A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Cairngorms National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park, 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 green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Reykjavik and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Reykjavik than Cairngorms National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Reykjavik is better known for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cairngorms National Park is more popular for its food. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Also, Reykjavik is famous for The Thermal Pools. Cairngorms National Park is well known for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Reykjavik different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

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 Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is very good for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

Reykjavik is very good for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Reykjavik and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent 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.

Cairngorms National Park is a very kid-friendly city. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Is Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Reykjavik and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik and Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is a good city to visit for backpackers. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

Is Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Reykjavik has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Reykjavik than Cairngorms National Park. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Reykjavik than Cairngorms National Park 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 Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and nightlife around the safe city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food around the national park of Cairngorms National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cairngorms National Park?

With nightlife and shopping around the clean destination of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food around the beautiful destination of Cairngorms National Park. 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 national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and nightlife around the safe city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food around the picturesque national park of Cairngorms National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

A week in Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Reykjavik is generally cooler than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Reykjavik usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reykjavik usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cairngorms National Park. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Reykjavik during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Cairngorms National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Cairngorms National Park. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Reykjavik often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Reykjavik