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

Should you visit Kotor 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 Kotor and Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Kotor and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kotor or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Kotor and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is known for its nightlife and shopping. Reykjavik is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Kotor different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Kotor and Reykjavik.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kotor or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Reykjavik is a great destination for 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Reykjavik is a great coastal 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 Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Reykjavik is a good coastal town 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 Kotor or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Kotor or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Kotor?

How long in Kotor or Reykjavik?

In either Kotor or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Kotor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Kotor, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Kotor or Reykjavik?

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 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 Kotor or Reykjavik?

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 coastal town 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 Kotor or Reykjavik?

Kotor 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. 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 Kotor or Reykjavik?

Kotor 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kotor or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Kotor 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 Kotor 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 Kotor or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kotor as well as Reykjavik. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kotor is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Kotor averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In the summer, Kotor often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kotor gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Kotor usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Kotor gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kotor or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Kotor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, 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. In the autumn, Kotor is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kotor in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. Kotor usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Kotor gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. In October, Kotor usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kotor gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kotor or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In January, Kotor is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kotor average around 6°C (42°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Kotor often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kotor gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. Kotor usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Kotor gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kotor or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kotor and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Kotor is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Kotor averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kotor usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Kotor gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kotor usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kotor gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Kotor