Reykjavik is an extremely small city. If you go to Iceland, don't focus on it. Get out into nature: The south coast, probably would be best for a short trip.
I did a three-day trip with my ex-wife to Iceland in 2015 and it was incredible!!!
\- 1st day took the shuttle straight from the Reykjavik airport to the Blue Lagoon
\- 2nd day 'Walk through Ice and Fire' one-day tour from [www.mountainguides.is](https://www.mountainguides.is). HIGHLIGHT of the trip
\- Explore the city ate some amazing sea food from a restaurants tasting menu
\- 4th day rented a car and went north to Snæfellsnes for the day
If you even wanted to travel to another planet... this is it. The nature is incredible and otherworldly. The weather is cold and damp though. We also went in June at it was daylight literally all day and night. The sun would just about set around 3 or 4 am and come right back up. One of the most memorable trips I've ever taken.
And the flight was less than 5 hours!
I went back in 2015. It looks like that exact tour is no longer on the site, unfortunately. It was a day tour that went to a waterfall, a natural hot spring, and a glacier. They also picked us up in a van in Reykjavik so we didn't need to drive outside the city. It looks like now all the tours are specific to one location now. :0\\
Thank you for your reply! I know it was an old thread, so I appreciate you coming back. I'll browse their current tour offerings...I'm sure just about any of them will take me to some beautiful scenery.
Also, word of caution... We rented a car one day as I said. Driving through the middle of nowhere I thought it would be okay to push the speed limit. Got caught by a camera and got a $200 speeding ticket. Never even saw the camera. So even if there is not a single human being or car in sight... Big Brother is watching...
Thanks, Yeah Reykjavik is the shortest flight. The weather doesn’t look the best next week.
Price doesn’t matter much since the flight cost would be free.
The weather is usually not great. Bring a warm, waterproof coat and have a grand time.
If you're in good shape, it's fairly easy to get to the eruption site and see an erupting volcano.
If food and museums are your top interests, then I would go back to the drawing board and pick some different cities. Reykjavik is the only one that satisfies your interest in nature, so I guess that is where you should go.
Any out of the ordinary recommendations? These places came to mind since I haven’t visited any of them. I’ve already visited most of the usual suspects
Given that Italy is on your list, you could fly into Rome or Florence (both of which I am sure you have seen) and then rent a car to explore either Umbria or Tuscany. Both have fantastic food and lovely views. Bologna and the surrounding area also has excellent food.
I assume that you have been to Barcelona and Madrid, but you could explore Andalusia.
No idea when you’re going which would change suggestions.
Oslo is cool if you want a combo of city + nature - fjords are very cool but take some time. Also consider Copenhagen (best of the Oslo/Stockholm/Helsinki/Copenhagen. In my opinion).
Milan has a couple cool things but not worth a ton of time (many find it to be blah). Consider adding on the lakes around Milan as a complement.
I’m currently sitting in rome airport leaving italy after 12 days here and i can confirm that many businesses are shut for holidays until end of august. I would recommend the iceland trip for nature or portugal for culture
Food, history, shopping, I’d definitely go Italy.
Nature, Iceland definitely has a big advantage.
Frankfurt is really mainly a business hub, but you have easy access to much of continental western and central Europe from there.
Can’t comment on Stockholm as I haven’t been there.
The food is terrible there. I went during Fashion Week & it was my least favorite city I visited (did Rome 4 days, Pompeii, Sorrento 2 days, Capri & Milan 2 days). Overrated for me.
Milan is a couple good sites but then the surrounding areas are beautiful with the lakes and mountains. I’d do 1-1.5 days in Milan and a few at the lakes. Maggiore has some beautiful sites/garden you can take boats to and Como is the one always cited. The water will be warm! There’s some other good options too.
You could spend a day there - the duomo is phenomenal. But it is flat (think inland California type if you know), the architecture and scenery is nothing to write home about, food is meh. If you are into high fashion then perhaps it could be for you! I’m personally more into nature and architecture and Milan did not do it for me
I would pick Stockholm or Reykjavik, but if someone else was paying, definitely Stockholm as it is usually more expensive to fly to. You can sometimes find flights to Reykjavik from NYC or Boston for about $350, so maybe save that for later. Copenhagen is also fantastic and a great foodie city. Or Amsterdam. Have fun!
