Comparison · Istanbul vs Jerusalem · Turkey / Israel
Istanbul vs Jerusalem
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Istanbul for Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries, lower day-to-day costs and beaches; choose Jerusalem for Old City, Western Wall and free sights. Istanbul is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,168 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,168 km
- Less expensive
- Istanbul
- Best time for Istanbul
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Jerusalem
- April–June and September–November
Side by side
| Istanbul | Jerusalem | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Turkey | Israel |
| Known for | Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries and Grand Bazaar | Old City, Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | April–June and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 9°C (48°F) | January, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Kilyos | — |
| Airports | IST, SAW | TLV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Istanbul for…
Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries, lower day-to-day costs and beaches. 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…
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Choose Jerusalem for…
Old City, Western Wall and free sights. Jerusalem is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and its walled Old City — under one square kilometre, divided into the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters — holds the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount /…
Top sights compared
| # | Istanbul | Jerusalem |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hagia Sophia | Western Wall |
| 2 | Topkapı Palace | Western Wall Tunnels |
| 3 | Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) | Church of the Holy Sepulchre |
| 4 | Basilica Cistern | Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock |
| 5 | Grand Bazaar | Old City walls and Ramparts Walk |
Food compared
| Istanbul | Jerusalem |
|---|---|
| Simit | Hummus |
| Turkish breakfast | Jerusalem mixed grill |
| Fish sandwich | Ka'ak al-Quds |
| Meze and rakı | Knafeh |
Which is cheaper?
Istanbul is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $120–$230 per person there, against $180–$320 in Jerusalem (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Istanbul on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,168 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Istanbul or Jerusalem cheaper?
Istanbul is usually less expensive: about $120–$230 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Istanbul or Jerusalem better for a first trip?
Pick Istanbul for Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries, lower day-to-day costs and beaches, or Jerusalem for Old City, Western Wall and free sights.
+How far is Istanbul from Jerusalem?
About 1,168 km in a straight line.