Top Turkish Tourist Attractions: Turkey is a Place to Visit in 2025

Here you have questions to check your knowledge. Answers you will find in this blog post. Good luck!

Test your knowledge 🙂

Next

Discover Turkey’s Unforgettable Tourist Attractions

Table of contents:

Hey there! Miss Simplitty here, writing to you with a coffee in hand and Turkish tourist attractions on my mind. Remember those magical years exploring Turkey’s treasures? I sure do! Those summers between 2009-2015 weren’t just work trips – they were love affairs with a country that stole my heart one ancient ruin and turquoise coastline at a time.

I wasn’t just visiting Turkey – I was living it. Four incredible years guiding wide-eyed travelers through hidden gems most tourists never find. From swimming in Marmaris’s crystal waters to watching sunset over Belek’s pristine beaches, Turkey became more than a destination. It became home.

Today I’m opening my travel diary to share the Turkish tourist attractions that still make me daydream years later. These aren’t your typical tourist traps. These are the places that changed me, surprised me, and keep calling me back even now in 2025!

Between the ancient history that makes my history-loving heart race and the urban adventures that satisfied my city-girl soul, these spots showcase why Turkey remains one of my absolute favorite places on earth. Ready to explore with me?

The Most Magical Turkish Tourist Attractions You Can’t Miss

Turkey is honestly like that friend who’s good at EVERYTHING. Stunning beaches? Check. Mind-blowing ancient ruins? Yep. Food that makes you want to cry happy tears? Absolutely! It’s no wonder Turkey ranks fifth in global tourist visits in 2024 (Source: Hurriyet Daily News). Let me take you on a little journey through my favorite places to visit in Turkey!

Central Anatolia: Where Fairy Tales Come to Life

Cappadocia – Central Turkey

I’m still pinching myself that Cappadocia (TR: Kapadokya) is real and not some fantasy movie set! Those “fairy chimneys” rising from the landscape like nature’s own sculpture garden completely stole my breath away.

Picture this: Me, the girl who gets wobbly knees on a stepladder, somehow agreeing to dangle thousands of feet above the earth in a wicker basket in 2013! My knuckles were white, my stomach was somewhere in my throat, but watching sunrise paint those otherworldly rock formations gold? Worth every second of terror! Hot air balloon ride is worth trying.

The things we do for travel magic, right? 😅

When I visited Devrent Valley (TR: Devrent Vadisi) my tour group spent way too long playing “what does that rock look like?” There’s this one formation that looks EXACTLY like a camel, and I have about 50 photos of it from different angles (sorry, not sorry!). I swear I spent more time squinting at rocks and yelling “It’s totally a chicken!” than actually reading about the geological history. #TravelPriorities

The pottery workshops in Avanos are so much fun! The local artist tried to teach me how to make a beautiful vase, but mine ended up looking like a sad, lopsided bowl. I still proudly display it in my apartment as proof that some skills require more than enthusiasm! Every time a guest asks about it, I launch into my dramatic pottery failure story, complete with the patient Turkish potter’s increasingly concerned facial expressions.

Pro tip for visiting Ortahisar Castle (TR: Ortahisar Kalesi) and Uçhisar Castle (TR: Uçhisar Kalesi): bring WATER! I nearly melted hiking up there in July, sweat dripping down my back, wondering why I hadn’t just stayed at the hotel pool. But then I reached the top and saw those views stretching for miles across this surreal landscape… totally worth the minor heatstroke! Sometimes the best views come with the most ridiculous hair situation – mine was plastered to my forehead in a style I like to call “drowned tourist chic.”

Red Valley (TR: Kızıl Vadi), Pigeon Valley (TR: Güvercin Vadisi), and Monks Valley (TR: Rahipler Vadisi (Paşabağı)) each have their own special charm. They are for sure the best places to visit among all valleys in Cappadocia. And those underground cities? Mind-blowing! I’m slightly claustrophobic, so squeezing through those narrow tunnels had me questioning my life choices, but the history is just incredible! There was this one moment in Derinkuyu where I got briefly stuck in a narrow passage and had a mini existential crisis – thankfully resolved by a kind Turkish grandma who patted my arm and somehow conveyed “you’ll be fine, silly girl” without a single shared word between us.

Ankara – Central Anatolia

I’ll be honest – I wasn’t super excited about visiting Ankara at first. But the Mausoleum of Atatürk surprised me with how powerful and moving it was. Standing there, learning about this remarkable leader who transformed Turkey, I got all emotional and my tour group probably thought I was losing it! There’s something so humbling about standing in places where history was made by extraordinary people. I found myself sniffling into my scarf and trying to play it cool like “No, no, just allergies!” (It was January. There were no allergies.)

