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

Should you visit Kinsale or Reykjavik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Reykjavik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, 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.

Kinsale and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Kinsale and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is famous for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. 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 Kinsale different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Kinsale is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kinsale is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Kinsale to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for hiking. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Reykjavik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kinsale and Reykjavik both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Many visitors go to Reykjavik to go shopping. 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 Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Reykjavik is a great city 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Kinsale or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Reykjavik?

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

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

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Reykjavik?

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 seaside town has to offer. This seaside 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 Kinsale or Reykjavik?

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Kinsale or Reykjavik?

Kinsale 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.

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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kinsale is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 16°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during summer. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kinsale or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Reykjavik. The autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Kinsale is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Kinsale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the winter, Kinsale is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kinsale in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Kinsale usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. In January, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kinsale or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Kinsale during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Kinsale is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Kinsale often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Kinsale