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

Should you visit Linz 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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a historic, beautiful, and cultural town. 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 clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Linz and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Thermal Pools


Is there more to do in Linz or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Linz than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Linz is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Linz is famous for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. It is also well known for The Castle of Linz. 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 Linz different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Linz
Reykjavik

Linz is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Linz can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Linz
Reykjavik

Linz 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 Linz. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

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 Linz or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Linz
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Linz
Reykjavik

Linz is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Linz is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.


Is Linz or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Linz
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Reykjavik?

Linz
Reykjavik

Linz 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 Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Linz
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.


Is Linz or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Linz
Reykjavik

Both Linz and Reykjavik are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Linz or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Linz
Reykjavik

Both Linz and Reykjavik are nice destinations for backpackers.

Linz is a good town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Linz or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Linz
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city with good options for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

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.

Linz is not popular with students.


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

Linz
Reykjavik

Both Linz and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.

Linz has a few public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

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

Is Linz or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Linz
Reykjavik

Linz and Reykjavik both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Linz?

How long in Linz or Reykjavik?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Linz or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Linz 1-2 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in Linz or Reykjavik?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Linz or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Linz. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Linz or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Linz. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the clean destination of Reykjavik. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Linz or Reykjavik?

Linz 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.

The safe city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Linz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Linz is €114, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €228. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Linz and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linz 58
    Reykjavik 129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linz 116
    Reykjavik 258
Compare Hotels in Linz and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Linz or Reykjavik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Linz


Hotels in Reykjavik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Linz Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Linz 41
    Reykjavik 42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $212
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $180
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
  • Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $28
  • Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $29
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $30
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Linz or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Linz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Linz 32
    Reykjavik 28
Typical Food Prices in Linz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Linz are as follows:


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    165

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Icelandic Food Tour: $123
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
  • Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $144
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Linz 13
    Reykjavik 67

Tours and Activities in Linz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Linz are as follows:

  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $544
  • Christmas Tales of Linz – Private Walking Tour: $262
  • Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide: $237
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $214
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Linz - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Linz Christmas Market Tour: $294
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $401
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $205
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    9.97
  • Wine and Spa
    27

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $17
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Linz 16
    Reykjavik 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    8.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32


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

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


Which is Bigger, Linz or Reykjavik?

Linz has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Linz during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Linz is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 20°C (68°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Linz. In the summer, Linz often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Linz 20°C (68°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Linz or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Reykjavik. The autumn months attract visitors to Linz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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. Linz is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Linz usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Linz usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Linz 11°C (52°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Linz or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Linz as well as Reykjavik. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Additionally, 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 Linz in the winter. In the winter, Linz is cooler than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Linz in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Linz often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Linz -0°C (31°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Linz or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Linz for 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, Linz is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Linz usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Linz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Linz 11°C (51°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Linz

Linz Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)