Which place is cheaper, Bled or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Bled?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Bled, 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.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Bled?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
Bled
Bled is an incredibly scenic place, on the east side of Lake Bled. The lake is a beautiful, rich, emerald green. There's a small island in the middle of the lake where you'll find a nice white chapel. The lake is surrounded by striking green mountains, among which you'll find the Bled Castle overlooking the scene. Bled also offers access to the nearby Triglav National Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Within the national park you'll find countless waterfalls and the lovely Lake Bohinj. You can find plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing, rafting, and hiking. There's even a cable car if you're looking for an easy way to get some good views of the mountains and landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Bled $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Bled is $112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Bled in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Bled $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Bled $120
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Bled
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Bled? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Bled Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Bled $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer : $56
- İstanbul New Airport Transfer : $87
- İstanbul Airport Transfer(Airport to Hotel,Hotel to Airport): $62
- İstanbul Airport Transfer : Your reliable & Stress-Free ride: $55
- İstanbul Airport Private Transfer: $76
- istanbul airport transfer: $27
- VIP Transfer from Hotel, Airbnb To Istanbul Airport: $60
- VIP Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Istanbul: $27
- Two Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport VIP Transfer: $87
- Two Ways Istanbul Airport VIP Transfer: $98
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul HTL-APT (SAW): $52
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul APT-HTL (SAW): $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bled
Also for Bled, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $165
- Private transfer from Tolmin to Ljubljana city: $206
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Bled?
Prices for flights to both Bled and Istanbul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $31Bled $30
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bled
For Bled, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour Bled - Explore Slovenia Through Its Tastes: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Bled $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
- 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $432
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bled
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bled's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Rafting$99
Tours and Activities in Bled
For Bled, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $42
- From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $53
- Motorcycle Tours in Slovenia: $55
- Bled Slovenia: 3–Hour Rafting Experience: $59
- Lake Sava River Rafting Experience with Hotel Pickup: $59
- 3-Hour Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure: $59
- Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour: $63
- From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bled Castle Tour: $65
- Winter Triglav National Park Adventure - Half day trip from Bled: $71
- Guided Kayaking Tour in a Transparent Kayak: $74
- Guided Clear Kayak Tour in Bled: $75
- Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Bled $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bled
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bled are as follows:
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Bottle of Champagne$19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bled
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bled:
- Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled's wine cellar: $43
- Wine Tasting Bled: $62
- 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $63
- Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $64
When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Bled, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Bled Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Bled?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 2150 times larger than the population of Bled. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Bled, 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 Bled?
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 Bled in the Summer?
Both Bled and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Istanbul is around the same temperature as Bled in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Bled fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Bled, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Bled. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 288 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Bled. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Bled 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Bled in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Bled. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Bled. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bled averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bled during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Bled. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Bled 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Bled in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Bled. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Bled. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Bled fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Bled. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 96 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Bled. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Bled 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Bled in the Spring?
Both Bled and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Istanbul is around the same temperature as Bled in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bled fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bled during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Bled. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Bled 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Bled and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Bled | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.