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

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, 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.

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

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Munich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Munich. Istanbul is bigger than Munich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Munich is more popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping. Istanbul is more touristy than Munich and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles.

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Istanbul or Munich?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Munich 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.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Munich has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Music?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Munich is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Istanbul can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Munich?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Munich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Istanbul or Munich Better for Families?

Istanbul and Munich are both superb 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, 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 and Munich are both superb 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.

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?

Both Istanbul and Munich are amazing 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?

Munich 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.

Munich is a great destination 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.

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

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

Both Istanbul and Munich offer amazing 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 and Munich both are superb 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.

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

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. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Munich. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Istanbul 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 Munich.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Munich?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Munich. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Munich, 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 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. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Munich fluctuates 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.

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 daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates 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.

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 average around 6°C (43°F), and Munich averages at 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.

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. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Munich fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Munich and Istanbul