Athens vs Istanbul: Akropolis or Hagia Sophia?
Athens is 3000 years of western civilisation: Acropolis, Parthenon. Istanbul straddles two continents: Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Athens for ancient temples and lively neighbourhoods. Choose Istanbul for the bridge between Europe and Asia, bazaars and mosques. Flights from the Netherlands take about 3 hours 15 to Athens and about 3 hours 15 to Istanbul. On price, are similarly priced. For a first visit most travellers pick Athens.
Athens
Athens is 3000 years of history on top of a lively Mediterranean city: the Acropolis on the horizon, Plaka taverns with live bouzouki and beach bars just 30 minutes from the centre.
Flight from NL: €90 return
View Athens →Istanbul
Istanbul straddles two continents: the European west side with the Hagia Sophia, the Asian east side with quiet tea houses. Bazaars, Bosphorus ferries and the best kebab outside Anatolia.
Flight from NL: €100 return
View Istanbul →Athens vs Istanbul at a glance
| Athens | Istanbul | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €90 return | €100 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 3 hours 15 | about 3 hours 15 |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | World-class | World-class |
| Nightlife | Lively | Lively |
| Winter weather | Mild | Cool |
| Best months | April, May, September, October | April, May, September, October |
| Ideal length | 3 days | 4 days |
| Price level | €€ | €€ |
Athens and Istanbul are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Athens is known for ancient temples and lively neighbourhoods, while Istanbul is about the bridge between Europe and Asia, bazaars and mosques. On price, are similarly priced. Athens ideally needs 3 days, while you can see Istanbul well in 4 days. The best months are April, May, September, October for Athens and April, May, September, October for Istanbul. Want to combine them: A direct flight of about 1 hour 30 links the two cities, ideal for a twin-city trip. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Athens
April-June and September-October are perfect: 20-28°C, mild sun and shorter queues at the Acropolis. July and August are 35°C+, combine it with an island hop if you like. November-March is cheap but changeable.
Istanbul
April to June and September to October: 18-25 degrees, perfect temperature for walking. July and August are 30+ and very busy. Winter is cheap, sometimes rain or snow.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Athens
From Schiphol to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) in 3 hour 15 minutes. KLM, Aegean Airlines. From airport: metro €9 or bus X95 €5,50. Locally: metro/bus €1,20, 24-hour pass €4,10.
Istanbul
Directly from Schiphol to Istanbul (IST) in 3 hour 30 minutes. Turkish Airlines, KLM. Havaist bus to center €5 in 90 minutes.
Costs compared
Athens
Hostels from €20, mid-range hotels €75-110, vacation rentals €85 per night. Food: gyros pita €3-4, lunch in a taverna €10-15, mezze evening €25-30.
Istanbul
Hostels from €15, mid-range hotels €50 to 90, vacation rentals €60 per night. Food: kebab €5, lunch €8, dinner €15 to 25, çay (tea) €0.50.
Who is it for?
Choose Athens if you are...
History fans (classical antiquity), a base for the Greek islands.
Choose Istanbul if you are...
Seekers of a cultural melting pot, bazaar shoppers, lovers of an exotic vibe.
Our verdict
Istanbul is cheaper and has more to see. Athens is more manageable. Flight between them is 1.5 hours, €70.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Athens or Istanbul
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.