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

Should you visit Istanbul or Taormina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Taormina, 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. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Taormina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Istanbul is more touristy than Taormina and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Istanbul different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Istanbul is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Istanbul have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Istanbul and Taormina.

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.

Taormina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Taormina is notable for its resorts. However, Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Taormina is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Beaches?

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

Taormina has a beach worth visiting. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Istanbul has a world-famous historical 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Taormina?

Istanbul is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Families?

Istanbul is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Istanbul. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Taormina are both high quality 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.

Taormina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Istanbul or Taormina Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

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

Istanbul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Istanbul or Taormina a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Taormina both are high quality 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.

Taormina is a very walkable city. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Istanbul or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Istanbul due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

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

Istanbul is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Taormina?

Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Taormina?

Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Taormina 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 Taormina?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Taormina, 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 Taormina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Taormina?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Taormina. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. 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 Taormina. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Taormina. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Taormina in the Autumn?

Both Taormina and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Istanbul is cooler than Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Taormina. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Taormina. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Taormina. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Taormina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Taormina. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Istanbul is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Taormina. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Istanbul