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

Should you visit Istanbul or Nagano?

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

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

Nagano

Nagano is a alpine, scenic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Nagano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Nagano. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nagano attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Istanbul is more touristy than Nagano and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

How is Istanbul different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is notable for snow skiing. However, Istanbul is not a skiing destination.

Nagano is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Istanbul is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Istanbul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Istanbul and Nagano.

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.

Nagano has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Istanbul has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Nagano?

Istanbul is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Families?

Istanbul and Nagano are both high quality 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, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Istanbul or Nagano Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Istanbul or Nagano a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Nagano?

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

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

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 beautiful city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Nagano?

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.

Nagano 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Nagano, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Nagano is in Asia, 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 Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Nagano.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Nagano?

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

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Nagano. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°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 Nagano. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Nagano. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Nagano. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Nagano. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Istanbul