So we have a flight booked to go to Munich march 8-15th. I became interested in istanbul yesterday and found it'd only be an extra $500 to change both our tickets(total)if we go to istanbul instead. Boyfriends never been abroad before so he doesnt care where we go. Ive seen a lot of europe and am worried ill be kind of 'been there done that' in germany(even though ive never been). Any thoughts Fodorites? Should i save my $500 or be adventurous and head to turkey?

There's more Turks in Germany probably in Istanbul so save your $500 and seek out Turkish areas in every German city that are so redolent of Istanbul.

Obviously these type questions are totally impossible to answer...totally impossible without knowing more about your preferences and tolerances. As in your OP you seem to indicate you want to go to Istanbul then go - it's indeed a much more adventurous place than Munich, though for the Moselm world the most Europeanized place there i guess.

if my hobby wasn't checking airfares daily....
You are right, it is an impossible question to answer. im just curious what comparisons are to both cities i guess. i realize they are certainly quite different, but will i still be awed by munich after having travelled to amsterdam(my favorite), paris(underwhelming), oslo, chiang mai, new dehli,sienna, bern (just to throw in some very different cities.) ? im hoping the bavarian countryside will be a sight to see.

I personally didn't care much for Munich, although I think I'm in the minority here on that one, but the countryside is unbelievably gorgeous. The Bavarian alps are so picturesque, and there is much to see. I have been to many countries in Europe and the Bavaria region is one of my favorites. We spent 2 weeks there last year and will be going back this October. I doubt it would dissapoint you.

That being said, Istanbul is high on my list of places to visit, and we too pondered going there this year (but chose Switzerland/Bavaria) so I can totally relate to your desire to visit.

Good luck in your decision-making process!

Tracy

cruzan19 - no you will not be awed at all by Munich from what you say - go for Istanbul...plus munich and bavaria are some of Europe's wettest climates, especially in March so that Bavarian countryside may not be all that enjoyable. You can't get an add on fare from Munich and spend time in both cities. Check www.whichbudget.com for cheap air fares Munich-Istanbul - there are also many cheap flights i believe from Germany to Turkey - not only Turks going home for holiday but scores of Germans flock to Turkey for warm-weather getaways, going to the Turkish coast farther south than Istanbul.

I think Istanbul is a must- inexpensive, fun shopping, great history, nice, nice nice people.
Istanbul was not a choice of mine, but one of my favorite vacations

I was talked into saving my money and experiencing Bavaria. I am re-excited again. But i was promised Istanbul will be the next trip. Thanks for the advice everyone! Now to decide where to stay(budget friendly!) in Munich and the villages in bavaria we will drive to!! Any advice will be great.

i too personally wouldnt care much for Munich..You can not even compare Turkey and Germany..I ve been in both countries before for many times..You can get the history,nature and fun in Turkey..Definitely TURKEY !