A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Reykjavik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisse or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisse or Reykjavik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Lisse or Reykjavik?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Lisse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, 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 Lisse and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisse 79
    Reykjavik 129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisse 158
    Reykjavik 258
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Lisse 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 Lisse


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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisse 23
    Reykjavik 42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Reykjavík: South Coast Guided Day Trip by Jeep with Transfer: $1,765
  • From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
  • Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $473
  • Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $306
  • From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $287
  • Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos: $283
  • Lava Tunnel Caving with Transfer | Small Group: $283
  • Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $278
  • Private transfer: Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport (KEF): $277
  • Private Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport : $273
  • Private Airport Transfer: $271
  • Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisse or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Lisse 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
    Lisse 47
    Reykjavik 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

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.
    Lisse 30
    Reykjavik 67

Tours and Activities in Lisse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lisse.

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28
  • 2-Hour Private History and Highlights of Haarlem Walking Tour: $240
  • 90 minute Cheese and Wine Cruise through the Canals of Haarlem: $43
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Amsterdam: Private Sightseeing Tour to Keukenhof: $225
  • Bloemendaal Highlights: Guided Bike Tour close to Amsterdam: $55
  • Cheese, Clogs, Flowers and Windmills Tour: $620
  • CuliWalk Haarlem,Historic + Cultural audiotour with a Culinary Twist (selfguided: $49
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Escape Experience Haarlem The Escape of Kenau: $31
  • From Amsterdam: Private Keukenhof and Tulip Experience Tour: $313

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:

  • WWII History Tour with a 1940's British Officer in Reykjavik: $148
  • #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
  • 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $58
  • 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
  • 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $435
  • 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
  • 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
  • 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
  • 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
  • 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
  • ATV - QUAD Adventure: $174
  • Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisse 23
    Reykjavik 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

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 Lisse and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Lisse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisse 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 Lisse.

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


Which is Bigger, Lisse or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Reykjavik. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisse is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Lisse, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisse usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisse 17°C (62°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Reykjavik. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Lisse is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisse 11°C (51°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Lisse can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lisse is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisse in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Lisse usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lisse usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisse 2°C (36°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Lisse during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Lisse is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 8°C (46°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisse 8°C (46°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Lisse

Lisse Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)