A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Christchurch for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Istanbul or Christchurch?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Christchurch, 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 beautiful, high-energy, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Istanbul and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Christchurch?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Christchurch. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Istanbul is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Istanbul different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Istanbul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Istanbul and Christchurch.

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.

Christchurch has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is notable for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Christchurch. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Istanbul has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

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

Christchurch is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Christchurch?

Both Istanbul and Christchurch are very good 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.

Christchurch is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Istanbul is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Christchurch are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Christchurch makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch Better for Students?

Istanbul and Christchurch are both very good 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 Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Istanbul or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Christchurch both are very good 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.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Christchurch?

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

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Istanbul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Istanbul than Christchurch. 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Christchurch 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Christchurch, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Christchurch 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 Christchurch?

Istanbul is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Christchurch is a great place to explore. 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 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Christchurch, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Christchurch is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Christchurch.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Christchurch?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Christchurch, 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 Christchurch?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Istanbul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Istanbul or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Christchurch. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Christchurch. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin April. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Christchurchin July. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin October. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Istanbul