A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Lugo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Lugo?

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

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

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Lugo?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

Lugo

Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Lugo is $105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Lugo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $47
    Lugo $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $94
    Lugo $108
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Lugo

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Lugo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Lugo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Lugo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $55
    Lugo $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • Local Bus
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
  • Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Private Transfer Service: $35
  • Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $55
  • 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $75
  • Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
  • Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $34
  • Airport transfer Istanbul: $46
  • Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
  • Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Van: $70
  • Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
  • CARPEDIEM : SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT LUXURY TRANSFER (Arrival/Departure): $45
  • Daily Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car & Transfer from Istanbul: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Lugo?

Prices for flights to both Lugo and Istanbul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Istanbul $31
    Lugo $37
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.26
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
  • Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
  • Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
  • Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
  • 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $79
    Lugo $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $0.93

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.08
  • Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $8.06
  • Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
  • Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.62
  • The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11

Tours and Activities in Lugo

Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
  • ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $15
    Lugo $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
  • Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Lugo, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Lugo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lugo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lugo 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 Lugo.

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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Lugo?

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

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 Lugo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Lugo. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Lugo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Lugo averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lugo this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Lugo during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Lugo. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Lugo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Lugo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Lugo. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Lugo. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Lugo. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lugo. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Lugo. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Lugo 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Lugo in the Winter?

Both Lugo and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Istanbul is much colder than Lugo in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Lugo fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Lugo during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lugo. In January, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Lugo. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Lugo 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Lugo in the Spring?

Both Lugo and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Lugo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Lugo averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 167 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Lugo. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Lugo 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lugo and Istanbul

Istanbul Lugo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)