A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Reykjavik for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Orkney Islands and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Orkney Islands have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is better known for its museums, food, and beaches, while Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

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

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for hiking. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Reykjavik is a good archipelago 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 Orkney Islands or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Reykjavik both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

In either Orkney Islands or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. 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.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and museums around the tranquil archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Orkney Islands or Reykjavik?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Reykjavik. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Reykjavik. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Orkney Islands is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums 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. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. Orkney Islands is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Orkney Islands is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Orkney Islands