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

Should you visit Mykonos or Reykjavik?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a opulent, picturesque, and postcard perfect Greek island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, 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.

Mykonos and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mykonos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Mykonos is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. 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 Mykonos different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mykonos is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Mykonos is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mykonos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Mykonos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Mykonos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mykonos. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Mykonos offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its hiking trails.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island 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 Mykonos. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Mykonos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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 Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a good destination for students. However, Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Both Mykonos and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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

Is Mykonos or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mykonos. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

In either Mykonos or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mykonos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mykonos than Reykjavik. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint Greek island of Mykonos. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-oriented destination of Mykonos. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Reykjavik?

Mykonos 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Reykjavik?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.