Which place is cheaper, Florence or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Florence, 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 is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Istanbul is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Istanbul travel costs.
Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty in Florence as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Florence travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Florence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Florence attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Istanbul is famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Florence is famous for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Both Istanbul and Florence have amazing 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 Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Florence can be difficult as they are each amazing 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean and cabbage soup. You'll also find all of your favorite Italian staples and many great family-owned trattorie.
Istanbul is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Istanbul has something for everybody. 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.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Istanbul and Florence both have amazing 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.
Florence has a world-famous historical area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Both Istanbul and Florence are superb 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.
Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Florence is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.
You'll find world class beauty in Florence as well. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.
The beauty of Istanbul is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.
Istanbul is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
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.
Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Florence is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.
Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
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.
Both Istanbul and Florence are amazing 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, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Florence is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Students come from all over to stay in Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.
Istanbul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Visitors in Istanbul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.
Florence has a few public transit options. The city has a comprehensive bus system.
Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot and the striking beauty and and pedestrian-friendly areas make it a great place to wander. During peak seasons, the streets can get crowded.
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 Florence Worth Visiting?.
Both Istanbul and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Florence has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Florence than Istanbul. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.
Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Florence. 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 Florence than Istanbul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Istanbul is a big city with plenty to do. 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.
The beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. 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.
Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
Florence 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 Florence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This city 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $135, while the average daily cost in Florence is $188. 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 Florence in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Florence? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Florence 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Florence, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Florence 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 Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Florence. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Florence and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Istanbul is cooler than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Florence. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Florence. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Florence. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Istanbul | Florence | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |