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

Should you visit Istanbul or Crete?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Crete, 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Istanbul travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Crete travel costs.

Istanbul and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Crete?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Crete. Istanbul is bigger than Crete, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Crete is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Istanbul is well known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Crete is well known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.

How is Istanbul different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Istanbul on the map. 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 Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Crete can be difficult as they are each fantastic 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 Crete have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Istanbul and Crete.

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.

Crete has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Hiking?

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

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Crete?

Istanbul is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Istanbul or Crete More Beautiful?

Istanbul and Crete both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Istanbul is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.

The beauty of Crete is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an amazing island 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.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Istanbul or Crete Better for Students?

Istanbul and Crete 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 Crete. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Istanbul or Crete a more walkable city?

Istanbul is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Crete?

Both Istanbul and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

Couples should spend more time in Crete than Istanbul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Crete that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Crete 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 Crete?

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 beautiful island of Crete offers museums and nightlife. 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 Crete?

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.

Crete is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Crete?

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.

Crete is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Crete?

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.

Crete is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Crete has to offer. This island 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 Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

Which has a larger population, Istanbul or Crete?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Crete, 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.