A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez, 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.

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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul is bigger than Acapulco de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Acapulco de Juarez and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Istanbul different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Istanbul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Acapulco de Juarez offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Acapulco de Juarez. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Istanbul offers plenty to see. 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.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Istanbul and Acapulco de Juarez are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Acapulco de Juarez is very family-friendly. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great destination for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Istanbul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Istanbul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Is Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Acapulco de Juarez because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul is a high-energy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Acapulco de Juarez offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul is a popular place to visit. Istanbul is a high-energy city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer.

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acapulco de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Acapulco de Juarez is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Acapulco de Juarez, 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 Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez?

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 Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Acapulco de Juarez. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Istanbul is generally cooler than Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the shopping scene.

Istanbul is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 245 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 272 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches.

In April, Istanbul is generally much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Acapulco de Juarez. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Istanbul