A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Puerto de la Cruz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz, 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 Puerto de la Cruz?

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.

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto de la Cruz or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Puerto de la Cruz is $120. 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 Puerto de la Cruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $47
    Puerto de la Cruz $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $94
    Puerto de la Cruz $110
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Puerto de la Cruz

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz? 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.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz


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 and Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $55
    Puerto de la Cruz $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • Local Bus
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Princes' Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $13
  • Private Transfer from Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Cruise Port: $19
  • Istanbul City to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)-Departure Private Transfer: $20
  • Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
  • Private One-Way New Istanbul Airport Transfer To/From Istanbul: $21
  • Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Istanbul Airport (SAW) to Istanbul - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Istanbul to Istanbul Airport (SAW) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Istanbul Airport Private Transfers: $22
  • Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer: $24
  • Istanbul Airport VIP/ULTRA VIP Transfer, Free WIFI: $25
  • Private Transfer from Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Cruise Port: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz?

Prices for flights to both Puerto de la Cruz 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Istanbul $31
    Puerto de la Cruz $36
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.26
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
  • Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
  • Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
  • Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
  • 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $79
    Puerto de la Cruz $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $0.93

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.08
  • Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $8.06
  • Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
  • Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.62
  • The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $15
    Puerto de la Cruz $5.36

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
  • Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844


When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Puerto de la Cruz, we can see that Istanbul 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 Puerto de la Cruz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Puerto de la Cruz, 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 Puerto de la Cruz?

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 Puerto de la Cruz in the Summer?

Both Puerto de la Cruz 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.

In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto de la Cruz during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Puerto de la Cruz 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.

Istanbul is cooler than Puerto de la Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 218 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Puerto de la Cruz. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Puerto de la Cruz. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Puerto de la Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Puerto de la Cruz. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Istanbul is generally much colder than Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 229 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Puerto de la Cruz. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto de la Cruz and Istanbul

Istanbul Puerto de la Cruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)