There are countless reasons to visit Turkey – breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, intricate architecture, lovely people, and the best shopping in all of Europe, just to name a few!

It would be impossible to list all the things that made me fall in love with Turkey. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should definitely make Turkey your next vacation destination.

Enjoy!

Getting to Turkey

Most people will fly into Istanbul Airport (IST). It’s a large international airport with flights from all over the world.

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Another fun option is to take a train from Greece or Bulgaria to Istanbul. You can actually connect a rail journey all the way from Paris or even London if you plan it all out.

How long to Spend in Turkey

Even if you only have 1 week in Turkey, you can cover the highlights of Istanbul and Cappadocia. However, we would recommend spending at least a couple of weeks in the country so you can explore the beaches of Turkey’s southern riviera around Antalya and Kas.

9 of the Best Things to do in Turkey

1. Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights

Whether you are watching from the ground or standing in a basket high above the ground, the hot air balloons of Cappadocia are unlike anything else in the world. Hundreds of multicolored balloons take to the sky just before sunrise. They sail above the honeycombed cave houses and dip low into the deep valleys.

The hot air balloon tour will pick you up from your hotel right around 4 am. You’ll be offered a light breakfast, tea, and coffee before heading for the launch area right outside of Goreme. Watch as the balloons are filled with air and then take off, one by one just before the sun begins to rise.

For the next hour and a half or so, you’ll travel up to 1,200 feet into the air, past fairy chimneys that at times are close enough to touch. Then, deep you head into the valleys for an up-close look at the cave houses built directly into the valley walls. All while surrounded by hundreds of other balloons with the sun is rising in the sky and changing the hues from pink to yellow to blue. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is not to be missed!

Choose Urgup Balloon Tours for their impeccable safety record and knowledgeable and friendly pilots.

2. Gorgeous Cave Hotels

While a hot air balloon ride is a must-do in Cappadocia, it isn’t the only thing not to be missed. Exquisite hotels built into ancient cave dwellings have kept much of the physical structure of the caves while adding modern luxury.

The stone cave walls give you a glimpse into how life may have felt for the people who lived in them many years ago. The beautiful antique furniture, gorgeous handmade rugs, and heavenly bedding will make it difficult to leave. Most cave hotels also offer beautiful gardens or rooftop terraces that are the perfect spot for sunrise balloon viewing.

Choose Taşkonaklar Hotel for its lavish cave rooms, spectacular gardens, delectable breakfast, and friendly and helpful staff.

3. Scrumptious Breakfast

The traditional Turkish breakfast, the “village breakfast”, is an elaborate spread that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Offering everything from freshly baked bread and pastries, homemade jellies, thick honey, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, traditionally prepared eggs, and a variety of other goodies it gives you a chance to sample a diverse range of local fare. Most hotels offer their own take on the specialty so make sure you don’t sleep through it!

4. Spectacular Shopping

Whether you’re getting lost in the endless alleyways of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or stopping by the many market stalls, you’ll find in every town along your journey, the shopping in Turkey is possibly the best in the world. Many of the souvenirs offered in nearby countries are actually made in Turkey. That means that if you’re traveling around Europe and want the best deal, you must make a stop here.

From handmade Turkish rugs to colorful mosaic glass lamps to intricately painted pottery – Turkey truly has it all. You’ll want to bring an extra duffel bag for all of your new Turkish treasures!

Keep in mind that you’ll be given a tourist price initially so some negotiating will likely be in order. Be cordial, reasonable, and willing to walk away. You should be able to get the price down 30-50%. Also, keep in mind that the actual dollar amount you’re haggling over is probably only a few dollars. They might need it more than you do so make sure you’re both happy when the deal is done.

Most people in Turkey are fairly easygoing – you won’t run into many aggressive touts. However, that is not the case at the Grand Bazaar. You won’t be able to walk more than 10 feet without hearing “hello lady!” “where are you from?” “Please, come look at my shop! Just looking just looking” “can I have your money?”. My advice? Walk around, compare prices, take photos of your favorites, and take business cards of the shops you like. Don’t feel pressured to purchase until you’re ready.

