Comparison · Edinburgh vs Reykjavík · United Kingdom / Iceland
Edinburgh vs Reykjavík
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Colin, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Choose Edinburgh for Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Reykjavík for Northern lights and Midnight sun. Edinburgh is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,374 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,374 km
- Less expensive
- Edinburgh
- Best time for Edinburgh
- May–June and September
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
Side by side
| Edinburgh | Reykjavík | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | Iceland |
| Known for | Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Festival Fringe | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $220–$400 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 14°C (57°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 7°C (45°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 13 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 8 | 5 |
| Beaches | Portobello Beach | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach |
| Airports | EDI, GLA | KEF, RKV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Edinburgh for…
Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Edinburgh is built across volcanic hills between the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills, and its two UNESCO-listed halves sit side by side: the medieval Old Town strung along the Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood, and the Georgian grid of the New…
.jpg){kind=link}
Choose Reykjavík for…
Northern lights and Midnight sun. Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and home to about a third of Iceland's population, but its centre is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, from Hallgrímskirkja church down Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur to the Old Harbour and Harpa…
Top sights compared
| # | Edinburgh | Reykjavík |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edinburgh Castle | Hallgrímskirkja |
| 2 | The Royal Mile | Harpa Concert Hall |
| 3 | St Giles' Cathedral | Sun Voyager |
| 4 | Palace of Holyroodhouse | National Museum of Iceland |
| 5 | Arthur's Seat | Perlan |
Food compared
| Edinburgh | Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Haggis, neeps and tatties | Icelandic lamb soup |
| Cullen skink | Fish stew |
| Full Scottish breakfast | Icelandic hot dog |
| Scotch whisky | Skyr |
Which is cheaper?
Edinburgh is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $220–$400 in Reykjavík (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Edinburgh on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,374 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Edinburgh or Reykjavík cheaper?
Edinburgh is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $220–$400 (estimates).
+Is Edinburgh or Reykjavík better for a first trip?
Pick Edinburgh for Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Reykjavík for Northern lights and Midnight sun.
+How far is Edinburgh from Reykjavík?
About 1,374 km in a straight line.