A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. The Hague for Food, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Istanbul or The Hague?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or The Hague, 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 diverse, beautiful, and high-energy 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 food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Istanbul and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or The Hague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than The Hague, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while The Hague is known for its music. Istanbul is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Istanbul different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and The Hague.

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.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for Music?

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

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or The Hague?

Both Istanbul and The Hague 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.

The Hague is well-known for its shopping. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for Families?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for Couples?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Istanbul or The Hague Better for Students?

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

The Hague is a great destination for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Istanbul or The Hague a more walkable city?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in The Hague. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of The Hague offers live music and food. 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 The Hague?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The Hague 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hague, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or The Hague?

People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

The Hague 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 The Hague?

Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The Hague 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 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or The Hague?

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

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than The Hague in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than The Hague. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and The Hague. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and The Hague averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hague. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as The Hague. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hague. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than The Hague. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to The Hague in the spring for the activities around the city.

Istanbul is much warmer than The Hague in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hague. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for The Hague and Istanbul