WHY We Recommend Visiting TURKEY and HOW To Do It
Turkey is a destination where ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in unforgettable ways. From the iconic mosques of Istanbul to the surrounding beauty, this country offers a powerful blend of past and present that makes every day feel extraordinary.
After experiencing its rich history and warm hospitality firsthand, we knew we had to recommend it.
In this guide, we’ll share:
- Why we chose Turkey
- Why we highly recommend visiting
- How we prepared and planned our trip
- Where we stayed in Istanbul
- How we got around
- Our detailed Istanbul itinerary
- Practical Turkey travel tips
Let’s fly in. ✈️
WHY We Think Traveling To Turkey Is A Good Option
Why We Chose Turkey
One of our long-term goals is to visit 100 countries. Originally, Turkey wasn’t on our immediate itinerary, but a last-minute change in our travel plans opened up the opportunity, and we quickly realized we couldn’t pass it up.
Turkey’s unique geographic position immediately caught our attention. Straddling both Europe and Asia, it offers a seamless blend of East and West that few other destinations can match.
Beyond its geography, we were drawn to the centuries-old palaces, bustling bazaars, and rich cultural traditions. The chance to savor authentic Turkish cuisine, experience legendary hospitality, and witness Istanbul’s historic skyline made the decision feel effortless.
What started as a convenient detour quickly became much more. The deeper we researched, the more we understood that Turkey wasn’t just a stop along the way; it was a destination worth savoring in its own right. This unexpected addition reminded us that sometimes the best travel experiences come from embracing the unplanned.
Why We Recommend Turkey
Quite simply, Turkey exceeded our expectations.
In particular, Istanbul stands out as one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It is the only city that spans two continents, allowing you to cross from Europe to Asia in a single day. That fact alone makes it extraordinary. Yet what truly makes it unforgettable is the feeling of walking through living history.
For example, one moment you’re wandering the historic streets of Sultanahmet, standing beneath the magnificent domes of Hagia Sophia and the stunning Blue Mosque. Then, just minutes later, you’re enjoying dinner in Beyoğlu, surrounded by contemporary art, vibrant cafés, and modern city energy.
Meanwhile, the bustling bazaars, sweeping Bosphorus views, and the melodic call to prayer echoing across the skyline engage every sense.
For us, one visit wasn’t enough. We’re already planning a return because Turkey is the kind of place where you know there’s always more to discover.
HOW We Prepared For Our Trip To Turkey
Planning international travel always starts with preparation.
Here’s how we planned and prepared for our amazing trip to Turkey.
- Verified Documentation.
- Packing review.
- Choose flight and hotel location.
- Researched things to do.
How We Verified Our Documentation Required For Turkey
We verified all entry requirements.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. ✔
- Ensure you have blank passport pages. ✔
- Make sure your passport is signed. ✔
- Keep a printed photocopy and a digital copy saved on your phone. ✔
For U.S. citizens staying fewer than 90 days, a tourist visa is not required. However, always confirm current entry requirements before departure.
Additionally, remember that proof of onward or return travel is required.
International Travel Health Insurance
Because most U.S. health insurance policies do not provide international coverage, we have an additional health insurance policy. This provides peace of mind in case of accidents or unexpected medical needs.
We recommend reviewing your health coverage before departure. You can find moderately affordable international coverage HERE.
Essential Packing Checklist For Turkey
Since we follow a consistent carry-on packing strategy, preparing for Turkey was simple. However, there are a few destination-specific considerations:
Dress Modestly for Mosques
Although Istanbul is cosmopolitan, modest clothing is required when visiting mosques. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Summer Travel Tips
If visiting in summer, pack lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. July temperatures can be hot and sunny.
Power Supply in Turkey
Turkey operates on 220V with European-style round-prong plugs. Therefore, bring:
- A universal power adapter
- A portable power bank for long sightseeing days
If you’d like to master the art of traveling with carry-on luggage only, read our Travel Packing: 10 Tips for How to Pack for Travel Using Only Carry-On Luggage.
Staying Connected in Turkey
Reliable communication is a benefit.
