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

Should you visit Istanbul or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Houston, 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. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Houston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston attracts visitors for its music. Istanbul is more touristy than Houston and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Istanbul different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Istanbul are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Istanbul and Houston.

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.

Houston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Istanbul is revered around the world. 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Houston?

Istanbul is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Istanbul is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for Families?

Istanbul and Houston are both great 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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for Couples?

Istanbul is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Istanbul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Istanbul or Houston Better for Students?

Istanbul is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Istanbul or Houston a more walkable city?

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

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Houston offers museums and nightlife. 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 Houston?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Houston 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 Houston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Houston?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Houston?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Houston, 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 Houston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Houston. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Houston. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Istanbul is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Houston. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Istanbul is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Istanbul