Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
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.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $154Coimbra $160
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $154, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is $160. 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 Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $71Coimbra $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $142Coimbra $102
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $33Coimbra $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $54
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $67
- istanbul airport transfer: $24
- Viaport Theme Park Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $45
- Viaport Aquarium Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $35
- Viaport Aquapark Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $65
- VIP Daily Transfer from the Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City: $95
- VIP Airport Transfer: $54
- Transfer from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport(SAW)to Istanbul Port: $44
- Transfer from Hotels to Airports in Istanbul by Private Eco-Sedan: $51
- Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $72
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport transfers to Sultanahmet hotels: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
- Coimbra Private Transfers Multiple Destinations: $164
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $171
- Private transfer from/to Fátima - Porto, Braga or Guimarães: $213
- Private transfer from Porto Airport to Coimbra: $214
- Private transfer from/to Fatima - Porto, Coimbra or Aveiro: $274
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova: $298
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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 $57Coimbra $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $26
- Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $30
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Shows and Drinks: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus View Tavern Dinner & Belly Dance Show: $30
- İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $32
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
- Bairrada Food Tour: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $37Coimbra $21
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $295
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $107
- 2 Day Cappadocia Tour with Istanbul Flights &Hot Air Balloon Tour: $298
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $24
- 2-Days Private Walking Tour in Istanbul: $300
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $8.34
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $180
- 4 Hours Turkish Dining Experience in Istanbul: $149
- A Knight's Day in Istanbul - Medieval Martial Arts Experience: $90
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.56
- Leiria Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.71
- Tomar Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.71
- Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town: $5.00
- Coimbra Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.36
- Highlights Walking Tour With a Certified Guide: $5.82
- TOP Coimbra : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $5.95
- Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.95
- Kings, Scholars and Rebels Self Guided Tour of Coimbra: $6.30
- Coimbra Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h25 and 25 Audio Comments: $7.02
- Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour: $8.73
- Tomar’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $10Coimbra $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $213
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites: $31
- Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $41
- Wine Tasting and Scenic Tour in Bairrada: $118
When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Coimbra, we can see that Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Coimbra?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
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 Coimbra in the Summer?
Both Coimbra and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Coimbra. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Coimbra. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Coimbra. 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.
Istanbul is cooler than Coimbra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Coimbra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Coimbra. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Coimbra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Coimbra averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In April, Istanbul is generally cooler than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.