during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Howth is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Howth in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Howth often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm. 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, Howth is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Howth usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Howth