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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Orlando?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Orlando, 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and theater.

Reykjavik and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Orlando?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orlando than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Reykjavik different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Both Reykjavik and Orlando have good vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Orlando has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Orlando?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Orlando draws large crowds. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Couples?

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

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando Better for Students?

Both Reykjavik and Orlando are good destinations for 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.

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

Reykjavik is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Reykjavik or Orlando a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Orlando?

Both Reykjavik and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orlando than in Reykjavik. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

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

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

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 shopping and theater around the city of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orlando has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Reykjavik or Orlando?

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 theater and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the family-friendly city of Orlando. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Reykjavik or Orlando?

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.

Orlando is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orlando, one week is sufficent for most. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Orlando, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Reykjavik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and Orlando 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 Reykjavik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reykjavik 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Reykjavik.

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Orlando. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Reykjavik is much colder than Orlando in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Orlando. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Orlando. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Orlando. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In January, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Orlando. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. Reykjavik is much colder than Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Orlando. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Reykjavik