What to do
Turkish Bath
One of the best activities I’ve ever done. I can’t explain how much I loved getting scrubbed down and bathed inside this beautiful building. We went to Aga Hamami, as this building dates back to 1454.
Visit the Grand Bazaar
Shop at the Grand Bazaar or one of the many other bazaars in the city to see a variety of Turkish delights, spices, clothes, lamps, rugs ceramics, and more! It may be overwhelming and you will have to bargain if you don’t want to pay too much. If you don’t want to shop just walk through so you can see the buzz!
Hot Air Balloons
This may very well be the reason you are travelling to Turkey in the first place. This very popular activity is a huge draw, and for good reason. It’s the hot air balloon capital of the world and just watching them or going up in one at sunrise are both magical experiences.
Horse Back Riding
This is the one activity I didn’t do that I wished I would have. It’s a common tour in Cappadocia and a great way to see the stunning landscape of rock formations.
Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus Straight
Be wined and dined with plenty of live entertainment on a boat as it crosses from the European side of Turkey to the Asian side and back. A multi-course meal and unlimited alcohol are provided for such an affordable price I swear I made money. It was booked through Get your Guide and there were various ones to choose from so find the one that best suits you.
What to see
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Side by side are two of the most iconic religious monuments in the world. The Hagia Sophia is a unique mosque as it used to be a church and there is still evidence of this inside the building. The Blue Mosque is stunning as well, plus it’s free and they provide you with proper attire if needed.
Cappadocia
This unique landscape of rock formations is something to behold. The hot air balloons are obviously the big draw here but the nature is unlike anything I’ve seen and worth a visit on its own. I stayed in Goreme and at night you feel like you’re in a fairyland with all the glowing lights.
Pamukkale
Come here for the white travertine terraces – they are beautiful to look at and bring a bathing suit so you can sit in the water. Come early as it gets busy. This is also where the ancient Roman spa city Heiropolis is so visit the sites and dip in Cleopatra’s pool. It has collapsed Roman columns in the water due to an earthquake!! Hot air balloons go up here as well.
Where to stay
Wabi Sabi Hostels – a perfectly nice, clean, and comfy hostel in a good location. The rooftop bar was closed when I was there though which may be why the vibe was lacking a bit.
Ares Cave Suites, Cappadocia – cool cave hotel, I loved it here and would recommend but there are plenty in the area to choose from
Mustafa Motel & Pension, Pamukkale – good price and great location just steps away from Pamukkale town entrance.
What to Eat & Drink
Turkey has some of the best cuisine I’ve ever had so don’t miss out on trying the following:
Turkish breakfast – a spread of eggs, cheese, meats, breads, honey, vegetables, olives, etc. My dream!
Turkish coffee and Turkish delight
Pomegranate juice – freshly squeezed!
Simit – like a sesame bagel, commonly found as a street food.
Kunefe – a shredded dough that’s crispy and filled with cheese, served in a sweet syrup sometimes with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Manti – traditional dumplings
Testi Kebab – a meat stew cooked in a clay pot and broken open at the table.