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

Should you visit Istanbul or Cordoba?

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

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

Cordoba

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

Istanbul and Cordoba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Cordoba?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Cordoba. Istanbul is bigger than Cordoba, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is well known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Cordoba is well known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork.

How is Istanbul different from Cordoba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Istanbul and Cordoba have first-rate landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Cordoba are world-renowned. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cordoba. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

Is Istanbul or Cordoba Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Istanbul and Cordoba.

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.

Cordoba has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Is Istanbul or Cordoba Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Cordoba both have first-rate 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.

Cordoba has a world-famous historical area. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Cordoba?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Istanbul. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Istanbul or Cordoba Better for Families?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Istanbul is known to be 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.

Cordoba is a family-friendly city. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Is Istanbul or Cordoba Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Cordoba are both high quality 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.

Cordoba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Is Istanbul or Cordoba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Cordoba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Is Istanbul or Cordoba Better for Students?

Cordoba is an amazing town to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Cordoba is a great destination for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

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

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Istanbul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Is Istanbul or Cordoba a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Cordoba 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.

Cordoba is a very walkable city. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cordoba or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Cordoba?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Cordoba. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Cordoba. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cordoba.

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

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 beautiful town of Cordoba 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 Cordoba?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 town 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cordoba?

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

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 Cordoba in the Summer?

Both Cordoba 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 Cordoba for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally cooler than Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 358 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba 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 Cordoba in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Istanbul is cooler than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cordoba. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 202 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cordoba. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Cordoba. 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 Cordoba because of the natural beauty.

In April, Istanbul is generally cooler than Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cordoba. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 203 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Cordoba. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Istanbul