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

Should you visit Istanbul or Vienna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Vienna, 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. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Istanbul and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Vienna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Vienna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Vienna attracts visitors for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty. Istanbul is famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Vienna is famous for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven.

How is Istanbul different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Istanbul are world-renowned. 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Istanbul has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Vienna both have amazing 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.

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Vienna?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for Families?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Istanbul is very family-friendly. 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Istanbul is extremely popular 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Istanbul or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna 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.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

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

Both Istanbul and Vienna offer amazing public transit options.

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.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Is Istanbul or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Vienna?

In either Istanbul or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Vienna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Vienna. 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 Vienna than Istanbul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Vienna 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 Vienna?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Vienna offers museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Istanbul or Vienna?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Vienna 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 Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Vienna?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vienna. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Vienna. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Vienna. 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 Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Vienna. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Vienna. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Vienna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vienna. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Istanbul