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

Should you visit York or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit York or Reykjavik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. 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. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

York and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Thermal Pools
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in York or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. York is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is York different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York
Reykjavik

York 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 York can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.


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

York
Reykjavik

York 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal 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 York or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

York
Reykjavik

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

York has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

York
Reykjavik

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

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.


Is York or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

York
Reykjavik

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

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Reykjavik?

York
Reykjavik

Both York and Reykjavik are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reykjavik. 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 York or Reykjavik Better for Families?

York
Reykjavik

York is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. 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 York or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

York
Reykjavik

With fun activities for couples, both York and Reykjavik make for a very good place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for 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 York or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Reykjavik

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

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Reykjavik Better for Students?

York
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for 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.

York is not popular with students.


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

York
Reykjavik

Both York and Reykjavik offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is York or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

York
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or York?

How long in York or Reykjavik?

In either York or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

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


  • How many days in York or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in York or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. 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.

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 York or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of York. 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 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 York or Reykjavik?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the clean 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 York or Reykjavik?

York 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.

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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is £198. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Reykjavik £112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Reykjavik £224
Compare Hotels in York and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in York or Reykjavik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Reykjavik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Reykjavik £37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $274
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $164

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $29
  • Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $30
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavik and Reykjavik Hotels: $38
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $46
  • Return Economy Airport Transfer between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik City: $49
  • Private Transfer from Skarfabakki Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Reykjavik £24
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    £143

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Icelandic Food Tour: $125
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $127
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $129
  • Reykjavik Market Visit & Lunch Food Tour - Tastes of Iceland: $145
  • Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - Tastes of Iceland: $147
  • Private Reykjavik Food Tour: $198
  • Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Reykjavik £58

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • The Drowned City - Immersive Treasure Hunt Adventure in York - The Secret City: $19
  • Time Traveller's Private Group Tour of York: $109
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • Dark Chronicles Ghostly Gruesome tour - York: $13
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover the Best of York with 3 Self-Guided Audio Tours: $17
  • Europe’s Most Haunted City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of York: $5.99
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • Full Tour of the City of York : $51
  • Full-Day Discovering All Creatures Great and Small Tour of Yorkshire: $103
  • Full-Day Heartbeat Locations Tour from York: $77

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    £8.64
  • Wine and Spa
    £24

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.14
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Audioguide Reykjavik - Citywalk Tour (English / German): $11
  • Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Tales from Iceland Admission Ticket: $18
  • Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $27
  • Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Reykjavik £23
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Historical Pub Walking Tour in York : $7.69
  • Guided Historic Pub Tour (York): $25
  • Hooting Owl - York Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting: $26
  • Leeds: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $48

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    £7.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
  • Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $33


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

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


Which is Bigger, York or Reykjavik?

York has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

York is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, York often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit York or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, York is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit York or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. York can be very cold during winter. In January, York is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit York or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. York is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and York

York Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)