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

Should you visit Naples or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples 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.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Naples and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Reykjavik. Naples is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Naples is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Naples different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples 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 Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Naples is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Naples or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Reykjavik?

Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Naples or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Naples and Reykjavik are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Naples or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Reykjavik is a good city 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 Naples or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Naples and Reykjavik are notable places to visit for students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

It's common for students to 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.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Naples and Reykjavik both are superb when exploring on foot.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Naples?

How long in Naples or Reykjavik?

In either Naples or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Naples because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Naples or Reykjavik?

People visit Naples because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Naples or Reykjavik?

People visit Naples because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Naples. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Reykjavik?

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the safe destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Reykjavik?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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 Naples or Reykjavik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Naples or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Naples as well as Reykjavik. The summer months attract visitors to Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In the summer, Naples is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Naples in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In the summer, Naples often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Naples usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Also, 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. In October, Naples is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Naples usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In October, Naples usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Naples or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Naples during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Naples for the museums, 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. Naples is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Naples often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Naples in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Naples is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Naples in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Naples usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Naples usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Naples