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

Should you visit Venice or Reykjavik?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Venice and Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Venice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Venice travel costs.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come to Reykjavik because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking. See Reykjavik travel costs.

Venice and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Venice than Reykjavik. Venice is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Venice is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Venice is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. 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 Venice different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Venice 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 Venice. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.

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 Venice or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Venice or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Reykjavik?

Venice 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 Venice. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Reykjavik More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of terrific scenery and beauty in both Venice and Reykjavik.

Many visitors also come to Venice because of it's amazing beauty. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

You'll find world class beauty in Reykjavik as well. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

Is Venice or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Reykjavik.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Venice or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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 Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Venice?

How long in Venice or Reykjavik?

In either Venice or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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

One day in Venice or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Venice or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Venice or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Venice or Reykjavik?

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the clean destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When comparing the travel costs between Venice and Reykjavik, we can see that Venice is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Venice or Reykjavik?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice or Reykjavik?

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 Venice or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Reykjavik. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Venice is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Venice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. Venice usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Venice or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Venice as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Venice is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Venice can get quite cold in the winter. Venice is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Venice usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Venice or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Venice during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Venice is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Venice in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Venice often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Venice