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

Should you visit Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur, 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. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a welcoming, friendly, 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Kuala Lumpur, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its historical sights, while Kuala Lumpur is known for its shopping. Istanbul is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

How is Istanbul different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur have world-class 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 Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur can be difficult as they are each world-class 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 Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur.

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.

Kuala Lumpur has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur 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, Kuala Lumpur is very family-friendly. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur are both great 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.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

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

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

Both Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur offer world-class 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.

Kuala Lumpur has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Is Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur both are great 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Kuala Lumpur because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Kuala Lumpur. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Istanbul is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kuala Lumpur 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 Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

Istanbul is cooler than Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur. 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. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Kuala Lumpur. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Istanbul is much colder than Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul