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

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Lagos and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking. Lagos is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Lagos different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lagos 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 Lagos. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Lagos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Reykjavik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reykjavik and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reykjavik. 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 Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly resort town. 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 Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Reykjavik is a good resort 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 Lagos or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a good destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Reykjavik?

In either Lagos or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lagos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lagos than Reykjavik. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Reykjavik?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Lagos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 clean 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 Lagos or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Lagos. 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 resort 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 Lagos or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the dramatic resort town of Lagos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

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 Lagos or Reykjavik?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 green 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lagos is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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, Lagos is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. 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, Lagos is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Reykjavik. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

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

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Lagos