Straddling two continents Turkey is, as is oft repeated, a place full of contradictions. You will not find anywhere else in the world that blends these two cultures together so effortlessly. You might be drinking in a trendy rooftop bar in Istanbul (thinking that you could be anywhere in western Europe) when the haunting call to prayer shakes you out of your reverie, reminding you of where you really are.
Being strategically located as it is, Turkey was the centre of many a civilization; Roman, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire to name a few. You’ll never be short of historical sites to see. Turkey literally offers something for every kind of traveller; the mountain adventurer, outdoorsy hiker, city breaker, beautiful natural landform seeker, water sports lover. There is even skiing. This country should be on everyone’s bucket list and not just for the unique lava shaped landscape of Capacciocia. Its natural beauty, ecological diversity, delicious food, proud culture and the inevitable history lesson that comes with immersing oneself in the story of this place make it somewhere to see before you die.
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Top Places to See
Istanbul
No trip to Turkey would be complete without a visit to Istanbul. Turkey’s biggest city and the only city in the world to span two continents, this sprawling metropolis is the historical and cultural centre of Turkey. Sultanahmet, the old town hosts The Blue Mosque, The Hagia Sofia (formerly a Greek orthodox church converted into an imperial mosque now a museum) and Topkapi Palace (primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for 400 years). Also of note here is the Bascillica Cistern, the largest of a network of underground cisterns in Istanbul, built by the Romans (a personal favourite).
A ferry ride over the Bosphorus, crossing continents is a must! The Asian side well worth a visit for the bohemian neighbourhood of Kadikoy and laid back Uskudar, home to Fethi Pasa Korusu, a beautiful park with stunning Bosphorus views.
Taksim, seen by many as the centre of the city and is a hotspot for nightlife. You will be spoilt for choice with its clubs, bars and restaurants. Take a stroll down the main thoroughfare Istikal Street until you reach Galata tower. Go to the top of the tower for stunning panoramic views of Istanbul. Once finished carry on down Galata to Eminonu, and watch locals fishing over Galata bridge, day or night. Visit Eminonu’s Egyptian Spice Bazar, once the centre of the spice trade in Istanbul. From Eminonu hop on the tram to Beyazit, home of the Grand Bazaar, the largest of its kind in the world with over 3,000 shops- don’t forget to haggle!
Recommended Tour: This 1, 2 or 3 day private tour.
Hotel Recommendations: Osmanhan Hotel (fanstastic place, excellent location, good prices), Hotel Sapphire (also excellent and at good value and great location).
Ephesus
One of the worlds largest archaeological sites with only 15% of it actually excavated, Ephesus is a sight to behold. Set amongst a picturesque backdrop of mountains a 20 minute walk from the quaint town of Selcuk, Ephesus is a must see for anyone remotely interested in history. When part of the Roman Empire, Ephesus was second only to Rome in size and importance. It is now one of the most highly frequented archaeological sites in the world, perhaps due to how excellently presented and preserved the monuments are. Look out for the Library of Celcius, built to store 12,000 scrolls, the Roman senator Celcius was buried in a sarcophagus beneath the library, in the main entrance. A great example of how archaeology and tourism can work side by side, a mind blowing and educational experience for all.
Hotel recommendations: Hotel Mary’s House or Nicea Hotel. Both excellent value in the heart of Selcuk.
Recommended tour: Full-Day Archaeological site tour with pickup from your hotel in Selcuk.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle’ in Turkish is a sight for sore eyes almost literally. This site has been a tourist resort since the 2nd Century AD when the Romans used it as a spa town. A natural wonder in white, hot springs and travertines (sedimentary rock deposited by hot spring water- or as I like to call it calcium coloured cliffs) make this a bucket list worthy destination. Walk up the travertines in bare feet (no shoes or socks allowed) and feel the warm spring water trickle through your toes. Stop and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside and marvel at this natural wonder whist bathing in one of the many pools scattered around this wondrous place. The ruins of the ancient city of Hieropolis lie at the top of the travertines and should not be missed, especially the impressive 12,000 seat Roman amphitheatre.
Hotel Recommendations: Venus Hotel (great value, good location), Bellamaritimo Hotel (also great value, good location). Both located in Pamukkale.
Tours. Instead of staying in Pamukkale, a lot of people visit on day tours from Izmir (3 hours away on the coast). This tour is recommended. If you do it this way, this hotel in Izmir is recommended: Met Boutique Hotel.
