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

Should you visit Istanbul or London?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or London, 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.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international 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, live music, and food.

Istanbul and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or London?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in London than Istanbul. While Istanbul is larger than London, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and christmas markets, while Istanbul is more popular for its food and historical sights. Istanbul is well known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben.

Big Ben

How is Istanbul different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Istanbul and London have terrific 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 London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Is Istanbul or London Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Istanbul or London Better for Nightlife?

London is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Istanbul or London Better for Music?

London is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or London Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or London?

London 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.

London is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London Better for Christmas?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Istanbul does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a fantastic destination at Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Istanbul does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Istanbul or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Istanbul does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Istanbul does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Istanbul or London Better for Families?

London is an amazing city 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.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

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

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Istanbul and London are terrific 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, London is extremely popular for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Is Istanbul or London Better for Students?

London 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.

London is a great destination for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

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

Both Istanbul and London 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.

London has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Is Istanbul or London a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around London on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in London or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or London?

Both Istanbul and London have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in London than Istanbul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Istanbul 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 London.

One day in Istanbul or London?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of London offers shopping and museums. 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 London?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or London?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of London. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

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

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°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 London. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than London. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or London in the Autumn?

Both London 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than London during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than London. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or London in the Winter?

Both London 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 London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. In the winter, Istanbul is a little warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than London. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 52 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than London. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or London in the Spring?

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

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

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than London during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than London. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for London and Istanbul