AthensvsIstanbul
Both Athens and Istanbul are incredible destinations. Athens excels in ancient history and Greek cuisine, while Istanbul stands out for historic mosques and bazaars.
Best for:nightlife · Athensbeaches · Athens
At a glance
| Athens | Istanbul | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily budget (mid-range) | €148 | €105 |
| Hotel per night (mid-range) | €100 | €65 |
| Best months | Apr, May, Oct | May, Jun, Oct |
| Summer / winter | 33°C / 12°C | 28°C / 8°C |
| Language | Greek | Turkish |
| Currency | Euro (€) | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
How they compare
- Culture & HistoryAthensIstanbul
- Food & DiningAthensIstanbul
- NightlifeAthensIstanbul
Top tours and experiences in Athens
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included
4.96,387 reviews10h
from €134
Check availability
All things to do in Athens →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Top tours and experiences in Istanbul
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
5.010,504 reviews7h
from €82
Check availability
Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry
5.03,748 reviews5h 30m
from €122
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Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table
4.63,276 reviews3h
from €29
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Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks
4.92,415 reviews2h 30m
from €40
Check availabilityAll things to do in Istanbul →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Is Athens or Istanbul cheaper?
For a mid-range traveller, Istanbul is about 29% cheaper per day than Athens.
| Mid-range | Athens | Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €100 | €65 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €30 | €22 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €18 | €18 |
| Total per day | €148 | €105 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport.
Athens or Istanbul: weather by month
Average daily highs and lows and monthly rainfall, from weather-station records.
| Month | Athens | Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 7°C47 mmFairFair | 12°C / 5°C118 mmColdCold |
| February | 15°C / 8°C42 mmGoodGood | 12°C / 5°C98 mmFairFair |
| March | 18°C / 9°C33 mmGoodGood | 15°C / 6°C69 mmFairFair |
| April | 21°C / 12°C19 mmGreatGreat | 19°C / 10°C55 mmFairFair |
| May | 26°C / 16°C15 mmGreatGreat | 23°C / 14°C55 mmGreatGreat |
| June | 31°C / 21°C13 mmGoodGood | 28°C / 19°C52 mmGoodGood |
| July | 34°C / 24°C4 mmHotHot | 32°C / 22°C23 mmHotHot |
| August | 34°C / 24°C5 mmHotHot | 32°C / 23°C34 mmHotHot |
| September | 30°C / 21°C27 mmGoodGood | 28°C / 19°C61 mmGoodGood |
| October | 24°C / 16°C41 mmGreatGreat | 22°C / 14°C60 mmGreatGreat |
| November | 20°C / 12°C42 mmGoodGood | 18°C / 11°C105 mmFairFair |
| December | 16°C / 9°C53 mmGoodGood | 14°C / 7°C114 mmWetWet |
GreatGoodHotColdWetFair
Travelling between Athens and Istanbul
Planning to visit both? Compare the train, bus and flight options between the two cities.
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Top Attractions in Athens
- 1Acropolis
- 2Parthenon
- 3Plaka District
- 4Acropolis Museum
- 5Ancient Agora
- 6Monastiraki Flea Market
Top Attractions in Istanbul
- 1Hagia Sophia
- 2Blue Mosque
- 3Grand Bazaar
- 4Topkapi Palace
- 5Bosphorus Cruise
- 6Basilica Cistern
Athens is Popular With
history buffs
couples
solo travelers
culture lovers
Istanbul is Popular With
history buffs
foodies
culture lovers
shoppers
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Athens
- 1
The First Cemetery of Athens
An open-air sculpture museum and the city's oldest cemetery, established in 1837.
- 2
The National Garden & Zappeion Hall
A 38-acre green haven behind the Greek Parliament, featuring ancient ruins, a small zoo, and a botanical garden.
Hidden Gems in Istanbul
- 1
Süleymaniye Mosque Complex
An architectural masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, perched on one of Istanbul's seven hills.
- 2
Balat & Fener
Colorful, historic neighborhoods on the Golden Horn, once home to large Greek, Jewish, and Armenian communities.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Athens
Plaka & Anafiotika
Nestled on the northern slopes of the Acropolis, Plaka is the picturesque, old town of Athens with cobblestone streets and neoclassical houses.
Monastiraki & Psiri
A bustling, gritty, and endlessly energetic district centered around Monastiraki Square.
Top Areas in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
The historic heart of Istanbul, home to its most iconic monuments.
Beyoğlu & Galata
The modern, European center of Istanbul, pulsing with energy.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Athens
Daily Budget€80-150 for mid-range (3-star hotel, taverna meals, site entries, some taxis)
Cost Level
budget
Budget in Istanbul
Daily Budget€80-150 for comfortable hotels/Airbnbs, restaurant meals, taxis, and paid attractions.
Cost Level
budget
Where to stay in Athens
Hotels close to the centre of Athens, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Mid-range
Mid-range
Upscale
UpscaleHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Istanbul
Hotels close to the centre of Istanbul, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Mid-range
Mid-range
Upscale
UpscaleHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Athens
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Find cheap transport to Istanbul
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