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

Should you visit Rome or Reykjavik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Reykjavik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Rome and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Reykjavik. Rome is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking. Rome is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Reykjavik?

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

Travelers visit Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rome 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, Rome is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Reykjavik?

Rome 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 Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Rome and Reykjavik are high quality to visit with kids.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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.

Is Rome or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Rome and Reykjavik are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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.

Is Rome or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome 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 Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around 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 Rome or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Rome?

How long in Rome or Reykjavik?

In either Rome or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Rome or Reykjavik?

People visit Rome 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Rome or Reykjavik?

People visit Rome 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.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Rome or Reykjavik?

People visit Rome 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Reykjavik. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Rome or Reykjavik?

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The clean city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Reykjavik?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Reykjavik, 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 Rome or Reykjavik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rome or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rome as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rome is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rome in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the summer, Rome often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In October, Rome is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Rome usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rome usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Rome during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Rome is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Rome often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Rome is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rome in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rome usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Rome