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

Should you visit Reims or Reykjavik?

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

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

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

Reims and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Thermal Pools
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Reims or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Reims than Reykjavik. Reims is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Reims is better known for its museums, food, and shopping, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reims is well known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Also, Reims is famous for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Reims different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Reims
Reykjavik

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

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Reims
Reykjavik

Reims 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, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reims
Reykjavik

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Reims and Reykjavik.

Reims has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

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.

Is Reims or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reims
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Reykjavik?

Reims
Reykjavik

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reims
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Reims or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reims
Reykjavik

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

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims
Reykjavik

Reims and Reykjavik are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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 Reims or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reims
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Reims
Reykjavik

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Reims and Reykjavik.

You'll find some public transit in Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

While Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.


Is Reims or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reims
Reykjavik

Reims and Reykjavik both are superb when exploring on foot.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Reims?

How long in Reims or Reykjavik?

In either Reims or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Reims has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Reims than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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


  • How many days in Reims or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reims 2-5 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in Reims or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Reims. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this clean destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Reims or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Reims. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Reims or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful city of Reims. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Reims or Reykjavik?

Reims 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the clean destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Reims?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Reims is €131, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €228. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Reims and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reims 66
    Reykjavik 129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reims 132
    Reykjavik 258
Compare Hotels in Reims and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Reims or Reykjavik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Reims


Hotels in Reykjavik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Reims Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reims 39
    Reykjavik 42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
  • Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37
  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $29
  • Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $36
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket with Transfer: $254
  • Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
  • Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Reims or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Reims change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Reims 40
    Reykjavik 28

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    165

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Icelandic Food Tour: $123
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
  • Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $144
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reims 19
    Reykjavik 67

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    9.97
  • Wine and Spa
    27

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $17
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reims 22
    Reykjavik 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    8.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32


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

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


Which is Bigger, Reims or Reykjavik?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reims 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 Reims 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 Reims or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Reims as well as Reykjavik. The summer months attract visitors to Reims because of 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, Reims is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reims in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In the summer, Reims often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reims 19°C (65°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Reims or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims 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, Reims is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 12°C (53°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Reims usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reims usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reims 12°C (53°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Reims or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Reims during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reims 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 Reims. Reims is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Reims often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reims 3°C (37°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Reims or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Reims is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reims in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Reims usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reims usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reims 9°C (49°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Reims

Reims Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)