A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Rio de Janeiro for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Reykjavik is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking. See Reykjavik travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a high energy, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rio de Janeiro than Reykjavik. Rio de Janeiro is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. 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 Reykjavik different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

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

Travelers visit Rio de Janeiro from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Rio de Janeiro has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are among the best in the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro are both places where visitors can find first-rate hiking trails.

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.

Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

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 Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro both are comparable with their first-rate scenery and beauty.

Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very kid-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Rio de Janeiro is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rio de Janeiro. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

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.

Is Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Reykjavik because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit Rio de Janeiro because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Rio de Janeiro because there is so much to do. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Rio de Janeiro because there is so much to do. 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 great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Reykjavik. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Reykjavik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In April, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Reykjavik