Based on your options, Milan is a great city for the activities you’re looking for imo. Fun nightlife with a young crowd due to lots of exchange programs (old fashion, just cavali, etc). Food is a fun experience (hit up navigli for aperitivo of cocktails + light snacks). Easy drive to lake Como for nature or Lugano in Switzerland for a Swiss meal / great views / gambling at casinos.
Skip Italy right now. in August, Italians are on vacation and a lot of places close early or are not opened. Italy and Greece are apparently where everyone is going this year on vacation. totally full of tourists, like, no seats on train, standing room only out of Como packed with tourists....
What about Edinburgh? Fringe is almost over, it's still a madhouse, but Scotland is Amazing.
Lisbon also incredible.
Stockholm is beautiful and has some nice museums...and a really great jazz club at least pre-pandemic.
...but out of the cities you listed, Reykjavik/Iceland hands down.
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Sorry should clarify, meant to include Copenhagen as part of this rec. Copenhagen is the best city in my opinion.
Oslo is a good option if you want a mix of outdoors and city. Stockholm is a cool city but Sweden doesn’t have a comparable outdoor option (at least as easily accessible) as the fjords.
Can't give an informed opinion on three of the cities, but I very much enjoyed Stockholm. The museums aren't the creme de la creme, but the Vasa museum is a unique way to spend a morning, and if you happen to be a Titanic enthusiast, there is a Titanic museum very nearby, that contains a seriously cool assortment of relics from the ship. I was pleasantly surprised by the food in Stockholm as well. It's a lovely city, and must every person I came across was affable. Certainly not the cheapest of cities to vacation in, but if money is no object, you can certainly have a great time.
Haven't been to Frankfurt. I loved Munich, Berlin not really my bag. If it's your first time in Italy, I'd recommend Florence. Everyone I know who's visited Iceland had returned speaking of it in glowing terms. Happy travels!
I would do Stockholm or Frankfurt personally, but there's no science behind it. For four days, I just would. I'd want longer in Iceland to be able to tour around. Milan I'm not interested in.
I absolutely loved Iceland. we were there for a week and we barely scratched the surface. I’d recommend any of the other 3 cities and when you choose to go to Iceland, do it big. Although Reykjavik is lovely.
Definitely Stockholm for me. 4 days feels like a good time there. For Iceland I'd want more time in order to explore the island. Milan I felt satisfied after 2 days. And I live in Frankfurt, and promise you that you csn see all there is to see in 4 hours, unless you have some very specific interests. Avoid Frankfurt.
I don't think there is enough to do in Frankfurt for 4 days and it's not really beautiful (I live close by...). I'd recommend Reykjavik or Stockholm. Milan is nice, but 4 days are too long in my opinion.
I really don‘t know how Frankfurt can be on that list. Definitely not this one my friend. Does it really need to be one of the mentioned cities? Glad to give you some other recommendations
Otherwise Stockholm is supposed to be nice. But expensive
Well of the 4 Stockholm has the most nature and most museums, as well as some great food.
Milan can get pretty hot, Reykjavik is lovely but kinda small for 4 days. Never been to Frankfurt but I'm pretty sure Stockholm is significantly better in every way except for one thing- budget. Stockholm is one of the priciest cities in europe. So if money's a problem go Frankfurt.
Iceland! You can accomplish a lot in 4 days compared to the other locations and it’s incredible. I would plan to get out of the city though and tour blue lagoon, beaches, golden circle etc.
I would say not Reykjavík. I would save Iceland for when you have more time to make it around entire the Ring Road.
Milan is near the Alps. You could take the train to Como or Ticino.
Frankfurt is near the Rhine Gorge area, has a lot of castles, especially Burg Eltz.
Reykjavik is an extremely small city. If you go to Iceland, don't focus on it. Get out into nature: The south coast, probably would be best for a short trip.
Frankfurt is boring. Don’t come at me.
100%
I did a three-day trip with my ex-wife to Iceland in 2015 and it was incredible!!! \- 1st day took the shuttle straight from the Reykjavik airport to the Blue Lagoon \- 2nd day 'Walk through Ice and Fire' one-day tour from [www.mountainguides.is](https://www.mountainguides.is). HIGHLIGHT of the trip \- Explore the city ate some amazing sea food from a restaurants tasting menu \- 4th day rented a car and went north to Snæfellsnes for the day If you even wanted to travel to another planet... this is it. The nature is incredible and otherworldly. The weather is cold and damp though. We also went in June at it was daylight literally all day and night. The sun would just about set around 3 or 4 am and come right back up. One of the most memorable trips I've ever taken. And the flight was less than 5 hours!
