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

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Should you visit Istanbul or Munich?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Munich, 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, 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Munich: Pros and Cons

Istanbul
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Munich
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


How is Istanbul different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Munich and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Istanbul
Munich

Both Istanbul and Munich have interesting 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.


Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Food?

Istanbul
Munich

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Munich can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Munich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul
Munich

Evening events are similar in both Istanbul and Munich.

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.

Munich is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Shopping?

Istanbul
Munich

Both Istanbul and Munich are 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.

Known for shopping, Munich draws large crowds to its stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Families?

Istanbul
Munich

Istanbul and Munich are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Munich is very family-friendly. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.


Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Couples?

Istanbul
Munich

Istanbul and Munich are both fun 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.

Munich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul
Munich

Both Istanbul and Munich are popular 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, Munich is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Students?

Istanbul
Munich

Istanbul and Munich are both good 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.

Munich is a very popular city for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Public Transit?

Istanbul
Munich

Both Istanbul and Munich offer 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.

Munich has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.


Is Istanbul or Munich a more walkable city?

Istanbul
Munich

Istanbul and Munich both are comparable 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.

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Munich?

In either Istanbul or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Munich because of the overall number of sights and activities.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Munich is 2-5 days.


  • How many days in Istanbul or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Istanbul 3-7 
    Munich 2-5

One day in Istanbul or Munich?

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 city of Munich 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 Munich?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Munich?

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.

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

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.

Munich 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.

Which city is cheaper, Munich or Istanbul?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $43, while the average daily cost in Munich is $124. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $27
    Munich $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $54
    Munich $146
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Munich? 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 Munich


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 Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $2.51
    Munich $16
Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

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


  • Ferry
    $0.15
  • Local Bus
    $0.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • 2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer: $109
  • 2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer: $56
  • 2 Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfer: $56
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Transfers: $500
  • 2m Transfer: $85
  • 4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers: $350
  • 4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer: $474
  • Air Transfer Lines | Airport Transfer Service: $44
  • Airport Transfer, Hotel Tranfer, Shuttle Service, Taxi Service: $26
  • Airport private transfer to hotel and back: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfers from New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $123
  • City Center to Istanbul Airport (IST) Departure Transfers: $87

Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    $2.45
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    $5.55
  • City transport day ticket
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Ultra - Munich Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Munich Airport MUC: $9.41
  • Airport Transfer by Bus: $12
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Munich to Munich Airport (MUC): $47
  • Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Van Transfer: $47
  • Graz: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $53
  • Private Business Transfer from Munich City Center to Munich Airport (MUC): $60
  • Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Train Station in Business Car: $65
  • Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Central Station in Luxury Van: $71
  • Private Departure Transfer: Munich City Center to MUC Munich Airport: $76
  • Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from the City Center: $81
  • Private Departure Transfer from Munich City Hotels to Munich Airport MUC: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich 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 $11
    Munich $23
Typical Food prices in Istanbul

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


  • Juice
    $0.11
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.03
  • Dessert
    $0.45
  • Pastries
    $0.08

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

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

  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $29
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer: $34
  • Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ): $35
  • Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive): $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul: $37
  • Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner: $37
  • Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus: $38
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $39
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Sema Ceremony: $40

Typical Food prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    $5.33
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    $2.08

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

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

  • Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich: $40
  • 3-Hour Food Tour Through Haidhausen: $44
  • Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $16
    Munich $24
Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

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


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $1.07
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $1.07
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.53
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.60

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

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

  • Just Hagia Sophia Tour /Skip The Lines: $8.71
  • VR Dervish Experience: $10
  • Museum of Illusions Istanbul Ticket: $11
  • Piri Self-Guided Audio Tour: Istanbul, Historical Peninsula: $11
  • Old City Insider Walking Tour: $11
  • Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App: $11
  • Basilica Cistern VIP Tickets: $12
  • Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a: $12
  • Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque&Hippodrome Guided Tours Everyday /No que / No line!: $12
  • Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center Entrance Ticket: $14
  • SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket: $14
  • Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour: $14

Typical Entertainment prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    $4.27
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    $9.60
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    $15
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • Haunted City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.64
  • Old Town Walking Tour in Spanish: $16
  • CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
  • SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket: $18
  • Day Ticket to Sea Life: $21
  • Nymphenburg Palace/Munich Residenz Guided Tour: $21
  • Crypts, Roof Terraces, & Hidden Things Walking Tour: $21
  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
  • Spooky Theatrical Performances and Old Town Tour: $32
  • Munich Card (Group) with public transport: Save at attractions & tours!: $33
  • Mysterious Old Town Theatrical Tour: $33
  • City Tour & FC Bayern Munich Soccer Arena Tour: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $3.84
    Munich $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul: $427

Typical Alcohol prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $28

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Munich?

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 Munich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Munich. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Munich. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Munich stays around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Munich this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Munich during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Munich. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Munich. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Munich in the autumn. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 16°C (61°F) in October, and Munich stays around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Munich. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Munich. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich 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. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Munich can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January are around 6°C (43°F), and Munich is about -1°C (31°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Munich during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Munich. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich 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. Also, most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Munich. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Munich stays around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Munich. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Istanbul

Istanbul Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)


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Istanbul vs. Munich Travel Comparison

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