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

Should you visit Istanbul or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Seattle, 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Istanbul and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Seattle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Seattle. Istanbul is bigger than Seattle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, and hiking. Istanbul is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies.

How is Istanbul different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Istanbul on the map. 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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

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

Istanbul is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Istanbul and Seattle.

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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Istanbul is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Seattle?

Istanbul is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Families?

Istanbul is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Istanbul is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Couples?

Istanbul is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a very popular city to visit 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Istanbul or Seattle Better for Students?

Istanbul and Seattle are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Istanbul is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Istanbul or Seattle a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Seattle. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Seattle offers shopping and museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Seattle?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Seattle 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Seattle?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Seattle is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Seattle?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle 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 city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Seattle. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle 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. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Seattle. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Istanbul is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Seattle. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Istanbul