Comparison · Athens vs Istanbul · Greece / Turkey
Athens vs Istanbul
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and a short break; choose Istanbul for Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus ferries. Istanbul is generally less expensive, and the two are about 562 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 562 km
- Less expensive
- Istanbul
- Best time for Athens
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Istanbul
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Athens | Istanbul | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Turkey |
| Known for | Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and Acropolis Museum | Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries and Grand Bazaar |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $120–$230 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 9°C (48°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Edem Beach, Palaio Faliro | Kilyos |
| Airports | ATH | IST, SAW |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Athens for…
Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and a short break. Athens wraps a sprawling modern capital around the Acropolis, whose Parthenon is visible from rooftops all over the centre. Most visitors stay in the walkable historic core of Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki and Syntagma, where the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient…
Choose Istanbul for…
Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus ferries. Istanbul spreads across both banks of the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe from Asia. The historic peninsula of Sultanahmet holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar within a 15-minute walk of each other, while Galata…
Top sights compared
| # | Athens | Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acropolis and Parthenon | Hagia Sophia |
| 2 | Acropolis Museum | Topkapı Palace |
| 3 | Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus | Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) |
| 4 | Plaka and Anafiotika | Basilica Cistern |
| 5 | Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch | Grand Bazaar |
Food compared
| Athens | Istanbul |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki and gyros | Simit |
| Greek salad | Turkish breakfast |
| Moussaka | Fish sandwich |
| Koulouri | Meze and rakı |
Which is cheaper?
Istanbul is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 per person there, against $140–$260 in Athens (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Istanbul on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Athens and Istanbul are about 562 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Athens and 5 in Istanbul.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Athens or Istanbul cheaper?
Istanbul is usually less expensive: about $120–$230 a day mid-range against $140–$260 (estimates).
+Is Athens or Istanbul better for a first trip?
Pick Athens for Acropolis and Parthenon, Ancient Greek history and a short break, or Istanbul for Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus ferries.
+How far is Athens from Istanbul?
About 562 km in a straight line.