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

Should you visit Pisa or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reykjavik

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

Pisa and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Reykjavik?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pisa than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pisa is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pisa different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa 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 Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pisa 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 Pisa. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Pisa has a beach worth visiting. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Pisa or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Pisa to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for hiking. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Reykjavik?

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pisa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Pisa and Reykjavik both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

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

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

One day in Pisa or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Pisa or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world-famous destination of Pisa. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Pisa or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-famous city of Pisa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Pisa or Reykjavik?

Pisa 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.

The clean city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 in Italy, The Best Bicycle 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 Pisa and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Pisa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pisa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pisa 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 Pisa.

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pisa is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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. Pisa is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pisa usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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, Pisa is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pisa in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pisa usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Pisa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Pisa is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Pisa