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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Kuala Lumpur and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Kuala Lumpur has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Reykjavik are great family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Reykjavik both great destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Reykjavik is a good city 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Reykjavik are great when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Reykjavik. However, 1-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this clean 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this safe 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Reykjavik is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 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 Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. 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. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Kuala Lumpur