Konya – Central Anatolia

During my guided round trip in 2013, we stopped in Konya to see the whirling dervishes. Have you ever tried spinning in circles for more than 10 seconds without getting dizzy? Me neither! Watching these dervishes spin gracefully for what felt like forever had me utterly mesmerized. It’s one of those cultural experiences that makes you forget to blink. It’s surely one of top tourist attractions in Turkey. I tried to replicate it in my hotel room later that night and nearly took out a lamp. Some things are best left to the professionals!

Aegean Region: Where History Comes Alive

Ephesus – Selçuk, Izmir

Walking through Ephesus (TR: Efes) was one of those “pinch me” moments. This ancient city is RIDICULOUSLY well-preserved! The Library of Celsus (TR: Celsus Kütüphanesi) made me stop dead in my tracks – I must have spent 30 minutes just staring at it, trying to imagine scholars browsing scrolls there 2,000 years ago. As a certified book nerd, this was like my personal time-travel dream!

Did you know the Temple of Artemis (TR: Artemis Tapınağı) was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Today there’s just one lonely column standing, but closing my eyes and picturing this massive temple in its heyday gave me serious goosebumps. It’s wild to think about how many people have stood on that exact spot over thousands of years! I remember touching that column and having this weird moment of connection with everyone who had touched it before me – from ancient priestesses to Victorian explorers to… well, that guy in the Hawaiian shirt taking selfies next to me.

Just a short drive away, the House of the Virgin Mary (TR: Meryem Ana Evi) has this peaceful energy that’s hard to describe. I’m not particularly religious, but the quiet dignity of this place had me whispering without even realizing it. Plus, there’s a wall where visitors tie wishes written on bits of cloth – I may or may not have left one asking for more travel adventures (seems to have worked!). My tour group caught me having a very serious moment with a stray cat there who I’d decided was the reincarnation of an ancient guardian. The cat was mostly interested in my snacks.

Izmir City Attractions

Izmir itself is such a vibrant coastal city! The Izmir Archaeological Museum is packed with incredible artifacts, and Asansor (literally an old elevator built into the cliff!) gives you the most amazing views.

Clock Tower/Konak Square (TR: Saat Kulesi/Konak Meydanı) is perfect for people-watching with a Turkish coffee. I spent hours just sitting there, watching locals go about their day, and practicing my very broken Turkish on patient shopkeepers. My favorite memory is when I confidently asked for directions (or so I thought) and the shopkeeper politely informed me that I’d actually just said something about a purple camel. We both laughed until tears came to our eyes, and he spent the next 20 minutes teaching me useful phrases.

Hisar Mosque (TR: Hisar Camii) shows beautiful Islamic architecture, and İzmir Atatürk Museum gives fascinating insights into Turkish history. I spent a delightful afternoon at Izmir Natural Life Park during my 2013 visit – got completely lost and ended up accidentally joining a school field trip for about 20 minutes before the teacher realized I wasn’t supposed to be there!

Synagogue Street (TR: Sinagog Caddesi) offers a glimpse into the city’s Jewish heritage that most tourists totally miss. I stumbled upon it completely by accident while looking for a bathroom (travel isn’t always glamorous, folks!).

Pamukkale – Denizli

Oh. My. Goodness. Pamukkale is literally like walking on clouds! These white terraced pools filled with mineral-rich water look completely unreal in photos, but they’re even more spectacular in person. I visited in 2009 and kept saying “But HOW is this natural??” to anyone who would listen. My poor tour group was probably ready to push me into one of those pools by the tenth time I said it.

The ancient city of Hierapolis sits right at the top, so you get this crazy mix of natural wonder and incredible ruins. Swimming in the antique pool with actual Roman columns underneath me was WILD. I kept imagining some ancient Roman girl swimming in the exact same spot 2,000 years ago – would we have been friends? Would we have taken selfies together if phones existed then? Did she also get that weird prune-finger thing after staying in too long? The important historical questions, you know?

Mediterranean Region: Sun, Sea, and Seriously Beautiful Places

Antalya – Mediterranean Coast

Antalya feels like my second home since I worked in Belek (part of Antalya province) for two summers. The city is this perfect blend of gorgeous beaches and mind-blowing history.

