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

Should you visit Istanbul or Frankfurt?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Frankfurt, 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. 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a accessible, modern, and connected city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Frankfurt?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Frankfurt. Istanbul is bigger than Frankfurt, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Istanbul different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and Frankfurt.

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.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Istanbul offers plenty to see. 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 visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Frankfurt?

Both Istanbul and Frankfurt are excellent 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.

Frankfurt is well-known for its shopping. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Istanbul and Frankfurt are both excellent 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, Frankfurt is very family-friendly. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a great destination for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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

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

Both Istanbul and Frankfurt offer terrific public transit options.

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.

Frankfurt has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Is Istanbul or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Frankfurt both are excellent 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.

Frankfurt is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Frankfurt?

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

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

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 city of Frankfurt offers food and shopping. 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 Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Frankfurt, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. 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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Frankfurt?

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

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Frankfurt. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Frankfurt. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Frankfurt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Frankfurt. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Istanbul