A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Pontevedra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Pontevedra?

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

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

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Pontevedra?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

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


Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Istanbul Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Pontevedra Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Istanbul $179
    Pontevedra $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is $177. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Pontevedra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $83
    Pontevedra $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $166
    Pontevedra $144
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Pontevedra

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Pontevedra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Pontevedra


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Pontevedra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $39
    Pontevedra $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer : $72
  • İstanbul Airport and Hotel Transfer: $57
  • istanbul airport transfer: $30
  • istanbul Airport Transfer: $39
  • Vip Airport Transfer to/from Istanbul City Center: $52
  • VIP Daily Transfer from the Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City: $96
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Istanbul APT-HTL (IST): $43
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul HTL-APT (SAW): $52
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul APT-HTL (SAW): $52
  • Trusted Istanbul Airport Transfer to city center: $74
  • Troy Full-Day Guided Tour incl. Transfer, Ferry Tickets w/Lunch : $137
  • Transfer from Istanbul Port to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport(SAW: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Pontevedra?

Prices for flights to both Pontevedra and Istanbul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Istanbul $66
    Pontevedra $86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $27
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
  • Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Show and Private Table: $35
  • Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
  • Bosphorus Elite Dinner Cruise w/VIP Menu & Private Table Option: $42
  • Luxury Dinner & Traditional Dance Bosphorus Cruise: $42
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $46
  • Bosphorus Tour Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show : $47
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show Non-Alcoholic: $47

Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $43
    Pontevedra $22

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $299
  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $179
  • Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
  • Discover the Magic of Old City – A Walking Tour Through Time: $60
  • Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $210
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Istanbul (SL-9): $142
  • Full day old city tour (LT1): $178
  • Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
  • Istanbul Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Combo Ticket: $96
  • Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $94
  • Istanbul Wonders FullDay Skipping Lines Private Guided City Tour: $150
  • Istanbul's Hidden Gems Private Walking City Tour: $180

Tours and Activities in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Bridge to the Past - A Private Tour: $59
  • "Los Arroces del Mar" Gastronomic Experience: $71
  • Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $71
  • NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $71
  • "El Mar va de Calle" Gastronomic Experience: $95
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $95
  • "Un Mar de Tapas" Gastronomic Experience: $95
  • "Forgotten Flavors" Gastronomic Experience: $136
  • "El Mar Escondido" Gastronomic Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $12
    Pontevedra $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $19
  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $209

Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra

Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Pontevedra?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra in the Summer?

Both Pontevedra 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.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Pontevedra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Pontevedra. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Pontevedra. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Pontevedra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Pontevedra. 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.

In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pontevedra during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Pontevedra in the Winter?

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

Istanbul is much colder than Pontevedra in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Pontevedra. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Pontevedra in the Spring?

Both Pontevedra 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.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Istanbul

Istanbul Pontevedra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)