Antalya
Antalya is much more than a tourist resort. With beautiful beaches, waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains and a character filled old town, this city has something for everybody. An hour away from Antalya, Olympos National Park contains the Chimaera flames, a natural sight of eternal fire caused by methane emissions. It also contains one of the best beaches in Turkey according to the Daily Telegraph. Whether you want to opt for the all inclusive resort holiday or budget hotel/hostel, Antalya is a great all rounder and a perfect example of Turkey’s turquoise coast.
Recommended Hotels (note: people usually stayed either at beach resorts or in the old town): Mai İnci Otel in the old town is very good (and not far from the beach), Los Suites (at Konyaati Beach). Both excellent value.
Tour: See this tour. It gives you a tour of Antalya Old Town plus a visit to 2 famous waterfalls in the area (6 hour tour).
Fethiye
Home to the Lycian rock tombs carved into the mountains and one of the only places in the world you can find stone sarcophagi scattered around town, Fethiye has everything you could possibly want and more. Historical sights combined with beautiful marina, beaches, mountains, quaint villages incorporated into the city, plus paragliding and water sports make Fethiye a must see destination. Kayakoy ghost village, a 20 minute dolmus ride away should not be missed. An old Greek village abandoned in the 1920’s, it is somewhat haunting to witness the overgrown gardens and crumbling houses of a village once full of life.
Recommended Hotels/Apartments: Kordon Apartment, Minu Hotel (both options are excellent value).
Cappadocia
No mention of Turkey would be complete without including Cappadocia. Known for its moon like landscape, underground cave cities and fairy chimneys to name but a few, this is a place you have to see to believe. Splurge on a hot air balloon ride to get the full picture of this amazing landscape and stay in a cave hotel. You only live once and Cappadocia is one of the best places in the world to remind yourself of this.
Accommodation: The thing to do here is to stay in a Cave Hotel. That might not sound very comfortable but have a look at these options: The Niche Cave Hotel or Sultan Cave Suites.
Tour: the must-do thing is a hot air balloon ride.
Costs
Accommodation. Hotel accommodation is inexpensive and you can find a private room in a hostel for about 15 Euros and a simple double room at around 40 Euros. A traditional Turkish breakfast is nearly always also included, typically you will get sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, bread, a hardboiled egg and spreads. You can’t really go wrong with this style of breakfast. Booking.com is my favourite for cheap hotels in Turkey.
Food. Meat, meat and more meat. Turks like meat. Eating out is cheap it is certainly possible to get a kebap sandwich for about 5 Euros . In touristy areas you will pay at least double this, but if you walk just a little off the beaten path you will find cheaper prices. Expect to find a lot of kebap, kofte (meatballs) and the odd chicken snitzel.
Try Iskender Kebap, originating in Bursa, this dish takes the kebap to another level. With a layer of chopped and toasted bread, a tomato based sauce and kebap with a side of yoghurt to pour over it.
Kocorec (a horizontally roasted kebap) is another one worth trying. Usually served inside hollowed out bread chopped up with peppers tomatoes and dried herbs, don’t let the fact that this is actually made of sheep intestines put you off.
For those vegetarians and vegans out there try out Cig Kofte. Originally made of raw meat this delicious paste like substance is now made up of Bulgur wheat, tomatoes and spices. Delicious rolled up in a wrap with crunchy salad. Cig Kofte can be found everywhere. If lucky enough to be invited to a Turks house for dinner beware – the Cig Kofte they serve is likely to be the traditional raw meat style.
Alcohol on the other hand is pricey compared with the cheap nature of everything else.
Transportation. Public transport is very good in Turkey. Intercity buses are cheap, comfortable and sometimes they even have WiFi. You can book bus tickets at any of the bus companies offices, either on the day of travel or in advance. If you are travelling with somebody of the opposite sex and do not book together you will not be permitted to sit together on the bus.
As Turkey is so huge domestic flights are an inexpensive and fast way to get from one place to the other.
Renting a car is of course also possible, but beware of the Turkish rules of the road- i.e there are none. It’s a free for all. Not for the faint hearted.
Intercity trains exist, but they are slow and inefficient. Bus journeys are much quicker.
Related: Guide to 3 Days in Istanbul
Related: What to See in Edirne (Turkey). And why it makes for a great stop between Bulgaria and Istanbul
Related: Is it safe to Travel? The weird and scary from 6 years of full-time travel
This is a lovely introduction to our very favourite country to travel in! Well done, thank you!
People are afraid to travel there, but we loved every minute of our six weeks travel … we moved by boat, taxi, bus, train, plane, private car… and it was a memorable and amazing and unique experience every day.