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

Should you visit Shanghai or Reykjavik?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Shanghai and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Shanghai different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Shanghai and Reykjavik.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

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.

Is Shanghai or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

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

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

Shanghai is an amazing port 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 Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Reykjavik are great family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. 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 Shanghai or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Shanghai or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Shanghai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Reykjavik is a good port 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 Shanghai or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Reykjavik both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

In either Shanghai or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Shanghai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Shanghai than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

People visit Shanghai 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.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Reykjavik?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Reykjavik?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Shanghai is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Shanghai