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

Should you visit Melbourne or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Melbourne and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Melbourne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Reykjavik.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Reykjavik are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

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.

Is Melbourne or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Reykjavik are very good when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the clean destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Reykjavik?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Melbourne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Reykjavik is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Melbourne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Reykjavik?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Reykjavik?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Reykjavik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Reykjavikin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Melbourne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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. Melbourne is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F)in October.

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Reykjavikin October. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavikin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Melbourne is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F)in January.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Reykjavikin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In October, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Reykjavikin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the spring, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Reykjavikin April. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Reykjavikin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Melbourne