A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Bangkok for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Istanbul or Bangkok?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Bangkok, 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 beautiful, high-energy, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Istanbul is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Istanbul travel costs.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a spirited, colorful, and vibrant capital city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Bangkok is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bangkok travel costs.

Istanbul and Bangkok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Bangkok?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Bangkok, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its historical sights, while Bangkok is known for its nightlife and shopping. Istanbul is more touristy than Bangkok and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Bangkok is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls.

How is Istanbul different from Bangkok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Istanbul and Bangkok have first-rate landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. 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 museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Bangkok can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

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.

Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Is Istanbul or Bangkok Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bangkok has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Istanbul or Bangkok Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Istanbul is revered around the world. 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.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Bangkok?

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

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

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 Bangkok More Beautiful?

Istanbul and Bangkok both are comparable with their high quality scenery and beauty.

Istanbul is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.

The beauty of Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

Is Istanbul or Bangkok Better for Families?

Istanbul and Bangkok are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bangkok is very family-friendly. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Is Istanbul or Bangkok Better for Couples?

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

Bangkok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

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 Bangkok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Istanbul and Bangkok are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

Is Istanbul or Bangkok Better for Students?

Istanbul is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Bangkok has some very good public transit options. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Is Istanbul or Bangkok a more walkable city?

Istanbul is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options 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.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Bangkok?

Both Istanbul and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Istanbul has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Istanbul than Bangkok. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.

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

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

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.

The beautiful capital city of Bangkok offers food and shopping. 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. This capital 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Bangkok, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Bangkok is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Bangkok?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bangkok. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bangkok in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Bangkok. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Istanbul is cooler than Bangkok in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Bangkok fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Bangkok during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bangkok in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Bangkok. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Bangkok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bangkok averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Bangkok. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bangkok in the Winter?

Both Bangkok and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bangkok in the Spring?

Both Bangkok and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

Istanbul is much colder than Bangkok in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Bangkok. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Istanbul