5. Pristine Beaches

There are 7,200 kilometers of coastline in Turkey offering pristine sandy beaches, calm bays perfect for a boat excursion, and amazing sea views. You can find quaint main squares and old cities full of history located in coastal towns like Antalya and Kas. They are a short drive (or walk) from beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water.

Many of the popular beaches like Lara Beach, Patara Plaji, and Kaputaş Plaji (pictured) offer amenities, including lounge chairs, umbrellas, and restaurants. Prefer a low-key experience? You can generally make your way beyond the crowds to find a patch of sand all to yourself.

6. Inviting Hot Springs

Once you’ve had your fill of the beautiful Turkish coastline, head inland to experience yet another Turkish treasure – the amazing hot springs. The most infamous hot springs in Turkey are the Cleopatra Pools located within the quaint town of Pamukkale.

Many tourists visit Pamukkale for the amazing travertine terraces but end up lingering in the hot springs where ancient Roman ruins are submerged below. The water is not too hot or too cold. It is absolutely perfect for relaxing after a long morning of exploring the ruins and terraces of Pamukkale.

7. Luxurious Hamams (Turkish Baths)

No vacation in Turkey is complete without a scrub in a historical Turkish bath. You can find countless hamams all over Turkey in a range of prices and services offered. Located centrally in Istanbul and built in 1584, Çemberlitaş Hamamı Fiyat offers beautiful architecture and reasonable prices. Spring for the “luxury style” package which includes a visit to the hamam, a soapy scrub, and a 30-minute oil massage to get a complete bathhouse experience.

Upon arrival, women will be given a small pouch containing disposable undies and a scrubber. Men will be offered just a scrubber. Once ushered to your separate areas, you’ll be directed to the changing room and offered a towel. Be sure to stick some coins in your pouch. A 10-20% tip split between your two attendants is expected (and they will make a bit of a show about saying goodbye when they are finished).

From the dressing room, you’ll be taken into the hamam where you will sit for 10-15 minutes on the hot marble rotunda to open up your pores. Someone will then come over to scrub you clean. After your rinse, you’ll be directed to another room for your oil massage. You will finally finish with a shower.

It’s awkward, relaxing, and confusing all at once. It will inevitably be one of your favorite adventures during your Turkey vacation!

8. Intriguing History

The history of the Turkish people and region covers a time frame of more than 4,000 years. First living in Central Asia around 2000 BC and then spreading out to establish various states and empires around Asia and Europe. Empires were created and destroyed, cities rose and fell, and wars were waged. Evidence of the complicated history of Turkey is found throughout the country, but there are a few especially notable landmarks that are worth a visit.

One of those highlights is Ephesus which is located in Western Turkey, just three kilometers from the town of Selçuk in the Izmer region. The ruins are rich in history. It became a Roman city in 133 BC and then the capital of Asia Minor in 27 BC when it grew to a population of 250,000 people as it was a busy port town. At its peak in the first and second century AD, it was estimated that 400,000 called it home.

The famous Library of Celsus (pictured), the third-largest library in the ancient world, was constructed at Ephesus in 123 AD and has been expertly preserved and reconstructed to be the highlight of the ruins that it is today.

The area opens for visitors at 8 am and tour buses take advantage of arriving before the heat of the day. Consider waiting to visit until the later afternoon to avoid crowds when all of the buses have headed home for the day.

9. Endearing People

Turkey is the center of the world – quite literally. It is the intersection of Asia and Europe and offers a diverse mix of ethnicities and religions and conservative and progressive views.  In a country that is incredibly dependent on tourism, it can be surprising that the people remain so friendly, so honest, and so excited to meet foreigners. You will encounter friendly people who are genuinely interested in getting to know you. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever feel unsafe anywhere in Turkey.

Hospitality is important to the Turkish people so always accept their offer of tea (even if you don’t really want it). Also, take time to listen to their stories and get to know them – family life, political views, the decline in tourism – no topic is off-limits.

You’ll absolutely fall in love with Turkish people during your Turkey vacation!

Convinced? What are you waiting for? Make Turkey your next vacation destination!

Planning a trip to Turkey? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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