Christine uses an eSIM provider for seamless connectivity. You can do the same by following this link. Meanwhile, Chandler relies on the AT&T International Day Pass, which charges a daily fee for international use.
If you choose the eSIM option, we recommend setting it up before you arrive in Turkey to avoid stress.
How We Got To Turkey
Since we were traveling from London, we opted for a Turkish Airlines flight, a Star Alliance partner. We flew on a direct flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the modern beauty and grand scale of Istanbul Airport. With its sleek architecture and elegant design, it’s truly a sight to behold.
It is important to note that the airport (IST) is quite a distance from the city center, roughly 25-30 miles away. Depending on traffic, the drive can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour.
We used Uber successfully, but pre-arranging transportation can provide additional peace of mind.
Where We Stayed In Turkey
We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Sirkeci, a charming hotel nestled in the heart of the city.
From the hotel, we easily accessed:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Grand Bazaar
One of the highlights of our stay was the rooftop restaurant. Our dining experience included a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Golden hues from the setting sun created a truly magical atmosphere!
Istanbul boasts numerous hotels, each offering something unique. When choosing your stay, we highly recommend selecting a location near the sites you plan to explore the most. The city’s size and vibrant energy mean you’ll appreciate having a home base in the right spot! Click HERE to book your hotel.
How We Got Around Turkey
One of the best ways to feel confident in a new destination is to understand the transportation options right away. Fortunately, getting around Istanbul is both easy and efficient. From sightseeing buses to rideshares and public transit, here’s exactly how we explored the city.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul
Whenever we visit a new city, we often start with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s one of the fastest ways to get your bearings while seeing the major landmarks.
The routes typically stop at the main attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You can ride the full loop first to understand the layout of the city, then decide which neighborhoods you’d like to revisit in more depth.
In Istanbul, this turned out to be an excellent decision. Not only did the tour provide convenient access to key sights, but it also included a 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise. Seeing the skyline from the water was absolutely stunning. The cruise offered a completely different perspective of the city, especially as we passed historic waterfront palaces, mosques, and bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
If you’re short on time in Istanbul, this combination tour is a smart and efficient way to see a lot in one day. You can explore and purchase tickets HERE.
Uber in Istanbul
For airport transfers and a few point-to-point trips, we relied on Uber. The app functions very similarly to how it does in the United States, which made the experience feel familiar and stress-free.
Using Uber was especially helpful when we were traveling with luggage or heading somewhere less convenient by public transportation. It’s a reliable option if you prefer door-to-door convenience.
Walking Around Istanbul
We love exploring cities on foot, and Istanbul is surprisingly walkable in many areas. Wandering through neighborhoods allowed us to discover hidden cafés, local shops, and everyday life that you simply don’t see from a vehicle.
That said, be prepared for hills in certain districts. Comfortable walking shoes are essential!
Public Transportation in Istanbul
Istanbul also has an extensive public transit system, including:
- Metro lines
- Trams
- Metrobus routes
- Ferries
The network connects much of the city and is an affordable way to travel longer distances. While we didn’t rely heavily on public transit during this trip, it’s a strong option for budget-conscious travelers or those staying longer.
Our Itinerary While In Turkey
We arrived later in the day, and after checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the rooftop restaurant for dinner. The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the city in golden hues, reflecting off the domes and minarets that dotted the skyline. The call to prayer echoed softly in the distance, blending with the gentle hum of the city below. As we sipped our wine and beer, we couldn’t help but feel the excitement building for the adventures that awaited us the next day.
Day 1: Exploring Istanbul’s Historic Heart
The next morning, we set off for our morning walk, stepping out into the fresh air with the city slowly coming to life around us. The streets buzzed with early risers – shopkeepers arranging their wares, locals heading to work, the scent of fresh simit (Turkish sesame bread) wafting through the air, and quite a few cats enjoying the morning.
Gülhane Parkı
We soon found ourselves in Gülhane Parkı, an enchanting green space that was once the royal gardens of Topkapı Palace.
