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

Should you visit Marbella or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Reykjavik, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Reykjavik

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

Marbella and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Reykjavik are about the same size, Marbella has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marbella is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Marbella is famous for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. 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 Marbella different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marbella 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 Marbella. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

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 Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Marbella 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, Marbella has diverse options. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Marbella is a good destination for visiting its old town. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Reykjavik?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Marbella. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Marbella and Reykjavik are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Reykjavik is known to be 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 Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Reykjavik are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Reykjavik is a good resort town 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 Marbella or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good 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 Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Marbella and Reykjavik are superb when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Reykjavik?

In either Marbella or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Marbella has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marbella than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Marbella or Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the high energy destination of Marbella. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town 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 Marbella or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the high energy resort town of Marbella. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

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 Marbella or Reykjavik?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Reykjavik?

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

Both Reykjavik and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Marbella is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Marbella is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Marbella is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Marbella