A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Reykjavik for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a unique, beautiful, and spectacular national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Lake District National Park and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Reykjavik than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Reykjavik is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its food. Lake District National Park is well known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Also, Reykjavik is famous for The Thermal Pools.

How is Lake District National Park different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

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 Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. 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.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lake District National Park and Reykjavik, and they are world-class.

Lake District National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Lake District National Park and Reykjavik are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake District National Park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

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.

Is Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park and Reykjavik both great destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

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 Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lake District National Park. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

Reykjavik is a good national park 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 Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Is Lake District National Park or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Reykjavik is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Is Lake District National Park or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

In either Lake District National Park or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Lake District National Park. 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.

One day in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the national park of Lake District National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the safe destination of Reykjavik. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the unique destination of Lake District National Park. 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 national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Reykjavik for a weekend. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

You'll find food around the spectacular national park of Lake District National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Many people spend five days here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lake District National Park or Reykjavik?

Lake District National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake District National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lake District National Park is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during summer. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Lake District National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails 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 October, Lake District National Park is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Lake District National Park gets 69 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 Lake District National Park. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Lake District National Park can be very cold. Lake District National Park is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lake District National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Reykjavik. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the spring, Lake District National Park is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Lake District National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Lake District National Park