A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Istanbul for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saaremaa or Istanbul?

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

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

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a calm, peaceful, and relaxed island. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Istanbul travel costs.

Saaremaa and Istanbul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Istanbul?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Istanbul is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is more popular for its beaches and small town charm. Istanbul is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Istanbul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Istanbul for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for Beaches?

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

Saaremaa has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Istanbul?

Istanbul is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Saaremaa and Istanbul.

With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

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.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for Families?

Istanbul is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Istanbul are both superb to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul Better for Students?

Istanbul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Istanbul a more walkable city?

Istanbul is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination 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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Istanbul or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Istanbul?

Both Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Istanbul.

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

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

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.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Istanbul?

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

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.

Five days in Saaremaa or Istanbul?

Saaremaa 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 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.

A week in Saaremaa or Istanbul?

Saaremaa 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 island offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Istanbul. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Istanbul. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Istanbul in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is much colder than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Saaremaa