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

Should you visit Istanbul or Manchester?

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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Manchester?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Manchester is known for its music. Istanbul is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Istanbul different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

Istanbul is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and Manchester.

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.

Manchester has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is notable for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Istanbul has a world-famous historical 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Manchester?

Both Istanbul and Manchester are excellent shopping destinations.

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.

Manchester is well-known for its shopping. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for Families?

Istanbul and Manchester are both excellent 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, Manchester is very family-friendly. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Manchester are both excellent 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.

Manchester makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Istanbul or Manchester Better for Students?

Istanbul and Manchester are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

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

Istanbul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Istanbul or Manchester a more walkable city?

Istanbul is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Istanbul or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Istanbul due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

When visiting Istanbul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

The city of Manchester offers museums and nightlife. 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 Manchester?

When visiting Istanbul, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Manchester?

Istanbul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Manchester 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 Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Manchester, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Manchester?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

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

Istanbul is a little warmer than Manchester in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°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 Manchester. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Manchester. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Manchester in the Autumn?

Both Manchester 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, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Manchester. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Manchester averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Manchester. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester 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. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Manchester. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Manchester in the Spring?

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

Istanbul is much warmer than Manchester in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manchester. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Istanbul