A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Lagos for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Istanbul or Lagos?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Lagos, 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos

Lagos is a adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Istanbul and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Lagos?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Lagos 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, and big city activities, while Lagos is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Istanbul is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Lagos is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

How is Istanbul different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos 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.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Istanbul and Lagos.

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.

Lagos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Resorts?

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

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Lagos?

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

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Istanbul and Lagos are world-class 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, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Istanbul or Lagos Better for Students?

Istanbul is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Istanbul or Lagos a more walkable city?

Istanbul is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known 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.

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Lagos?

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

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Istanbul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lagos than Istanbul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lagos that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lagos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Istanbul or Lagos?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, 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 Lagos?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lagos, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Lagos?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 590 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Lagos. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Lagos in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Lagos. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Lagos. 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 Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lagos averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Lagos in the Winter?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lagos. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

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

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Istanbul