Linking Europe and the Middle East; Turkey retains a balance of both east and west, creating an eclectic cultural experience. Modern city boutiques, exotic bazaars and Roman ruins all remind us that there is surely no shortage of things to do. In this article, I share my top 5 tips of what to see and do in the beautiful country of Turkey:
Visit The Great Istanbul :
The New York of Turkey, it is the cultural and economic powerhouse of the country. Similar to Sicily, it has been a major trading route throughout history causing it to be conquered by almost every culture imaginable including the Romans, Greeks, Persians, and even the Byzantines.
You can even find great cheap hotels in Istanbul and there are plenty of hostels in the city as well. Some of the highlights of Istanbul are listed below, don’t forget to see the Roman Baths and Hipondrome!
- Hagia Sophia – Built 500 AD by Justinian the Great, this church/museum exemplifies incredible Byzantine and Islamic Art. It stands as a Mosque today (openly accepts tourists) and stood as a largest enclosed area until modern times.
- Topkapi palace – Built originally for Sultan of Ottoman Turkish Empire, he housed a bevy of concubines behind the walls (thousands during the height of the empire). Its massive, incredibly gorgeous, and dripping with history.
- The Grand Bazaar – Travelers would cross the roads of Istanbul to get to their destination and commonly stop at one of the world’s most famous spice markets. You can find anything your heart craves in the popular market!
Visit ANKARA :
The capital city of Turkey is the 2nd largest city behind Istanbul and the political capital of the country as well. There are museums galore providing great resources and information about everything Anatolia (you remember, grandpa).
You can feast your eyes on history and architecture all over the city from the Romans, the Ottoman Turks, and Islam. The city also boasts gorgeous parks and a great shopping district.
Visit The Ionian Coast & Ruins Of Ephesus :
Ephesus– was a crucial port and strategic location in ancient times and is also located in a very fertile valley. The first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is in Ephesus since that legend has it that she died at this location. A great combination of Greek and Roman ruins throughout the area including a great Greek Theater and the popular Celsus Library also can be seen in here.
The Ionian Coast – The Turkish Riviera is formally part of the Mediterranean and boasts incredible views of the sea and use to be a very Greek in ancient times.
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon :
Experience Cappadocia from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon! Soar 1000 meters above sea level as the sun rises over the peaks of the fairy chimneys below. Hear nothing but the sounds of the wind and the birds chirping as they glide past you along with the other many hot air balloons that paint the sky.
Each balloon can hold up to 20 people, so bring a friend or two to enjoy this magical experience with you. Your hour in the air will feel surreal, so be sure to take it in as much as possible.
Visit the Fairy Chimneys :
Feel like a kid again in your very own fairytale! A trip to Turkey is not complete without witnessing the Hoodoo Rocks (also known as Fairy Chimneys) near Göreme, in Cappadocia. It’s one thing to see pictures of these rock formations, but a completely unique experience to see them in person. The hoodoos have been formed as the result of the erosion of a type of limestone called tufa, which has been sculpted by wind, and flood water running down the slopes of the valleys. The beautiful natural formations can grow to be anywhere from 5ft to 150ft tall. Some even resemble mushrooms and are made up of tufa as the base and a more resistant rock called lahar or ignimbrite.
My Trips Guide 