A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Istanbul for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chania or Istanbul?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Istanbul, 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.

Chania

Chania is a historic, idyllic, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a beautiful, high-energy, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Istanbul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Istanbul?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Chania. Istanbul is bigger than Chania, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chania is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Istanbul is more touristy than Chania and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Chania is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine.

How is Chania different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chania or Istanbul?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Istanbul on the map. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chania. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

Is the Food Better in Chania or Istanbul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Chania and Istanbul both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

Many restaurants in Istanbul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Istanbul is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Beaches?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Istanbul is revered around the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Hiking?

Chania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Istanbul?

Istanbul is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Families?

Chania and Istanbul are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Couples?

Chania and Istanbul are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

Chania is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Students?

Istanbul is well known for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Istanbul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Chania or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Chania and Istanbul both are superb when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Istanbul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Chania?

How long in Chania or Istanbul?

Both Chania and Istanbul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Chania. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 3-7 days is enough time in Istanbul.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Chania 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 Istanbul.

One day in Chania or Istanbul?

The city of Chania offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Istanbul?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Chania or Istanbul?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Chania or Istanbul?

Chania is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Chania.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Istanbul, 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 Chania or Istanbul?

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 Chania or Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Istanbul. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Istanbul. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chania is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets more rain in October than Istanbul. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chania is much warmer than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Chania is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Chania