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

Should you visit Oxford or Reykjavik?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Oxford and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Oxford have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Oxford is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and small town charm, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking. Reykjavik is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford 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 Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Oxford 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 Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

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 Oxford or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Oxford has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Reykjavik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Oxford and Reykjavik.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

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 Oxford or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Oxford and Reykjavik.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Oxford and Reykjavik are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Reykjavik?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Oxford 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 Reykjavik.

One day in Oxford or Reykjavik?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford 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 Oxford or Reykjavik?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this college town has to offer. This college town 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 Oxford or Reykjavik?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Oxford or Reykjavik?

Oxford is a popular choice for travelers. 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 green 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in 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 Oxford and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Oxford.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Reykjavik?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

Oxford is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford 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. In the autumn, Oxford is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Oxford 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In January, Oxford is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Oxford is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Oxford