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

Should you visit Istanbul or Faro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Faro, 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 high-energy, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro

Faro is a popular, busy, and active resort town. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Istanbul and Faro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Faro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Faro are both popular with visitors, Istanbul has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Faro is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Faro and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Istanbul different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Istanbul and Faro.

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.

Faro has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Resorts?

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

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Beaches?

Faro is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

The rich history of Istanbul can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Faro?

Istanbul is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Families?

Istanbul is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Couples?

Istanbul is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Faro is a good city to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Istanbul or Faro Better for Students?

Istanbul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

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.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Istanbul or Faro a more walkable city?

Istanbul is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Faro or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Faro?

In either Istanbul or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Faro 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 Faro.

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

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The resort town of Faro offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Faro?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Faro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Faro?

Istanbul is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Istanbul is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Faro is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Faro?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Faro, 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 Faro?

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 Faro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Faro. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Faro in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Faro. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Faro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Faro averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Faro during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Istanbul or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Faro. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Faro. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Faro. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Faro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Faro. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months.

Istanbul is cooler than Faro in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Faro during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Faro. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Faro and Istanbul