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

Should you visit Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a historical, under-rated, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of 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 friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Warsaw and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Warsaw than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Warsaw is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Warsaw is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center. It is also home to The Old Town Market Square.

How is Warsaw different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Warsaw 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 Warsaw can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Warsaw is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

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 Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

Warsaw has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Warsaw to see the historical old town. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Warsaw 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.

Warsaw is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Reykjavik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Warsaw and Reykjavik both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Warsaw. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

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 Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Reykjavik are good places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Plenty of backpackers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Warsaw is a great city to visit as a student. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students 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 Warsaw or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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 Warsaw or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Reykjavik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Warsaw or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Warsaw. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Warsaw has to offer. 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 Warsaw or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Warsaw. 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 Warsaw or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Warsaw. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Warsaw or Reykjavik?

Warsaw 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 friendly 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 Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Reykjavik?

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

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

Warsaw is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Warsaw usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Warsaw or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Reykjavik. The autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Warsaw is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw 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. It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Warsaw or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Warsaw during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Warsaw 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. Warsaw is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Warsaw