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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Atlanta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Atlanta, 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.

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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

You'll generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Reykjavik. Atlanta is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Reykjavik different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Atlanta 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 Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Reykjavik or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

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

Atlanta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Reykjavik or Atlanta Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Reykjavik or Atlanta Better for Families?

Reykjavik and Atlanta are both superb destinations for the whole family.

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.

Atlanta is a very kid-friendly city. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Reykjavik or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Reykjavik or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik and Atlanta are both notable destinations 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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Reykjavik or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Reykjavik or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Reykjavik or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Reykjavik due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

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

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

One day in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

A weekend in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

Five days in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling city of Atlanta. 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.

A week in Reykjavik or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Atlanta 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Atlanta, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and Atlanta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Atlanta, 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 Reykjavik or Atlanta?

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 Reykjavik or Atlanta in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Atlanta. The summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Atlanta. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Reykjavik is much colder than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Atlanta. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Atlanta in the Winter?

Both Atlanta and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In January, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Reykjavik