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

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

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Limerick and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Reykjavik than Limerick. Reykjavik is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Reykjavik is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Limerick is more popular for its museums and food. Reykjavik is more touristy than Limerick and is 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. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Limerick is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Limerick is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Limerick. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

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 Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Limerick and Reykjavik.

If you're looking for night time activities Limerick has a few options to choose from. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for hiking. However, Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. 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.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Reykjavik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Limerick and Reykjavik both offer plenty of notable spots.

Limerick has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

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.

Is Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Reykjavik is a great city 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Students?

For students, both Limerick and Reykjavik are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for 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 Limerick or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Limerick and Reykjavik both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Limerick offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

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

Is Limerick or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Reykjavik?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Limerick. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Limerick 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 Reykjavik.

One day in Limerick or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Limerick. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Limerick has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Limerick or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Limerick. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Limerick. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Limerick or Reykjavik?

Limerick 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Reykjavik. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Limerick is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Limerick in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Limerick or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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 October, Limerick is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Limerick is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Limerick usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Limerick usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Limerick or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Limerick during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Limerick is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Limerick in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Limerick often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Limerick