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

Should you visit Istanbul or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Nice, 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 historic, diverse, and beautiful 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Nice. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Nice attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Istanbul is famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Nice is famous for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Istanbul different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Istanbul are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Nice can be difficult as they are each first-rate 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 Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its resorts. However, Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Istanbul is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Nice?

Both Istanbul and Nice are high quality 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.

Nice is well-known for its shopping. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Families?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Istanbul is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Istanbul. 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Istanbul or Nice Better for Students?

Istanbul is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is Istanbul or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Nice?

In either Istanbul or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Nice. 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 Nice than Istanbul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Nice 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 Nice?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nice?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Nice?

Istanbul is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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 one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Nice 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 seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Nice?

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

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Nice. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Nice. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Istanbul is cooler than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Nice. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Istanbul