Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Olympos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Olympos, 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.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Olympos?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
Olympos
Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesOlympos Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $156Olympos $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $156, while the average daily cost in Olympos is $79. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Olympos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $72Olympos $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $144Olympos $58
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Olympos
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Olympos? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $34Olympos $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $636
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $348
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $300
- Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $299
- Istanbul Old City Private Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $276
- Miniatürk Istanbul Private Guided Tour & Optional Transfers: $243
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $241
- Private City Tour with Hotel Pickup & Transfers: $230
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $229
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $229
- First Class Airport Transfer Services in Istanbul: $206
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos
Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antalya / Belek / Kemer : Suluada Boat Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer: $9.41
- Side / Manavgat : Suluada Boat Trip With Lunch and Transfer: $12
- Kemer Full Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Optional Transfer: $14
- Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $15
- Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $15
- From Antalya or Kemer Turkish Bath Hamam with Transfer and Drinks: $16
- Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $17
- Land of Legends Night Show Roundtrip Transfer from Kemer: $19
- Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip With Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $20
- Kemer : Mega Star Party Boat Trip From Lunch And Transfer: $21
- Kemer 2 Dives in Crystal Clear Bays with Lunch and Transfer: $21
- Kemer Luxury Turkish Bath and Spa Experience With Hotel Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Olympos?
Prices for flights to both Olympos 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
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $57Olympos $35
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: $20
- Show Cruise & Dinner at Window Seat Private Table: $20
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $22
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show – Window Side Table Optional: $22
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night with Live Shows: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show: $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos
For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35
- Suluada Island Boat Tour Sunset BBQ Dinner & Transfer from Kemer: $43
- Traditional Turkish Cooking Class with a Local Couple in Kemer: $80
- Fire of Anatolia Dance Show Dinner and Transfer from Kemer: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $38Olympos $20
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
- 1 or 2- Day Istanbul Highlights Tour w/ a Professional Guide: $58
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $295
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $106
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $170
- 2 Day Gallipoli and Troy Tour From Istanbul: $364
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul by Overnight Bus: $392
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour by Return Flight From Istanbul: $347
- 2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry: $200
- 2-Days Private Walking Tour in Istanbul: $300
Tours and Activities in Olympos
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.
- Kemer Quad Safari Experience at Goynuk Canyon: $18
- Day Tour to Suluada by Boat: $18
- Rafting Adventure in Koprulu Canyon: $18
- Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $20
- Turkish Bath Experience in Kemer: $20
- Full Day Rafting Experience From Kemer: $20
- Sea, Sun, and Flavor: Adrasan Boat Tour + Free Lunch Included!: $24
- Traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience in Kemer: $26
- Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Lunch & Free Soft Drinks: $27
- Suluada Island Boat Tour From Kemer: $28
- Antalya FullDay Suluada Island Boat Tour: $29
- Pirate Boat Tour on the Beautiful Bays of Kemer: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $10Olympos $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Pub Crawl in Taksim: $14
- Explore Istanbul Night Life: Pub Crawl: $23
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $31
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $31
- Boat Party & Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $43
- Wine Tasting with Indigenous Local Varieties: $54
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Olympos, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Olympos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympos 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 Olympos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Olympos Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Olympos?
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 Olympos in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Olympos. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Istanbul is cooler than Olympos in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Olympos. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Olympos 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Olympos in the Autumn?
Both Olympos and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Olympos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Olympos averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Olympos. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Olympos. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Olympos 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Olympos in the Winter?
Both Olympos and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Olympos. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Olympos 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Olympos in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Olympos. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Istanbul is cooler than Olympos in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Olympos. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Olympos 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Olympos and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Olympos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.