The old town (Kaleiçi) has these winding streets that I got completely lost in during my first week. After a minor panic attack, I stumbled upon the cutest little café where the owner insisted I try his mom’s homemade baklava. Best. Getting. Lost. Ever. That baklava changed my life, and I still dream about it sometimes. The café owner and I became friends and he’d wave excitedly whenever I brought tour groups through “his” street.

Duden Waterfalls (TR: Düden Şelalesi) is absolutely spectacular – watching the river crash straight into the Mediterranean Sea made me feel tiny in the best possible way! During my work breaks, I’d often escape to Konyaaltı Beach (TR: Konyaaltı Plajı) to recharge. If you want a more secluded spot, Mermerli Beach (TR: Mermerli Plajı) is a hidden gem that tourists often miss. I once spent a whole day there with a book, completely losing track of time until I realized I’d turned into a human lobster. SPF 50, people. It’s not a suggestion!

Kurşunlu Waterfalls

Finding Kurşunlu Waterfalls (TR:Kurşunlu Şelalesi) was like walking into a fairy tale!

Sunlight breaks through the trees. Water music plays all day. Tiny rainbows pop up in the mist.

I still remember lying on a flat rock, watching leaves fall around me. In that moment, I thought: “This is what finding your bliss feels like!”

Not great for swimming, but when Turkey’s summer heat makes you feel like melting ice cream, this cool, shady spot saves the day.

Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t the ones you see on postcards. They’re just you, some pretty water, and a perfect memory in the making. 🌿💦

I also spent a magical day in Ormana Village (TR: Ormana Köyü). The traditional wooden Ottoman houses made me feel like I’d stepped back in time. I had lunch with a local family who spoke about three words of English, I’m glad at that time I could speak Turkish quite well. We had the best conversation ever, mostly through enthusiastic hand gestures and lots of laughing! They taught me how to properly wrap dolma (stuffed vine leaves), and my clumsy efforts had the grandmother in stitches. Food really is the universal language.

Coastal Paradises Around Turkey

Let me tell you about Turkey’s incredible coastline! I worked in Marmaris for two seasons (2009 and 2012), and it stole my heart with its perfect mix of natural beauty and fun energy. I still remember dancing until sunrise at a beach club, then watching fishermen head out to sea as I walked back to my hotel – that magical transition from night to day. I was exhausted, my feet were killing me, and I was so happy I could burst.

Bodrum is Turkey’s fancy pants destination (think Gucci stores right next to ancient ruins – only in Turkey!). The castle offers amazing views, and I once splurged on a ridiculously expensive cocktail just to people-watch at the marina. Worth every lira! I spent that entire evening pretending to be sophisticated and worldly until I knocked over my drink with a too-enthusiastic hand gesture. The waiter kindly pretended not to notice.

Kemer has these gorgeous pine forests that come right down to the sea. The smell of pine and salt water together is my actual happy place. I have a candle that’s supposed to smell like that, but it just smells like air freshener. Nothing compares to the real thing!

Alanya features the jaw-dropping Alanya Castle (TR: Alanya Kalesi) perched on a rocky peninsula. I hiked up there in July 2014, which was… questionable judgment on my part. By halfway up, I was having a serious conversation with myself about life choices while sweat poured down my face. But the castle views? SPECTACULAR. Would I do it again in 40°C heat? Probably not. Would I recommend it to you? Absolutely (just go earlier in the day!). At the top, I met a stray cat who seemed genuinely concerned about my physical condition and followed me around for the entire visit. I named him Sir Judgmental.

For more laid-back vibes, Kalkan and Patara offer beautiful beaches and fascinating ancient ruins. Kaputaş Beach (TR: Kaputaş Plajı) is that postcard-perfect spot that looks like someone pumped up the color saturation on your photos – but nope, the water really is that turquoise! I remember standing at the viewpoint above it and actually gasping out loud. The tourist next to me did the same thing, and we just looked at each other and nodded in silent agreement: “Yes, it’s THAT beautiful.”

Göcek is paradise for sailing lovers. I took a day boat trip here and pretended I was a fancy yacht owner for about six hours. The captain caught me posing dramatically at the bow and laughing at my own silliness. He joined right in, showing me how to pose “like real captain” – arms crossed, serious face, then breaking into the biggest smile.

Ölüdeniz – The Blue Lagoon

That famous Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz? The one all over your Instagram feed? It’s one of those rare spots that’s even MORE stunning in real life!

My first time seeing it, I just stood there, jaw hanging open, eyes wide. The water was this impossible shade of blue – not photoshopped, not filtered – just pure Turkish magic.

