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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Washington?

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

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

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Reykjavik and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Washington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Washington than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Washington is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House.

How is Reykjavik different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Washington 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 Washington?

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

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Reykjavik or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington 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, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington Better for Nightlife?

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

Washington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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 Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Reykjavik or Washington Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Washington?

Washington 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 Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

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 Washington Better for Christmas?

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

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Washington draws large crowds. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Reykjavik or Washington Better for Families?

Reykjavik and Washington 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.

Washington is a very kid-friendly city. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Is Reykjavik or Washington Better for Couples?

Reykjavik and Washington 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 Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Is Reykjavik or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Reykjavik or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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 Washington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is an amazing city 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.

Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Washington?

Both Reykjavik and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Reykjavik. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

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

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

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

One day in Reykjavik or Washington?

With shopping and nightlife around the green city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, one day is sufficent for most.

People visit Washington 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 Washington?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

People visit Washington because there is so much to do. 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 Washington?

Reykjavik, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Washington 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Reykjavik or Washington?

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Washington?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Washington. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Reykjavik is much colder than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Washington during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Washington. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Washington. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Washington. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Washington. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Washington in the Winter?

Both Washington and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In January, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Washington. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Washington during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Washington. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is much colder than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Washington. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Washington. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Washington and Reykjavik