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

Should you visit Istanbul or Saint Andrews?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Saint Andrews, 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Istanbul and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Saint Andrews?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Saint Andrews are popular destinations, Istanbul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Istanbul is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Saint Andrews is famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Istanbul different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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

Istanbul is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Istanbul offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Saint Andrews?

Both Istanbul and Saint Andrews are superb 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.

Saint Andrews is well-known for its shopping. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit 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.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly city. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is terrific for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

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

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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

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

Istanbul is terrific for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Istanbul or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Istanbul is a very walkable city. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Saint Andrews?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint Andrews 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 university 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Saint Andrews?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 720 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews in the Summer?

Both Saint Andrews and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

In the summer, Istanbul is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Saint Andrews. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Saint Andrews. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Saint Andrews. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Istanbul is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Saint Andrews. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Istanbul