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

Should you visit Istanbul or Pisa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Pisa, 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 high-energy, historic, and diverse 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Pisa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Pisa attracts visitors for its beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Pisa and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Istanbul different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Istanbul are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Istanbul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Istanbul and Pisa.

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.

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Pisa has a beach worth visiting. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Istanbul has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Pisa?

Both Istanbul and Pisa are very good 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.

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for Families?

Istanbul is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Istanbul is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Istanbul is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Istanbul or Pisa Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

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

Istanbul is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Istanbul or Pisa a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Pisa both are very good 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Pisa?

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

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

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 city of Pisa offers food and shopping. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Pisa?

Istanbul is a historic 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Pisa?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Pisa. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pisa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Pisa. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Istanbul is cooler than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Pisa. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Pisa. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Pisa. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Istanbul