I was so lost in the view that I didn’t notice one of my sweet tour group ladies walk up behind me. She gently pushed my chin up and whispered, “Flies, dear.” Talk about a moment-breaker! 😂

The water is so clear you can see your toes wiggling in the sand even when you’re neck-deep. And that mountain backdrop? Better than any desktop wallpaper you’ve ever had!

Sometimes photos just can’t capture the real thing. This is one of those places you need to see with your own eyes to believe! 💙

Butterfly Valley (TR: Kelebekler Vadisi) is this magical natural reserve only accessible by boat. I saw actual butterflies fluttering everywhere and felt like I was in a Disney movie! Though getting back onto the boat after swimming was… less Disney princess and more flailing sea creature. My graceful exit involved a lot of help from the boat crew and plenty of laughter from everyone watching.

✨ Dalyan Adventure Day – my favorite day trip from my guiding days

Oh my goodness, Dalyan day trips are pure magic from start to finish!

The adventure kicks off with a dreamy boat ride to those famous mud baths. Picture me, slathered head-to-toe in warm, gooey mud, looking like some kind of swamp creature! Did I look 10 years younger after washing it off? The jury’s still out! But watching a British couple in their 70s join my mud monster photo shoot had us all laughing until our sides hurt.

As the boat glides along, you get to gaze up at those ancient Lycian rock tombs carved right into the cliffs. Talk about jaw-dropping! I remember trying to explain their history to my group while secretly wondering how on earth people carved them so high up without modern tools.

The trip gets even better when you reach the crab fishermen! My absolute favorite lunch spot – those freshly caught and cooked crabs are simply divine. I still dream about that sweet, tender meat dipped in garlic butter!

If you’re lucky (and we usually were!), you’ll spot the magnificent Caretta Caretta turtles swimming alongside the boat. I’ll never forget the excited squeals from my tour group when a huge one popped its head up right next to us!

The crown jewel of the day? Free time at İztuzu Beach (TR: İztuzu Plajı) – that gorgeous stretch of sand where the river meets the sea. I used to kick off my sandals and feel that perfect sand between my toes while watching little baby turtles make their way to the water.

The boat ride back to Dalyan harbor as the sun starts to dip is the perfect end to a perfect day. Trust me, this was always the trip my guests would rave about for the rest of their vacation!

Must-See Turkish Tourist Attractions in İstanbul

I can’t talk about places to visit in Turkey without mentioning İstanbul! This incredible city where Europe meets Asia deserves its own blog post (coming soon!), but let me highlight a few absolute must-see attractions:

The Hagia Sophia (TR: Ayasofya Camii) stands as one of the most remarkable buildings I’ve ever seen. Walking in for the first time in 2013, I literally gasped out loud. The massive dome, the ancient Byzantine mosaics, the Islamic calligraphy – it’s like witnessing centuries of history converge in one breathtaking space. I remember craning my neck back so far to look up at the dome that I nearly toppled over backward. A kind local steadied me and said something that I later learned translated roughly to “happens to everyone, little sister.”

Just across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque (TR: Sultan Ahmed Camii)) is equally stunning. I remember frantically searching for a scarf to cover my head before entering (rookie mistake!), only to have a kind local woman lend me hers. The interior with its blue Iznik tiles is simply magical. She refused to take any money but asked me to “pray for peace” while inside. I’m not muslim but found myself whispering a little hope for world peace anyway, just to honor her kindness.

Topkapi Palace (TR: Topkapı Sarayı) feels like stepping into “1001 Arabian Nights.” The harem quarters had me imagining all the secrets those walls must hold! And the views over the Bosphorus from the palace gardens? Chef’s kiss! I spent way too long sitting in those gardens, making up stories about the people who lived there centuries ago. My tour group had to come find me when it was time to leave!

The Bosphorus Strait (TR: Boğaz Boğazı) itself is worth experiencing – I took a sunset cruise and watched the city lights come alive as we sailed between two continents. It’s truly a magical way to see the city of İstanbul from a different perspective. There was this perfect moment when the call to prayer started echoing across the water from multiple mosques at once – I got goosebumps all over and may have teared up a little behind my sunglasses.

Black Sea Region: Turkey’s Hidden Gem

While the Mediterranean gets all the attention, Turkey’s Black Sea (TR: Karadeniz) coast offers incredible natural beauty without the crowds. The lush green mountains meeting the sea create a landscape that feels more like Switzerland-meets-ocean than what most people picture when they think of Turkey.

