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

Should you visit Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Kyoto and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kyoto than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kyoto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji. 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 Kyoto different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Kyoto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Kyoto offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Reykjavik?

Kyoto is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Reykjavik are high quality to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Kyoto has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kyoto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Kyoto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Kyoto is a great city to visit as a student. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Kyoto is an excellent place 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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 Kyoto or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an amazing city 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 Kyoto. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Reykjavik?

In either Kyoto or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Kyoto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. 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 friendly 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 Kyoto or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Kyoto. 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 city has to offer. This city 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 Kyoto or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kyoto. 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 museums. 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 Kyoto or Reykjavik?

Kyoto 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 clean 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Reykjavik?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, 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. Kyoto is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto 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. It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In the winter, Kyoto is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Kyoto