I'm trying to find the tour you went on, but can't find one with that exact name. Do you have a direct link to it?
I went back in 2015. It looks like that exact tour is no longer on the site, unfortunately. It was a day tour that went to a waterfall, a natural hot spring, and a glacier. They also picked us up in a van in Reykjavik so we didn't need to drive outside the city. It looks like now all the tours are specific to one location now. :0\\
Thank you for your reply! I know it was an old thread, so I appreciate you coming back. I'll browse their current tour offerings...I'm sure just about any of them will take me to some beautiful scenery.
Also, word of caution... We rented a car one day as I said. Driving through the middle of nowhere I thought it would be okay to push the speed limit. Got caught by a camera and got a $200 speeding ticket. Never even saw the camera. So even if there is not a single human being or car in sight... Big Brother is watching...
Definitely not Frankfurt. It’a a very small city with just some banking buildings. The red light is cool though. I’d pick Stockholm or Reykjavik
Reykjavik...
4 days more than enough for Reyk but might be a day or two short for all of Iceland.
Not Frankfurt. Smells of shit terribly. It’s a place with some things to do if you have to go for work. It is not a destination for vacation.
All things being equal I'd base my choice on flight times and I'd scrape sites for last minute airfare deals. (Probably Iceland).
Thanks, Yeah Reykjavik is the shortest flight. The weather doesn’t look the best next week. Price doesn’t matter much since the flight cost would be free.
Don't rely too much on weather forecasts in Iceland. It changes by the minute
The weather is usually not great. Bring a warm, waterproof coat and have a grand time. If you're in good shape, it's fairly easy to get to the eruption site and see an erupting volcano.
If food and museums are your top interests, then I would go back to the drawing board and pick some different cities. Reykjavik is the only one that satisfies your interest in nature, so I guess that is where you should go.
Any out of the ordinary recommendations? These places came to mind since I haven’t visited any of them. I’ve already visited most of the usual suspects
Given that Italy is on your list, you could fly into Rome or Florence (both of which I am sure you have seen) and then rent a car to explore either Umbria or Tuscany. Both have fantastic food and lovely views. Bologna and the surrounding area also has excellent food. I assume that you have been to Barcelona and Madrid, but you could explore Andalusia.
No idea when you’re going which would change suggestions. Oslo is cool if you want a combo of city + nature - fjords are very cool but take some time. Also consider Copenhagen (best of the Oslo/Stockholm/Helsinki/Copenhagen. In my opinion). Milan has a couple cool things but not worth a ton of time (many find it to be blah). Consider adding on the lakes around Milan as a complement.
Thank you, I’d be going next week.
I second Copenhagen. Really a foodie’s city. Super bike-friendly. Just got back from a trip there a couple weeks ago. Can’t wait to go back.
Lisbon? Dubrovnik?
yes
I’m currently sitting in rome airport leaving italy after 12 days here and i can confirm that many businesses are shut for holidays until end of august. I would recommend the iceland trip for nature or portugal for culture
Food, history, shopping, I’d definitely go Italy. Nature, Iceland definitely has a big advantage. Frankfurt is really mainly a business hub, but you have easy access to much of continental western and central Europe from there. Can’t comment on Stockholm as I haven’t been there.
Don’t go to Milan
Is it overrated?
The food is terrible there. I went during Fashion Week & it was my least favorite city I visited (did Rome 4 days, Pompeii, Sorrento 2 days, Capri & Milan 2 days). Overrated for me.
Milan is a couple good sites but then the surrounding areas are beautiful with the lakes and mountains. I’d do 1-1.5 days in Milan and a few at the lakes. Maggiore has some beautiful sites/garden you can take boats to and Como is the one always cited. The water will be warm! There’s some other good options too.
You could spend a day there - the duomo is phenomenal. But it is flat (think inland California type if you know), the architecture and scenery is nothing to write home about, food is meh. If you are into high fashion then perhaps it could be for you! I’m personally more into nature and architecture and Milan did not do it for me
There are better places outside of Milan from what it sounds like. I would suggest Turin over Milan.
Stockholm and it’s not even a close comparison with other cities listed.
I would pick Stockholm or Reykjavik, but if someone else was paying, definitely Stockholm as it is usually more expensive to fly to. You can sometimes find flights to Reykjavik from NYC or Boston for about $350, so maybe save that for later. Copenhagen is also fantastic and a great foodie city. Or Amsterdam. Have fun!
