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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Manchester and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Manchester is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Manchester has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Manchester has diverse options. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for hiking. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Reykjavik?

Manchester 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 Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Reykjavik.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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.

Is Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Reykjavik are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Reykjavik are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Manchester or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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.

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

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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.

Is Manchester or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Reykjavik?

In either Manchester or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Reykjavik?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the safe city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Reykjavik?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Manchester. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Reykjavik?

Manchester 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Reykjavik?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Reykjavik. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Manchester is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, 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 the autumn, Manchester is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester 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. Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Manchester is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Manchester is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Manchester