Istanbul simply offers more diverse sights from different periods of historical importance (Byzantine, Ottoman, etc.) in a more beautiful setting on the water than Athens, which offers wonderful Classical Age sights in a lovely central area with a lot of pedestrian-only streets.
Where should I go Greece or Turkey?
While the climate and cuisine have many overlaps, the main difference is in the cost of living. If you’re looking for an island paradise and you have a generous budget, head to Greece. If you want to experience the majesty of hot air ballooning and whirling dervishes, then Turkey is your best bet.
Which city is bigger Athens or Istanbul?
Traffic can be bad in both cities, but Athens is much smaller so it takes less time to get anywhere. Traffic in Istanbul is really horrible – hard to believe it until you’ve actually seen it. But it’s a lovely city – lively and very diverse.
Is Istanbul the best city in the world?
A U.K.-based culture magazine has picked the world’s best 53 cities, ranking Türkiye’s largest city Istanbul in the list. Out of the 53 ranked cities chosen by the Time Out magazine, Edinburgh made it to the top of the list and was followed by Chicago and Medellin, while Istanbul was listed 50th.
Is Athens worth seeing?
Is it worth visiting Athens? Yes! The largest city in Greece, modern Athens is no longer just a jumping-off spot to visit the Greek islands. Athens is a destination in itself, where ancient ruins ooze Greek history and where great restaurants and first-class hotels appeal to today’s sophisticated travelers.
Is Greece better than Italy?
Italy has more (easily accessible) history, a richer range of cuisine, better cooking and food tours, and more sightseeing opportunities. Greece has better beaches, a more relaxing atmosphere (especially on the islands), and cheaper food and hotels. Top Tip: To see both Greece and Italy you need 2 weeks minimum.
What is the best time to visit Turkey?
April, May, September and October are pleasantly warm, with temperatures of 68°F to 86°F, so are typically the best times to visit Turkey’s grand array of ancient sites. The summer months (June through to September) are very hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-thirties on the south coast.
Why is Istanbul Turkey so popular?
This unique city which is admired by its charming nature and the attractive atmosphere is also the symbol of dynamic and modern city life. Istanbul has a multicultural texture and a lively atmosphere that melts the past and future in a single pot which provides a sense of universal history at every step.
How similar are Greek and Turkish?
Turkish or Greek languages are both quite distinct languages. The difficulty of learning these languages will depend on your native language and your native language’s grammatical similarity with Greek or Turkish.
What is Europe’s largest city?
Istanbul
Largest cities
| City | Official population | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Istanbul | 15,840,900 |
| 2 | Moscow | 12,632,409 |
| 3 | London | 9,002,488 |
| 4 | Saint Petersburg | 5,376,672 |
Is Istanbul worth seeing?
So, is Istanbul worth visiting? Without a doubt, this unique city connecting Europe and Asia is surely worth visiting. A historical capital of two great empires, Istanbul is rich in arts, culture, and cuisine. Today, as Turkey’s financial hub, Istanbul is a hotspot that has much to offer to its visitors.
Is Istanbul the best city in Europe?
1. Istanbul. After coming in second last year, this city of 15 million has overtaken Florence to claim the title of the No. 1 city in Europe, according to T+L readers.
Why do tourists go to Istanbul?
Istanbul has it all: over 2500 years of history, culture, and traditions, amazing landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views. This transcontinental metropolis is a fast-paced cultural melting pot you can’t afford to miss.
How many days do I need in Athens?
How many days do you need in Athens? Around 3 days in Athens would be the ideal amount of time needed to see all the main highlights of historic Athens, and to also take a day trip to a place of significant importance such as Delphi or the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Is Athens a beautiful city?
The capital of Greece, Athens, is among the world’s most beautiful cities to explore by night, as recently reported in the media.
Is Athens safe for tourists?
OVERALL RISK : LOW. Athens is considered a very safe city, even for solo female travelers. The crime rate is very low and as long as you take normal precautions, you will feel safe here. Most visits are trouble-free, but the theft of passports and wallets are common on the metro and in crowded tourist sights.
Should I go to Greece or Portugal?
Both places are, simply, gorgeous. They’re both super warm, have plenty of sunshine to go around, and offer unique history and culture. Generally, Greece is probably better for those who want to laze on the beach or sail the seas, while Portugal has more enthralling cities, better surf, and wilder coastal reaches.
What country is similar to Greece?
Cyprus has the most similar culture and demographics to Greece. It is the only other country where a majority of the population speaks Greek.
Is it worth going to Greece?
Is Greece worth visiting? Greece is definitely worth visiting! There’s so much variation in the country, from quiet islands with perfect beaches to archaeological sites and a culture dating back thousands of years.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
three days
So, how long should you stay in Istanbul? Give the city, at least three days if you’re coming for the first time. Three days in Istanbul will enable you to see the city’s most renowned sights — but anticipate a jam-packed schedule if you want to make the most of your time there!
How many days is enough for Turkey?
How much time should I spend in Turkey? Although there’s plenty to do in Turkey to fill an entire month or more, we suggest Turkey itineraries that are between five to ten days, with a week-long holiday being the best for most travelers.