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

Should you visit Nafplio or Istanbul?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Istanbul? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Istanbul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Istanbul?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Istanbul is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nafplio is more popular for its beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Istanbul and Nafplio. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Istanbul?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Istanbul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Istanbul have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

The people in Istanbul know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul Better for Beaches?

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

Nafplio has a beach worth visiting. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The rich history of Istanbul can be explored in its historical center. 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 is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Istanbul?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Istanbul make for a very good place to visit.

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

Couples visit Istanbul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Nafplio or Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul Better for Students?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Istanbul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Istanbul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio on foot. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

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 Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Istanbul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Istanbul?

Both Nafplio and Istanbul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Nafplio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 3-7 days is enough time in Istanbul.

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

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

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers food and shopping. 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.

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Nafplio or Istanbul?

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

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Nafplio or Istanbul?

Nafplio 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.

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Istanbul?

Nafplio 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 770 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Istanbul, 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 Nafplio or Istanbul?

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 Nafplio or Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Istanbul. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nafplio is much warmer than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Istanbul. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Istanbul. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Istanbul. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Nafplio