A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Reykjavik for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Isle of Skye and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Isle of Skye have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Isle of Skye is more popular for its food and beaches, while Reykjavik is known for its nightlife and shopping. Isle of Skye is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Isle of Skye different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Isle of Skye and Reykjavik, and they are world-class.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Reykjavik both great destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Reykjavik is a good island 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 Isle of Skye or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye 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 limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

In either Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

One day in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the island of Isle of Skye. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this safe city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the dramatic destination of Isle of Skye. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the scenic island of Isle of Skye. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this friendly destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

Isle of Skye 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.

Reykjavik is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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 Isle of Skye and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Isle of Skye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isle of Skye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails 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. In the autumn, Isle of Skye is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. In January, Isle of Skye is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Reykjavik. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Isle of Skye is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Isle of Skye