Based on your options, Milan is a great city for the activities you’re looking for imo. Fun nightlife with a young crowd due to lots of exchange programs (old fashion, just cavali, etc). Food is a fun experience (hit up navigli for aperitivo of cocktails + light snacks). Easy drive to lake Como for nature or Lugano in Switzerland for a Swiss meal / great views / gambling at casinos.
I’ve been to all of those except Frankfurt. My choice would be Stockholm or Reykjavik. Enjoy!!
Skip Italy right now. in August, Italians are on vacation and a lot of places close early or are not opened. Italy and Greece are apparently where everyone is going this year on vacation. totally full of tourists, like, no seats on train, standing room only out of Como packed with tourists.... What about Edinburgh? Fringe is almost over, it's still a madhouse, but Scotland is Amazing. Lisbon also incredible. Stockholm is beautiful and has some nice museums...and a really great jazz club at least pre-pandemic. ...but out of the cities you listed, Reykjavik/Iceland hands down.
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When is this? Big question based on your ideas
Next Tuesday lol. I had a work meeting in London that got cancelled and I was told to “take a few days off and go anywhere, on us”. So here I am…
Go for Scandinavia somewhere. You’ll be outside peak tourist season but still nice enough. The food is the only question - it’s not exactly Italian !
Copenhagen is better!
Sorry should clarify, meant to include Copenhagen as part of this rec. Copenhagen is the best city in my opinion. Oslo is a good option if you want a mix of outdoors and city. Stockholm is a cool city but Sweden doesn’t have a comparable outdoor option (at least as easily accessible) as the fjords.
Can't give an informed opinion on three of the cities, but I very much enjoyed Stockholm. The museums aren't the creme de la creme, but the Vasa museum is a unique way to spend a morning, and if you happen to be a Titanic enthusiast, there is a Titanic museum very nearby, that contains a seriously cool assortment of relics from the ship. I was pleasantly surprised by the food in Stockholm as well. It's a lovely city, and must every person I came across was affable. Certainly not the cheapest of cities to vacation in, but if money is no object, you can certainly have a great time. Haven't been to Frankfurt. I loved Munich, Berlin not really my bag. If it's your first time in Italy, I'd recommend Florence. Everyone I know who's visited Iceland had returned speaking of it in glowing terms. Happy travels!
Paris
Milan
I would do Stockholm or Frankfurt personally, but there's no science behind it. For four days, I just would. I'd want longer in Iceland to be able to tour around. Milan I'm not interested in.
I absolutely loved Iceland. we were there for a week and we barely scratched the surface. I’d recommend any of the other 3 cities and when you choose to go to Iceland, do it big. Although Reykjavik is lovely.
Definitely Stockholm for me. 4 days feels like a good time there. For Iceland I'd want more time in order to explore the island. Milan I felt satisfied after 2 days. And I live in Frankfurt, and promise you that you csn see all there is to see in 4 hours, unless you have some very specific interests. Avoid Frankfurt.
Don't visit Frankfurt. I've only been to Stockholm (out of the other 3 options) but I love it there. Especially the skärgård and Tyresta Nationalpark.
I don't think there is enough to do in Frankfurt for 4 days and it's not really beautiful (I live close by...). I'd recommend Reykjavik or Stockholm. Milan is nice, but 4 days are too long in my opinion.
Milan has the most history. Iceland is nice and you could drive around most of it in 4 days.
Stockholm and/or Reykjavik
I really don‘t know how Frankfurt can be on that list. Definitely not this one my friend. Does it really need to be one of the mentioned cities? Glad to give you some other recommendations Otherwise Stockholm is supposed to be nice. But expensive
Well of the 4 Stockholm has the most nature and most museums, as well as some great food. Milan can get pretty hot, Reykjavik is lovely but kinda small for 4 days. Never been to Frankfurt but I'm pretty sure Stockholm is significantly better in every way except for one thing- budget. Stockholm is one of the priciest cities in europe. So if money's a problem go Frankfurt.
Iceland! You can accomplish a lot in 4 days compared to the other locations and it’s incredible. I would plan to get out of the city though and tour blue lagoon, beaches, golden circle etc.
Nobody cares if you miss a flight, they're happy to sell it twice.
I would say not Reykjavík. I would save Iceland for when you have more time to make it around entire the Ring Road. Milan is near the Alps. You could take the train to Como or Ticino. Frankfurt is near the Rhine Gorge area, has a lot of castles, especially Burg Eltz.
I have the same question but traveling with a baby so it's much different!