A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Glencoe for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Reykjavik or Glencoe?

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

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

Glencoe

Glencoe is a serene, beautiful, and picturesque village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Reykjavik and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Reykjavik than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Reykjavik is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Glencoe is more popular for its food. Reykjavik is more touristy than Glencoe and is popular 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. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Reykjavik different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glencoe 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 Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

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 Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Reykjavik or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Glencoe?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Reykjavik to go shopping. 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Reykjavik or Glencoe Better for Families?

Reykjavik and Glencoe are both high quality 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.

Glencoe is a very kid-friendly city. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Reykjavik or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Reykjavik and Glencoe are both high quality 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 Glencoe frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Reykjavik or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Reykjavik or Glencoe Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for students. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Reykjavik or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reykjavik and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than in Glencoe. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Glencoe. 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 Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

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.

You'll find food around the village of Glencoe. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Glencoe has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Reykjavik or Glencoe?

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.

You'll find food around the serene destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Reykjavik or Glencoe?

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 food when visiting the picturesque village of Glencoe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Reykjavik or Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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