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

Should you visit Istanbul or Cadiz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Cadiz, 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.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a friendly, undiscovered, and historic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Cadiz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Cadiz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Cadiz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz is known for its beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Cadiz and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Cadiz is popular for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Istanbul different from Cadiz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

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

Istanbul is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Istanbul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port 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 Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for Beaches?

Cadiz is a moderate port city for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Cadiz is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Istanbul is one of the most recognized in 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Cadiz?

Both Istanbul and Cadiz are high quality 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.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for Families?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Cadiz is a family-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a well-known place for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cadiz. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz Better for Students?

Istanbul is a well-known place for students. However, Cadiz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Cadiz is not popular with students.

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

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

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Is Istanbul or Cadiz a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Cadiz both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Cadiz is a very walkable city. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

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

Should I spend more time in Cadiz or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Cadiz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Cadiz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Cadiz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cadiz.

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

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 port city of Cadiz 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 Cadiz?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Cadiz?

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.

Cadiz 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 Cadiz?

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.

Cadiz 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 port 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cadiz?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Cadiz, 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 Cadiz?

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 Cadiz in the Summer?

Both Cadiz and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cadiz for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Cadiz in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Cadiz fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Cadiz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cadiz during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Cadiz receives 356 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cadiz. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cadiz receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cadiz in the Autumn?

Both Cadiz and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cadiz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Cadiz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cadiz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cadiz. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cadiz receives 235 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cadiz. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cadiz receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cadiz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Cadiz. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cadiz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Cadiz. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Cadiz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cadiz during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Cadiz receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cadiz. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cadiz receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cadiz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Cadiz. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is cooler than Cadiz in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Cadiz fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cadiz. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cadiz receives 253 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Cadiz. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cadiz receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cadiz and Istanbul