A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Istanbul or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Montpellier, 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 beautiful, high-energy, and historic 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Montpellier. Istanbul is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Istanbul different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Istanbul on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Istanbul know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Montpellier both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Montpellier?

Both Istanbul and Montpellier are great 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.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for Families?

Istanbul is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Istanbul is known to be 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Montpellier are both great 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.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a very popular city to visit 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.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a great destination for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Istanbul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Istanbul or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Montpellier both are great 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Montpellier. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Istanbul is a diverse city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Montpellier?

Istanbul is a high-energy big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Montpellier?

Istanbul is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Montpellier?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Montpellier. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In April, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Istanbul