Athens and İstanbul are two rich cities that witnessed the birth of myriad civilizations and cultures. Each city has unique aspects and a completely different ambiance. The comparison between Athens and Istanbul never ends, but each offers its visitors an unforgettable experience.
For example, Athens may be preferred by history or philosophy lovers, while those who love exploring and never-sleeping trips prefer Istanbul in addition to its rich history. Choosing which city to visit and which is best for you is a complete dilemma so let’s look at our comparison guide to learn more about these beautiful cities!
History and Overview
Athens
The name ‘Athens’ comes from the Greek goddess Athena who the society believes protects the city. Also, Athens is the oldest city in Europe. It becomes so obvious when we think about the culture and the magical ambiance there. It is also on the oldest continuously inhabited cities list. The city is also the birthplace of democracy. Athens is the place where democracy was created in the form of voting rights of citizens (of course, only the men who have properties) in 500 BC.
Athens also has huge importance in philosophy’s history and development. The Academy that Plato established in 387 BC was founded in Athens. Aristo also studied in the Academy, and this university hosted many brilliant people and ideas over time.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a unique city with being the only transcontinental city in the world. While the city’s western side is Europe, the east side is Asia. In its long history, Istanbul became a capital city for many empires- Ottoman, Latin, and Roman. It is not the capital city of Turkey right now. It is quite a crowded city- it is one of the most populated cities in the world (the city was also the most crowded city in 1502). It is 5 times more crowded than Athens!
In honor of Constantine the Great, the city was named Constantinople until the 1930s. The people were not using Constantinople, especially after founding the Republic of Turkey, but an official change happened in 1930. One of the historical facts about Istanbul is related to tulips. The Netherlands’ symbol originated in Istanbul and was transferred to the Netherlands.
Athens is a smaller city than Istanbul. You can visit all places on your list by walking (it is impossible to dream that in Istanbul). In both cities, public transportation systems are accessible and useful. The people of both cities are amiable and definitely love guests. One of the most common aspects of Athens and Istanbul may be the endless renovation. You can see construction zones everywhere.
If you plan a 1 week trip to both cities, you will be amazed how 1 week will not be enough for Istanbul but give you extra time in Athens. You have a huge free time in Athens in a week because you can easily visit all the places and enjoy the city for 3-4 days. It is impossible to wander all over Istanbul in a week or even a month! Of course, travelers can visit the city’s most known spots in a week, but Istanbul always has something to serve you. We strongly recommend you to visit both cities in the spring or autumn seasons because these cities can be very cold or hot in other seasons.
Expenses
Due to current exchange rates, Turkey has become a cheaper and budget-friendly destination to visit. As Budget Your Trip indicates on their website, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is 50 EUR, the price in Athens is 103 EUR. The difference between the average daily cost is nearly the same in every expense type. Of course, each traveler has their own spending habits, but the prices are calculated regarding average expenses on transportation, food, daily expenses, and entertainment.
The price differentiation is higher when it comes to restaurant meals. The average meal will cost you 3-4 EUR in Istanbul, but it will cost 12-15 EUR in Athens. Also, in contrast to alcohol prices seem very high in Turkey due to high taxes, it is half the price of Athens.
Surprisingly, there will not be much difference if you get monthly passcards in both cities. The average price for both Athens and Istanbul is 30 EUR. If you are the type of traveler who cares about entertainment and fun mainly on a trip, you should prefer Istanbul. The ticket prices are nearly 2.5 times more in Athens than in Istanbul.
It will be good to remember that the currencies used in Athens and Istanbul are different. While the EUR is accepted in Athens, TL (the local currency) is used in Istanbul. Due to Istanbul being the main attraction for tourists, they can accept EUR too, but you may have trouble with the local stores there.
In the end, Istanbul seems a preferable location for those who are planning on a budget trip due to the given prices. The main reason for this difference is the average monthly salaries vary enormously in these cities. The salaries in Athens are 2.5 more than in Istanbul, so the daily costs differ similarly.
Accommodation
Accommodation choice becomes more critical in Istanbul than in Athens. Istanbul is a huge and crowded city so you should decide where you stay according to the places you want to visit and your travel route. If you do not consider Istanbul’s diverse locations, you may have to travel 2-3 hours just in the city to visit your bucket list of places. In both cities, there are luxury hotels or budget hostels. Istanbul has more options due to its crowded population, but you can find a hotel according to your preferences in Athens too.
Istanbul
Galata is a particularly appealing alternative because it is located near Istiklal Road, the city’s most recognized thoroughfare. Galata’s nightlife is also worth checking out.You will save more money if you stay on the Asian side of town. The cost of living in Europe is relatively high. Kadikoy is an ideal location for staying, traveling, eating, and drinking. Kadikoy is a popular hangout for college students; hence the prices are reasonable.
Furthermore, if you stay in Kadikoy, there are several things to do and see, so transportation expenditures are minimal. In Kadikoy, a night at a modest hotel costs between 30-50 EUR on average. These hotels have basic amenities such as private restrooms, TVs, and WiFi but typically do not serve breakfast. Three-star hotels are the greatest option for those with a medium budget.
