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

Should you visit Istanbul or Basel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Basel, 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 historic, diverse, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Basel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Basel and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Istanbul different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Istanbul are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Istanbul or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Istanbul or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Basel?

Both Istanbul and Basel are superb shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Istanbul or Basel Better for Families?

Istanbul and Basel are both superb 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, Basel is very family-friendly. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Is Istanbul or Basel Better for Couples?

Istanbul is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Istanbul or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Istanbul. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Istanbul or Basel Better for Students?

Istanbul and Basel are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

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

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Istanbul or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city 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 Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Basel. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Basel. 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 Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Basel offers 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 Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Basel?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Basel 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 Basel?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Basel 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 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 Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Basel?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Basel, 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 Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Basel during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Basel. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Basel. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Basel. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Basel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Basel. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Basel. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Basel. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Basel. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Istanbul