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

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a natural, peaceful, and tranquil islands. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Inner Hebrides and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Reykjavik. Although Inner Hebrides and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Reykjavik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Inner Hebrides is known for its food and beaches. Reykjavik is more touristy than Inner Hebrides and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. It is also home to The Thermal Pools. Inner Hebrides is popular for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky.

How is Inner Hebrides different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

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 Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a popular place for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Inner Hebrides. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Inner Hebrides. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

Is the Shopping Better in Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a popular place for shopping. However, Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Inner Hebrides. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

Is Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Inner Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

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 Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inner Hebrides and Reykjavik are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Inner Hebrides. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

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 Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

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.

Inner Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Inner Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Is Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

In either Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Reykjavik has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Reykjavik than Inner Hebrides. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Inner Hebrides, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the islands of Inner Hebrides. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the tranquil destination of Inner Hebrides. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This islands offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the tranquil islands of Inner Hebrides. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this islands makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this islands has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Inner Hebrides or Reykjavik?

Inner Hebrides 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Reykjavik. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

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

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

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