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

Should you visit Istanbul or Oxford?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Oxford, 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Oxford?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Istanbul is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Istanbul different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Istanbul is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Istanbul or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Istanbul and Oxford.

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.

Oxford has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Istanbul or Oxford Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Istanbul has a world-famous historical 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Oxford?

Istanbul is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Istanbul. 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Istanbul or Oxford Better for Families?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Istanbul or Oxford Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Oxford 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.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Istanbul or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Istanbul or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

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

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

Istanbul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Istanbul or Oxford a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable city. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Oxford?

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

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

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.

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Oxford?

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.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford 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 college town 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 United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Oxford, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Oxford?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford 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 small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Oxford in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Istanbul or Oxford in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Oxford. 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 Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Oxford. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Oxford averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Oxford. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Oxford in the Winter?

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

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Oxford. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Oxford in the Spring?

Both Oxford 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 Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Oxford in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Oxford. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Istanbul