Straddling both Europe and Asia, Turkey is a land of striking contrasts – where ancient ruins meet buzzing bazaars, and stunning coastlines blend with towering mountain ranges. Rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions, it’s a country that offers something for every kind of traveller.
From the architectural wonders of Istanbul, with its mix of mosques, palaces, and spice markets, to the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey feels like a living museum. Beyond the well-known landmarks, you’ll find charming coastal towns, vibrant cities, thermal springs, and friendly locals eager to share their traditions.
Whether you’re relaxing along the Turquoise Coast, exploring ancient ruins in Ephesus, or floating above Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise – Turkey is unforgettable.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
Istanbul – A vibrant city straddling Europe and Asia; packed with history, spice markets, and grand mosques.
Cappadocia – Famous for its hot air balloon rides, fairy chimneys, and surreal landscapes.
Pamukkale – Stunning natural thermal pools and ancient ruins in one.
Ephesus – Some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
Antalya – Gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and charming old town vibes.
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz – Known for turquoise lagoons and paragliding from Babadağ Mountain.
Bodrum – A chic coastal town with luxury resorts and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Göbekli Tepe – One of the world’s oldest archaeological sites, predating Stonehenge.
Mardin – A lesser-known gem with stone houses cascading down a hilltop, full of history and culture.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June): Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes – ideal for sightseeing.
Autumn (September–October): Warm, comfortable weather with fewer crowds.
Summer (July–August): Hot and sunny – great for beach holidays but can be sweltering inland.
Winter (December–February): Mild in the south, but snowy in Cappadocia and the east – perfect for a winter wonderland experience.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Street food and local meals can cost as little as £2–£5.
- Booking domestic flights and buses in advance can save a lot of money.
- Haggling is common in markets, especially in tourist areas like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.
- Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory.
🧳Good For:
- Culture and history lovers.
- Solo travellers
- Foodies eager to try vibrant, diverse cuisine.
- Beach lovers looking for sun, sea, and value.
- Adventure seekers.
- Families & Couples
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
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Menemen – Turkish-style scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. A breakfast staple.
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Manti– A type of dumpling typically filled with spiced meat filling, encased in a thin dough, served with yogurt.
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Meze – A selection of small plates often served before a main meal, including dips, cheeses, and stuffed vine leaves.
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Pide – Often described as “Turkish pizza,” with various toppings on flatbread.
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Baklava – Sweet pastry made with layers of filo, honey, and pistachios.
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Simit – A sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors; perfect for a snack.
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Çay (Turkish Tea) – Strong black tea served in a tulip-shaped glass – a daily ritual.
✈️ How to Get There:
Main international airports: Istanbul (IST), Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), Antalya (AYT), and Izmir (ADB).
Direct flights available from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and more. Flight time to Turkey is approx. 4 hours.
Domestic flights are quick and affordable with airlines such as Pegasus and Turkish Airlines.
🚍 Getting Around:
- Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances between major cities.
- Intercity buses are modern, frequent, and often include refreshments and Wi-Fi.
- Trains are slower but scenic, especially in rural areas.
- City transport (metros, trams, ferries) are affordable and efficient.
- Taxis are available but always ask for the meter to be used.
- Apps like BiTaksi and Uber are available in some areas.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Language: Turkish. English is spoken in tourist hubs, less so in rural areas.
Learn a few basic Turkish phrases like “Merhaba” (Hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you).
Dress modestly when visiting mosques – shoulders and knees should be covered.
Remove shoes before entering a mosque.
Hospitality is a huge part of Turkish culture – don’t be surprised if locals offer you a tea!
My Turkey Highlights
Turkey has always been more than just a destination for me – it’s a tapestry of memories, flavours, and unforgettable sights. From carefree childhood summers spent along the turquoise coast to the cultural heartbeat of Istanbul and the surreal skies over Cappadocia, my connection with this country runs deep.
Growing up, Turkey was our family’s go-to. We’d spend long, sun-soaked days in places like Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum, and Ölüdeniz, soaking in the relaxed coastal energy. The beaches were stunning, the locals endlessly welcoming, and the food – don’t get me started. Think fresh seafood, vibrant mezes, and warm, fluffy bread that somehow disappeared in seconds.
In April 2024, I returned solo – this time as an adult, and based myself in the historic Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. Staying here put me right in the heart of the city, with iconic sights like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace with one of the most impressive chandeliers you’ll ever see just a stroll away. The city’s vibrancy really caught me off guard in the best way – colours, sounds, and spices swirling around every corner. It’s super easy to navigate using public transport and you can even hop on the local ferries to explore the surrounding islands.
Top Tip: Don’t underestimate the queues. Pre-book your tickets online for the big attractions – future-you will thank you.
And then came Cappadocia. After a short domestic flight to Nevşehir, I embarked on a 2:30 AM wake-up call that led to one of the most magical moments of my travels: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over those iconic fairy chimneys. Floating above the dreamlike terrain, watching the sky shift from inky blue to golden pink – it’s an experience that’s hard to put into words.
The Red Tour afterwards added even more depth to the day, offering a guided glimpse into the region’s history and geological wonders.
Despite travelling solo, I felt safe and welcomed throughout. The people, the pace, the pulse of it all – Turkey still knows how to work its magic. I have no doubt I’ll be back (again and again).
Discover some of the best ways to experience Türkiye – from rich cultural sights and once-in-a-lifetime adventures to food experiences that’ll leave you craving more.
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Ready to Plan?
Planning a trip to Türkiye? I’d love to help you create the perfect itinerary – whether you’re chasing sunsets on the coast, diving into Istanbul’s history, or floating over fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. Request a Quote and let’s start planning your perfect getaway.