Trabzon and Rize have this misty, mysterious beauty with tea plantations covering the hillsides. The people here are known for being particularly warm and welcoming, even by Turkish standards (which is saying something!). I spent a rainy afternoon in a tiny tea house in Rize, where the owner kept bringing me different types of local tea to try, refusing payment, and somehow communicating through elaborate pantomime that I was “family now.” I left with a bag of tea, a full heart, and absolutely no idea what his name was.

Best Time to Visit Turkish Tourist Attractions

With tourism in Turkey projected to increase from 53.8 million visitors in 2025 to 72.6 million by 2035, timing your trip is super important!

Summer (June-August) is when I worked in Turkey, and let me tell you – it gets HOT. We’re talking 35-40°C in places like Antalya! The beaches are perfect, but popular tourist attractions get crowded. I once waited nearly an hour just to take a photo at the Library of Celsus in Ephesus in August! By the time it was my turn, I was so sweaty and grumpy that I’m pretty sure my photo shows me giving the ancient ruins some serious side-eye.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are my personal favorites. The weather is divine – warm enough for the beach but not melting-hot – and the crowds are much thinner. This is truly the sweet spot for the best Turkish vacation experience. Plus, the spring wildflowers or fall colors add this extra layer of beauty to already stunning landscapes.

Winter has its own special magic, especially in places like Cappadocia where the fairy chimneys look like a winter wonderland when dusted with snow. Plus, you can enjoy the hot springs in Pamukkale when it’s chilly outside – absolute bliss! I visited in December once and spent so long in those warm mineral pools that my friends thought I’d been kidnapped. Nope, just turning into a very happy prune!

My Personal Tips for Visiting Turkey as a Solo Female Traveler

As someone who’s both worked in Turkish tourism and traveled there extensively as a solo female, here are my honest tips:

Learn a few Turkish phrases – Even just basic greetings go such a long way! My broken attempts at Turkish always earned me huge smiles, patient corrections, and often little extras like free tea or dessert. My absolute favorite Turkish phrase is “çok güzel” (pronounced “chock goo-zel”) which means “very beautiful.” I said it so often about everything from food to scenery that it became my nickname among some locals!

Try the street food without fear – Some of my best meals in Turkey came from tiny street stalls. Don’t miss simit (Turkish bagels), gözleme (savory filled flatbreads), and Turkish ice cream (watch out for the vendors who like to play tricks with it!). My tour groups always laughed at how excited I got about food stops! I once chased a simit vendor down the street because I could smell the fresh bread from a block away. No shame in my food game!

Bargain at markets (but be nice about it) – It’s expected! My first time in the Grand Bazaar, I was too shy to negotiate and probably paid triple what I should have. Now I know better! Start by offering about half the asking price, smile a lot, and have fun with it. I once spent 30 minutes negotiating for a lamp, had tea with the shop owner, learned about his family, and walked away with both a great deal and a great memory! He still sends me WhatsApp messages on holidays.

Consider shoulder seasons if you hate crowds – As a fellow introvert who gets overwhelmed easily, I promise you’ll enjoy things like Ephesus or Pamukkale WAY more in May or September when you’re not fighting through tour groups for every photo. There’s nothing worse than trying to have a profound historical moment while someone’s selfie stick is poking you in the eye.

Stay hydrated (seriously!) – Turkish summers are NO JOKE, especially inland. During my first week working in Turkey, I completely underestimated how much water I needed and ended up with a killer headache that taught me my lesson! I now have a slight neurosis about water bottles and count how many I’ve had each day. Better safe than sorry!

Be respectful at religious sites – Pack a scarf to cover your head for mosque visits and dress modestly. I always carried a lightweight cardigan even on the hottest days, just in case I wanted to pop into a beautiful mosque I discovered while exploring. Fashion tip: Light cotton scarves can double as emergency picnic blankets, makeshift shade, and impromptu bag when your shopping exceeds your backpack capacity!

Don’t miss the hammam experience – Yes, it’s a bit intimidating letting strangers scrub you down, but trust me – you’ve never felt so clean in your LIFE! I emerged from my first hammam experience looking like a tomato but feeling absolutely amazing. Fair warning: they get ALL the dirt off, and you’ll be simultaneously horrified and fascinated by what appears to have been living on your skin. Also, dignity is optional and not really necessary.

