Comparison · Istanbul vs Tbilisi · Turkey / Georgia
Istanbul vs Tbilisi
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 and beaches; choose Tbilisi for Sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Tbilisi is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,323 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,323 km
- Less expensive
- Tbilisi
- Best time for Istanbul
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Tbilisi
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Istanbul | Tbilisi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Turkey | Georgia |
| Known for | Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries and Grand Bazaar | Sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress and Qvevri wine |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$230 | $70–$140 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 9°C (48°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 13 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Kilyos | — |
| Airports | IST, SAW | TBS, KUT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Istanbul for…
Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries 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…
Choose Tbilisi for…
Sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, sits in the valley of the Mtkvari River beneath the walls of Narikala Fortress. Its Old Town packs domed sulphur baths, carved wooden balconies, Orthodox churches, a mosque and a synagogue into a few hilly blocks, while…
Top sights compared
| # | Istanbul | Tbilisi |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hagia Sophia | Narikala Fortress |
| 2 | Topkapı Palace | Abanotubani sulphur baths |
| 3 | Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) | Bridge of Peace and Rike Park |
| 4 | Basilica Cistern | Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) |
| 5 | Grand Bazaar | Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) |
Food compared
| Istanbul | Tbilisi |
|---|---|
| Simit | Adjarian khachapuri |
| Turkish breakfast | Khinkali |
| Fish sandwich | Mtsvadi |
| Meze and rakı | Badrijani nigvzit |
Which is cheaper?
Tbilisi is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $70–$140 per person there, against $120–$230 in Istanbul (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Tbilisi on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,323 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 11 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Istanbul or Tbilisi cheaper?
Tbilisi is usually less expensive: about $70–$140 a day mid-range against $120–$230 (estimates).
+Is Istanbul or Tbilisi better for a first trip?
Pick Istanbul for Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus ferries and beaches, or Tbilisi for Sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, lower day-to-day costs and free sights.
+How far is Istanbul from Tbilisi?
About 1,323 km in a straight line.