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

Should you visit Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kilkenny and Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, 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.

Kilkenny and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Kilkenny and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Kilkenny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kilkenny is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also well known for The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Kilkenny different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

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 Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or Reykjavik has a better nightlife scene.

Kilkenny has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

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.

Is Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. 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.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reykjavik and Kilkenny.

Kilkenny offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Reykjavik.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. 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.

Is Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Reykjavik are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Reykjavik is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Reykjavik are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Kilkenny or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for students. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Is Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny and Reykjavik.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

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

Is Kilkenny or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Reykjavik both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Reykjavik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kilkenny, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

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

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Kilkenny. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval town of Kilkenny. 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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

Kilkenny 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.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Reykjavik. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kilkenny is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 15°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. Kilkenny is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Kilkenny during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kilkenny is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kilkenny in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In April, Kilkenny is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Kilkenny