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

Should you visit Istanbul or Catania?

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

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

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Istanbul and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Catania?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Catania. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Catania attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Istanbul is more touristy than Catania and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Catania is famous for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna.

How is Istanbul different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Catania can be difficult as they are each terrific 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 Catania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and Catania.

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.

Catania has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Istanbul has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Catania?

Istanbul is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Families?

Istanbul and Catania 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, Catania is very family-friendly. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Couples?

Istanbul is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Catania is a good city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is very popular for backpackers. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Is Istanbul or Catania Better for Students?

Istanbul and Catania are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

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

Students come from all over to stay in Catania. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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

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

Istanbul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Catania offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

Is Istanbul or Catania a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Catania both are excellent 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.

Catania is a very walkable city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Catania 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 Catania.

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

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 port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Catania?

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.

Catania 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Catania?

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.

Catania 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 Catania?

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.

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Catania, we can see that Catania 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 Catania Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Catania?

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

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 Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania 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 Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is cooler than Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Catania. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Catania. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Catania. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.

Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Catania in the Winter?

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

Istanbul is much colder than Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Catania during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Istanbul or Catania in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Catania. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Catania. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Catania and Istanbul