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.
Plan your trip to Athens: flight, hotel and total price in one go
Updated: 19 September 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Athens for ancient temples and lively neighbourhoods: Acropolis (€30), Acropolis Museum (€10) and free National Garden. Choose Istanbul for the crossroads of two continents: Hagia Sophia (€25), Galata Tower (€30) and Topkapi Palace (€50).
Flights from the Netherlands take roughly 3h15 to either city. Istanbul is typically €15-25 cheaper per person for food and accommodation. Allow at least 3 days for Athens, 4 for Istanbul.
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.
Top sights with entrance fees
Athens
- Acropolis: €30, winter (Nov-Mar) €15. Combined ticket with 7 other sites included.
- Acropolis Museum: €10, free on Sundays (Nov-Mar).
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus: included in the Acropolis ticket.
- National Garden: free.
- Public transport: metro €1.40 per ride, 24-hour pass €4.10. Bus X95 from airport to Syntagma: €5.50.
Tip: visit the Acropolis before 9am to beat the crowds.
Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia: €25 (upper gallery with Byzantine mosaics; ground floor is an active mosque).
- Galata Tower: €30, daily 08:30-23:00.
- Topkapi Palace: €50 combined ticket including Harem and Hagia Irene.
- Basilica Cistern: day ticket €37 (evening session 19:30 €47).
- Public transport: Havaist bus from IST airport to Taksim: approx. €5.40, 90 minutes.
Tip: the Istanbul Museum Pass (approx. €65, 5 days) pays off if you combine Topkapi, Galata Tower and the Cistern.
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
- Stay: hostel from €20, mid-range hotel €75-110 per night.
- Food: gyros pita €3-4, taverna lunch €10-15, meze dinner €25-30.
- 3 days total: budget approx. €350-550 pp including flights and hotel.
Istanbul
- Stay: hostel from €15, mid-range hotel €50-90 per night.
- Food: doner wrap €4-6, lunch €8, dinner €15-25, Turkish tea €0.50.
- 4 days total: budget approx. €400-600 pp including flights and hotel.
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 the better pick for travellers who want a cultural kaleidoscope of bazaars, mosques and Bosphorus romance at lower daily costs. Athens wins on compactness, ancient history and the unforgettable Acropolis at sunset.
Flights are similarly priced (€80-130 return). Day-to-day costs are slightly lower in Istanbul, but attraction entry fees are higher. Choose Athens for 3 days, Istanbul for a long 4-night weekend.
Plan your trip
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.