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

Should you visit Istanbul or Piazza Armerina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Piazza Armerina, 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a authentic, historic, and charming town. It's also known for food and museums.

Istanbul and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Piazza Armerina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations, Istanbul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Istanbul is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Piazza Armerina is famous for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Istanbul different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Piazza Armerina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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 explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Piazza Armerina?

Istanbul is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Istanbul is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Istanbul is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Istanbul is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a good city for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina Better for Students?

Istanbul is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Piazza Armerina has some public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Istanbul or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Piazza Armerina both are great 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable city. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Piazza Armerina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Piazza Armerina.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Istanbul is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Piazza Armerina offers museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Piazza Armerina?

Istanbul is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Piazza Armerina?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Istanbul is a big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Piazza Armerina 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 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Piazza Armerina, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Piazza Armerina?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

Both Piazza Armerina and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is cooler than Piazza Armerina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

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

In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Piazza Armerina. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Piazza Armerina. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the museums and the cuisine.

Istanbul is much colder than Piazza Armerina in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Piazza Armerina during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Piazza Armerina. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Piazza Armerina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Piazza Armerina. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Istanbul