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

Should you visit Istanbul or Beaune?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Beaune, 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beaune

Beaune is a cultural, historic, and culinary town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Beaune?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Beaune are popular destinations, Istanbul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Beaune attracts visitors for its small town charm. Istanbul is more touristy than Beaune and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Beaune is famous for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

How is Istanbul different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Beaune 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 Beaune have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

Is Istanbul or Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Istanbul know how to have a good time. 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 Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Istanbul or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Beaune 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.

Beaune has a world-famous historical area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Beaune?

Istanbul is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Istanbul is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Istanbul or Beaune Better for Families?

Istanbul is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Istanbul is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Istanbul or Beaune Better for Couples?

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

Beaune has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is terrific for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Istanbul or Beaune Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its public transit. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Istanbul or Beaune a more walkable city?

Beaune 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 Beaune on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Beaune Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Istanbul or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Istanbul due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

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

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.

The town of Beaune offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Beaune?

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.

Beaune 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 Beaune, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Beaune?

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.

Beaune is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Beaune?

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.

Beaune is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Beaune?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Beaune. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Beaune in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Beaune averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Beaune. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Beaune in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Beaune. 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. Also, most visitors come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Beaune. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Beaune in the Winter?

Both Beaune and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Beaune because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Beaune can be very cold. Istanbul is much warmer than Beaune in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Beaune. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Beaune in the Spring?

Both Beaune and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Beaune. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Beaune averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Beaune. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaune and Istanbul