A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Belfast for Food, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Istanbul or Belfast?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Belfast, 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Istanbul and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Belfast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Istanbul different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Istanbul or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Istanbul offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Istanbul or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Belfast?

Istanbul is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Istanbul or Belfast Better for Families?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Istanbul or Belfast Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Istanbul or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Istanbul or Belfast Better for Students?

Istanbul is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Istanbul or Belfast a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Belfast?

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

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

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.

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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 Belfast?

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.

Belfast is a great place to explore. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Belfast?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

Istanbul is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Belfast. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Belfast in the Winter?

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

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Belfast. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Belfast in the Spring?

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

Istanbul is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

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

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Belfast. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Istanbul