Useful links every traveler should know

Here is a list of official sources that travelers should consider before visiting Turkey:

e-Visa Portal

• URL: www.evisa.gov.tr
• Name: e-Visa Portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye
• Description: For obtaining e-Visas for touristic and trade purposes.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye

• URL: www.mfa.gov.tr
• Name: Visa Information for Foreigners
• Description: Provides detailed visa requirements and regulations.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye

• URL: www.ktb.gov.tr
• Name: Tourism Information
• Description: Offers insights into tourism activities, destinations, and travel guides.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

• Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
• Historic Areas of Istanbul
• Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği
• Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
• Nemrut Dağ
• Hierapolis-Pamukkale
• Xanthos-Letoon
• City of Safranbolu
• Archaeological Site of Troy (Çanakkale)
• Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
• Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
• Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
• Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
• Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape
• Ephesus
• Archaeological Site of Ani
• Aphrodisias
• Göbekli Tepe
• Arslantepe Mound

Final Thoughts on Turkish Tourist Attractions

Turkey truly offers something for everyone – ancient cities for history nerds, beautiful beaches for sun worshippers, amazing food for culinary adventurers, and natural wonders for outdoor enthusiasts.

After spending multiple summers there, Turkey feels like home to me. The warmth of Turkish hospitality, the endless layers of history, and the sheer diversity of experiences make it one of my favorite places on Earth. There’s just something about the way the call to prayer echoes over ancient stones at sunset, or how strangers become friends over shared plates of meze, that gets into your soul.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Turkey or returning for another adventure, I hope my experiences help you discover your own Turkish travel story! And let me know in the comments – which of these Turkish tourist attractions is calling your name the loudest?

Have you been to Turkey? What were your favorite things to do in Turkey? I’d love to hear about your adventures or answer any questions you might have!

With love and wanderlust,

Miss Simplitty

———–

FAQ

Is Turkey safe for solo female travelers?

Yes! Turkey is generally safe for solo female travelers. I’ve felt safer wandering Turkish streets than parts of Paris or Berlin (where my wallet mysteriously “relocated” itself to someone else’s pocket!).

The locals are incredibly hospitable – my corner shop owner in Marmaris would literally call his cousin to walk me home if it was too late. My secret weapon? Making friends with local shopkeepers! My neighborhood bakery lady would panic if I didn’t grab my morning simit and basically formed a one-woman search party.

What should I pack for a trip to Turkey?

• Lightweight scarf (doubles as mosque coverage and emergency sun protection)
• Comfortable walking shoes (I learned this after attempting Ephesus in cute sandals and ending up buying emergency slippers from a souvenir shop!)
• Modest clothing options (for mosques and conservative areas)
• Swimwear (Turkish beaches are heaven)
• Basic medicine kit
• Power adapter

Listen, I once packed three pairs of heels for a week in Turkey. THREE. They never left my suitcase as I limped around in emergency-purchased sneakers.

How much Turkish should I learn before visiting?

Five essential Turkish phrases:

• Merhaba (Hello) – pronounce it like you’re happily greeting a cat
• Teşekkür ederim (Thank you) – I practiced for days and still butchered it
• Lütfen (Please) – works magic when bargaining
• Çok güzel (Very beautiful) – my most-used phrase
• Hesap lütfen (Bill please)

The first time I ordered a full kebab meal in my terrible Turkish, the restaurant owner was so touched he brought me free baklava AND insisted I meet his cousin.

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

May-June and September-October are magical in Turkey! I discovered this timing sweet spot after my July adventure at Hierapolis where I dramatically flopped under a stone column, pouring water over my head while tourists took photos (not my finest moment, but hey, I make sacrifices for travel knowledge!).

These shoulder seasons gift you with dreamy 70°F/21°C days, half-empty ancient sites where you can actually hear yourself think, hotels practically begging you to take their discounted rooms, and those perfect still mornings in Cappadocia when balloon flights rarely cancel.

Summer? Be prepared for melting makeup and creative water bottle refilling strategies. I still laugh about standing in that endless bathroom line in Ephesus, bonding with strangers over our collective poor life choices. Winter brings Istanbul draped in snow like something from a fairy tale, but those adorable seaside restaurants in Fethiye? Shuttered tight with only stray cats to keep them company.

How much should I budget for a trip to Turkey?

• Budget: $30-50 USD daily (hostels, street food, public transit)
• Mid-range: $80-120 USD daily (nice hotels, restaurants, guided tours)
• Luxury: $200+ USD daily (Insta-famous cave hotels, Ottoman cuisine, private guides)

My favorite secret? Turkey’s most soul-touching experiences cost nothing – watching the sunset paint Istanbul gold from a public hilltop or floating in the Mediterranean with only a $2 cold drink from a beach vendor. Completely priceless.