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

Should you visit Istanbul or Melbourne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Melbourne, 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 diverse, beautiful, and high-energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Melbourne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Melbourne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne attracts visitors for its beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Istanbul different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Istanbul are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Istanbul is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Istanbul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Istanbul and Melbourne.

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.

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is notable for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Melbourne?

Both Istanbul and Melbourne are very good 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.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for Families?

Istanbul and Melbourne are both very good 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, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Istanbul is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Istanbul or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

Is Istanbul or Melbourne 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, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Istanbul or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Melbourne both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Melbourne?

In either Istanbul or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Melbourne offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Melbourne?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Melbourne?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Melbourne?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Istanbul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Istanbul or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Melbournein January. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Melbournein January. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Melbourne. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Melbourne. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Istanbul is much colder than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Melbournein July. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Melbournein October. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Istanbul