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

Should you visit Istanbul or Strasbourg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Strasbourg, 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a quaint, historic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Strasbourg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Strasbourg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Strasbourg and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Strasbourg is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

How is Istanbul different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Istanbul has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Strasbourg both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Strasbourg?

Both Istanbul and Strasbourg are excellent 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.

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg Better for Families?

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

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Strasbourg are both excellent 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.

Strasbourg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Istanbul is very popular with students. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Public transit in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Istanbul or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Strasbourg both are excellent 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Strasbourg?

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

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

When visiting Istanbul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Strasbourg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Strasbourg?

When visiting Istanbul, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Strasbourg?

Istanbul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Strasbourg 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Strasbourg?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Strasbourg. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Strasbourg. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Strasbourg. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Strasbourg. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Istanbul