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

Should you visit Istanbul or Edinburgh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Edinburgh, 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 diverse, beautiful, and high-energy 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Edinburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Edinburgh?

Both Edinburgh and Istanbul have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Istanbul is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Edinburgh attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Istanbul is famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Edinburgh is famous for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series.

How is Istanbul different from Edinburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Istanbul and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is notable for theatre. However, Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Istanbul and Edinburgh.

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.

Edinburgh has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh has a world-famous historical area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Edinburgh?

Both Istanbul and Edinburgh are high quality 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.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Families?

Istanbul and Edinburgh are both high quality 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, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Istanbul and Edinburgh are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh Better for Students?

Istanbul and Edinburgh are both high quality 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 Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Istanbul or Edinburgh a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Edinburgh on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Edinburgh or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Edinburgh?

In either Istanbul or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-5 days is enough time in Edinburgh.

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

One day in Istanbul or Edinburgh?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Edinburgh?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Edinburgh 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Edinburgh?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Istanbul.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Edinburgh?

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

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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Istanbul