Athens
Athens is a relatively more comfortable city to prefer because most places are within walking distance. You can choose where you want to stay by being careful about the qualifications of your hostel or hotel. Athens is relatively more expensive due to its daily average prices being between 70-90 EUR per night.
Although you can walk most places in Athens, if you want to stay in a more central location, you can consider staying at Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square is the most important square in Athens because it hosted many major events in history. Koukaki is regarded as a more local place than Syntagma. Koukaki is also a place where you can walk everywhere but attracts fewer tourists, so it will be a more peaceful location to visit.
Transportation
Athens and İstanbul have various transportation systems that include buses, tram, metro, ferry (this is special for Istanbul), taxis, and more. The suggestions on how to get around Athens and Istanbul differ from each other.
Athens
Getting around the city by metro or walking will be the best option for those who travel to Athens. As we mentioned earlier in this text, Athens is a small city, so you can walk between your target spots while experiencing the ambiance of the streets of Athens. This also will give you a more local experience because you will pass by the local shops and locals and have the opportunity to learn more about the culture. Another sensible way to get around Athens will be the metro because the popular spots are generally located a short distance from the metro stations. The single cost of metro tickets is 1.20 EUR. You can look at other metro details on Athens’s website.
Istanbul
The best options to get around Istanbul are by bus and tram. The city has well-developed bus systems. You can go anywhere by bus in Istanbul. It is impossible to find a location where the buses of Istanbul do not go. The trams are perfect if you are in a neighborhood with a tram and go somewhere within the neighborhood. They are not meant to be used for long distances, but you will be amazed if you use the tram, especially on Istiklal Street and Moda Street. The single cost of a tram ticket is on average 1 EUR, but if you take an Istanbul Card, it decreases half of the price. Istanbulkart is a smart city card used in transportation vehicles, toilets, water vending machines, social facilities, food, and market shopping in Istanbul.
Bonus!
Ferries and buses that pass by bridges in Istanbul should definitely be tried to enjoy the fantastic Bosphorus view. Also the metro system in Istanbul is well-developed too. The city has many metro stations and you can go a long way with its transfer stations. The metro station on the Golden Horn is one of the most exciting metro stations in the world. Metro is an underground transportation system as it’s known but the metro station in Golden Horn gives the opportunity to see the beautiful Istanbul sea and the view of Galata Tower.
Food & Drinks
Istanbul and Athens cuisine have similar aspects because Istanbul’s cuisine is influenced by many cultures like the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Middle East. The Mediterranean side creates the common side of both cuisines. Due to that common side, there are never-ending debates on yogurt, baklava, or moussaka and which culture they belong to.
Another common aspect between the two cultures is coffee! Each one has their own local coffee that is named Greek Coffee and Turkish Coffee. Both coffees are served with the foam on the top and grounds on the bottom. Also both cultures serve coffee with a glass of water and sweets.
Due to both cultures having raki(in Turkey) and uzo(in Greece), they have a very diverse meze culture. These are alcoholic beverages that use suma obtained by distillation and are traditionally flavored with anise but uzo has a more flavored taste. Usually drunk with many dishes and mezes. Locals love drinking it and having deep conversations with their friends on a table on the seaside. That experience symbolizes the cozy and peaceful memories in both cultures.
Athens
Athens offers its travelers extensive authentic Greek cuisine. They have myriad mezes on their menu, and seafood is definitely loved in the city, and any other city cannot be compared with Athens in this area. Mikrolimano has a reputation for its perfect seafood restaurants. If you want to eat delicious food but in a more calm place, you should try Koukaki.
Istanbul
Istanbul has the same tastes as mezes, but it is usually eaten with their local alcohol, “raki” or kebap. Istanbul also has an extensive breakfast menu due to the importance of breakfast in Turkish cuisine. They have numerous foods for breakfast, and they have a concept called “serpme kahvalti”. Serpme kahvalti means diverse kinds of foods on the table, and that breakfast is ubiquitous in Turkey.
What to do?
Athens and Istanbul are not wholly equivalent to each other in the manner of things to do in these cities. Travelers will find more historical places to visit in Athens, while Istanbul offers different types of categories including historical places. Both cities are heaven for the shopaholics. Athens and Istanbul are known for their reputation with their designer brands, luxury shops and unique boutiques. But is that all? Of course not. Both cities have vast options for budget-friendly shopping with their bazaars and open-air market
Being the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, Athens has so many museums or areas that have importance in the history of Greece. Acropolis Museum, Erechtheion, and Plaka are top of the must-see places in Athens. You can also take evening walks between Athens’s beautiful streets full of marvelous Mediterranean architecture. You can end your day at a nightclub if you want, but most good nightclubs are in the other areas that are close to Athens. If you prefer to drink with your friends, have deep conversations, and want good music, you can try tavernas! Tavernas are also very popular in Greek culture.
Istanbul appeals to everyone with its unique diversity and crowded population. There are activities literally for everyone. You can spend your days at the seaside and swimming in the sea, you can go to museums, biennials, or exhibitions. You can just go to the clubs and bars (because Istanbul has tons of them), or just go shopping every day at different malls. The activities that can be done in Istanbul can be one of the most extended list in history.