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

Should you visit Istanbul or Warsaw?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Warsaw, 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a cultural, historical, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Warsaw: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Warsaw?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Warsaw, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Warsaw and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Warsaw is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Istanbul different from Warsaw?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Warsaw 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Istanbul or Warsaw Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Istanbul and Warsaw.

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.

Warsaw has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

Is Istanbul or Warsaw Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Istanbul offers plenty to see. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Warsaw. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Warsaw?

Istanbul is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Istanbul or Warsaw Better for Families?

Istanbul is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw 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.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Istanbul or Warsaw Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a great city for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Istanbul is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Istanbul or Warsaw Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Istanbul or Warsaw Better for Students?

Istanbul and Warsaw are both high quality 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 Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Istanbul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

The public transit in Warsaw can get you around easily. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

Is Istanbul or Warsaw a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known 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.

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Warsaw or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Warsaw?

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

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

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 Warsaw offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Warsaw?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Warsaw?

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.

Warsaw 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 Warsaw?

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.

Warsaw 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Warsaw, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Warsaw.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Warsaw Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Warsaw?

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

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 Warsaw in the Summer?

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

Istanbul is a little warmer than Warsaw in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Warsaw fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. 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 Warsaw. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 353 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Warsaw. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Warsaw in the Autumn?

Both Warsaw 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 Warsaw in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Warsaw averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Warsaw during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 135 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Warsaw in the Winter?

Both Warsaw 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 Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Warsaw can be very cold during winter. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Warsaw. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 35 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Warsaw. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Warsaw in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Warsaw. 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 Warsaw because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Warsaw in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Warsaw during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Warsaw and Istanbul