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

Should you visit Istanbul or Nantes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Nantes, 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. 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Nantes. Istanbul is bigger than Nantes, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Istanbul different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Nantes can be difficult as they are each amazing 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. 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.

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Is Istanbul or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Istanbul and Nantes.

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.

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Istanbul or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Istanbul offers plenty to see. 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Nantes?

Both Istanbul and Nantes are superb 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.

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Istanbul or Nantes Better for Families?

Istanbul and Nantes 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, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Istanbul or Nantes Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Nantes 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.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Istanbul or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Istanbul or Nantes Better for Students?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

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

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 Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Istanbul or Nantes a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Nantes. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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 Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Nantes?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Nantes. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Nantes. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Nantes. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Istanbul