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

Should you visit Istanbul or Avignon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Avignon, 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 diverse, beautiful, and high-energy 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Istanbul and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Avignon. Istanbul is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its small town charm. Istanbul is more touristy than Avignon and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Istanbul different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avignon 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 Avignon?

Both Istanbul and Avignon have world-class landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. 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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Avignon can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Is Istanbul or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Istanbul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Istanbul or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Avignon both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Avignon has a world-famous historical area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Avignon?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Istanbul or Avignon Better for Families?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Istanbul. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Istanbul or Avignon Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Avignon are both great to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Istanbul or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Istanbul or Avignon Better for Students?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Istanbul or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Istanbul is a very walkable city. 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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Avignon 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 Avignon?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Avignon?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Avignon?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon 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.

A week in Istanbul or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Avignon?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Istanbul or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Avignon. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Avignon. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Avignon. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Avignon in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Istanbul is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Avignon. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In April, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Avignon. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Istanbul