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

Should you visit Istanbul or Bremen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Bremen, 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. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bremen

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

Istanbul and Bremen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Bremen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Bremen. Istanbul is bigger than Bremen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Bremen and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Bremen is well known for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany.

How is Istanbul different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Istanbul on the map. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bremen can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Istanbul or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and Bremen.

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.

Bremen has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Is Istanbul or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Bremen both have terrific 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.

Bremen has a world-famous historical area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Bremen?

Both Istanbul and Bremen are excellent 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.

Bremen is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Is Istanbul or Bremen Better for Families?

Istanbul and Bremen are both excellent 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, Bremen is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Is Istanbul or Bremen Better for Couples?

Istanbul is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Is Istanbul or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Istanbul or Bremen Better for Students?

Istanbul is notable for students. However, Bremen is not popular with students.

Istanbul is very popular with students. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bremen. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

Is Istanbul or Bremen a more walkable city?

Bremen 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 Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Istanbul or Bremen. 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 Bremen.

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

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 beautiful city of Bremen 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 Bremen?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Bremen?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bremen. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bremen because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Bremen. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

Istanbul is much warmer than Bremen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Bremen. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Bremen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bremen. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Bremen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Bremen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Bremen. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Bremen. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bremen in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Bremen and Istanbul