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

Should you visit Istanbul or Limerick?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Limerick, 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 high-energy, historic, and diverse 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Limerick. Istanbul is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Istanbul different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Istanbul or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Istanbul or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Istanbul has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Limerick?

Istanbul is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Istanbul. 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Istanbul or Limerick Better for Families?

Istanbul is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Istanbul. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Istanbul or Limerick Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Istanbul or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Istanbul or Limerick Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Istanbul is very popular with students. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Istanbul is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Istanbul or Limerick a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

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 city of Limerick 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 Limerick?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Limerick?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Limerick. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Limerick. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Limerick. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Limerick. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Limerick. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Limerick. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Istanbul