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

Should you visit Istanbul or Zaragoza?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Zaragoza, 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 historic, diverse, and beautiful 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a cultural, historical, and compact city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Zaragoza?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Zaragoza. Istanbul is bigger than Zaragoza, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Zaragoza and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Zaragoza is well known for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Istanbul different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Istanbul on the map. 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 Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Zaragoza?

Both Istanbul and Zaragoza are superb 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.

Zaragoza is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Istanbul is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Istanbul is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Zaragoza are both superb 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.

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a very popular city to visit 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.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Istanbul is notable for students. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Visitors to Zaragoza can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams around the city.

Is Istanbul or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Zaragoza both are superb 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Zaragoza?

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

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

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.

The beautiful city of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Zaragoza, we can see that Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Zaragoza?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In July, Istanbul is generally cooler than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Zaragoza. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Zaragoza. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Istanbul is cooler than Zaragoza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Zaragoza in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Zaragoza. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Istanbul is generally cooler than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Zaragoza. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Istanbul