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

Should you visit Kaunas or Istanbul?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Istanbul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a young, vibrant, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and food. See Kaunas travel costs.

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, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Istanbul travel costs.

Kaunas and Istanbul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Istanbul?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Kaunas. Istanbul is bigger than Kaunas, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Kaunas is well known for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas 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 Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Istanbul is one of the most recognized in 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Istanbul?

Istanbul is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul More Beautiful?

Istanbul is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.

Kaunas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul Better for Families?

Istanbul is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul Better for Couples?

Istanbul is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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

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

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Kaunas or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Istanbul is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Istanbul is a very walkable destination. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Istanbul?

Both Kaunas 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 Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Istanbul.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Kaunas. 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 Kaunas. 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Istanbul?

The city of Kaunas offers food and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Kaunas or Istanbul?

Kaunas 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kaunas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Kaunas or Istanbul?

Kaunas 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.

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.

A week in Kaunas or Istanbul?

Kaunas is a great place to explore. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaunas and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Kaunas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kaunas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kaunas 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 Kaunas.

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Istanbul?

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 Kaunas or Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kaunas is cooler than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Istanbul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kaunas. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kaunas usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kaunas is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Istanbul. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. Kaunas is much colder than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Istanbul. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kaunas is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Kaunas