City Comparison

IstanbulvsTel Aviv

Can't decide between Istanbul and Tel Aviv? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.

Istanbul skyline with Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, offering a mesmerizing blend of ancient empires and modern energy. This transcontinental metropolis enchants with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, bustling bazaars, and a food scene that spans two continents.

April to May
28°C / 8°C
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Turkish

Known for

historic mosques
bazaars
Turkish cuisine
Bosphorus
Explore Istanbul
Tel Aviv beach and skyline
Israel

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a Mediterranean beach city with incredible nightlife, Bauhaus architecture, and start-up energy. This secular, hedonistic counterpoint to Jerusalem offers world-class beaches, food markets, and a 24/7 lifestyle that never stops.

April to June
30°C / 18°C
Israeli Shekel (ILS)
Hebrew

Known for

beaches
nightlife
Bauhaus architecture
start-ups
Explore Tel Aviv

Head-to-Head Comparison

See how these destinations stack up in key categories

Culture & History

Istanbul
4/5

Istanbul offers Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Tel Aviv
4/5

Tel Aviv offers Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv Beach, Carmel Market

Food & Dining

Istanbul
4/5

Istanbul is famous for its local dining scene

Tel Aviv
4/5

Tel Aviv is famous for its local dining scene

Nightlife

Istanbul
3/5

Istanbul offers a relaxed evening atmosphere

Tel Aviv
5/5

Tel Aviv has legendary nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Istanbul
4/5

April to May, September to November

Tel Aviv
4/5

April to June, September to November

Weather

Istanbul
4/5

Summer: 28°C, Winter: 8°C

Tel Aviv
4/5

Summer: 30°C, Winter: 18°C

Top Attractions in Istanbul

  • 1Hagia Sophia
  • 2Blue Mosque
  • 3Grand Bazaar
  • 4Topkapi Palace
  • 5Bosphorus Cruise
  • 6Basilica Cistern

Top Attractions in Tel Aviv

  • 1Old Jaffa
  • 2Tel Aviv Beach
  • 3Carmel Market
  • 4White City (Bauhaus)
  • 5Neve Tzedek
  • 6Rothschild Boulevard

Istanbul is Popular With

history buffs
foodies
culture lovers
shoppers

Tel Aviv is Popular With

beach lovers
nightlife seekers
foodies
LGBTQ+ travelers

Our Verdict

Both Istanbul and Tel Aviv are incredible destinations. Istanbul excels in historic mosques and bazaars, while Tel Aviv stands out for beaches and nightlife.

Best destination for:

nightlife

Tel Aviv

beaches

Tel Aviv

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