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

Should you visit Vienna or Reykjavik?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Vienna travel costs.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Reykjavik travel costs.

Vienna and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Vienna is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Reykjavik.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

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 Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Music?

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

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

Vienna offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

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.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Reykjavik?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Reykjavik More Beautiful?

Vienna and Reykjavik are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

The famous beauty of Reykjavik is one of the main draws. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

Is Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Reykjavik are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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 Vienna or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Vienna. 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 Vienna or Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the artistic destination of Vienna. 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 Vienna or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the musical city of Vienna. 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 Vienna or Reykjavik?

Vienna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Reykjavik?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Vienna is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Vienna is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. In the winter, Vienna is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Vienna is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Vienna