Spanning 163 acres, the park is a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling streets, with tree-lined paths, colorful flowerbeds, and numerous fountains.
Our favorite was the book fountain, an artistic installation where water cascaded over open books. A tribute to knowledge and learning.
From there, we wandered down toward the Bosphorus, where the water shimmered under the morning sun.
Standing at the edge, we marveled at the breathtaking sight: two continents meeting in a single panoramic view.
The bridge spanning the water connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, a true testament to the city’s unique geographical and cultural identity.
Sultan Ahmet Park
Continuing our walk, we reached Sultan Ahmet Park, surrounded by some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
The Hagia Sophia, with its towering domes and centuries of history, stood proudly, while the intricate blue tiles of the Blue Mosque glowed softly in the morning light.
The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the park’s gardens, creating a magical atmosphere.
Big Bus Tours
From here, we hopped on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which allowed us to take in even more of Istanbul’s sights.
The ride across the Bosphorus Bridge into Asia was exhilarating, offering sweeping views of the city and the water below.
The bridge itself was a fascinating architectural marvel, stretching over 1,500 meters and elegantly connecting Europe and Asia.
As we crossed, we marveled at the sheer scale of this engineering feat, with its towering suspension cables and panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait glistening beneath us.
We disembarked at the Egyptian Bazaar, where the air was thick with the rich aromas of spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights. A street vendor caught our eye, and we couldn’t resist grabbing a piece of warm, buttery sweet corn before sitting down at an outdoor café for a bite to eat.
Bosphorus Boat Cruise
The highlight of the afternoon was our Bosphorus Boat Cruise, included in our bus tour package.
The 90-minute journey was nothing short of magical!
The blue waters sparkled under the sun, and the breeze carried fascinating scents.
As we glided past Ottoman palaces, historic mansions, and grand mosques, we marveled at how seamlessly Istanbul blended the old and the new.
Each stop along the way provided a glimpse into different neighborhoods, offering a perspective of the city we wouldn’t have gotten on foot.
Egyptian Bazaar
After disembarking back at the Egyptian Bazaar, Chandler indulged in a piece of freshly made Baklava, its layers of honey-soaked pastry melting in his mouth.
We wandered through the bazaar, admiring the intricate lanterns, handwoven textiles, and fragrant spice displays.
Meanwhile, the vendors enthusiastically made their pitches, inviting us in with friendly smiles, samples, and lively conversation. It’s all part of the experience; energetic, colorful, and unmistakably Istanbul.
Fatih – The Old Town of Istanbul:
Fatih is the historic heart of Istanbul, encompassing some of the city’s oldest and most culturally significant neighborhoods, including Sultanahmet. This district offers a true deep dive into Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage, where centuries of history unfold around nearly every corner.
Here, you can wander through the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, or explore the vibrant stalls of the Egyptian Bazaar, where spices, sweets, and teas create a feast for the senses.
Be sure to visit the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the Golden Horn. Its grand domes, serene courtyard, and sweeping city views make it one of the most impressive Ottoman landmarks in Istanbul.
If you want to experience the essence of Old Town Istanbul, Fatih is where history, culture, and daily life beautifully intersect.
Day 2: Grand Bazaar, Beyoğlu & The Incredible Views of Istanbul
Our second morning began at the Grand Bazaar, where vibrant stalls overflowed with gold jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and intricate Turkish carpets.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy!
Vendors calling out friendly offers, Turkish coffee brewing nearby, and travelers marveling at the endless treasures. We even found a beautiful painting to take home as a keepsake.
From there, we crossed the iconic Galata Bridge, watching fishermen cast their lines as boats passed beneath us.
On the other side, we entered Beyoğlu. If you love exploring art, culture, and nightlife, Beyoğlu is known for its vibrant energy with cafes, shops, galleries, and live music venues. Whether you’re sipping Turkish coffee in a hidden café, or browsing art studios, this neighborhood captures the soul of Istanbul – vibrant, historic, and endlessly inspiring.
Galata Tower
Rising above it all was the Galata Tower, a medieval stone structure offering panoramic views of the city.
Although we decided not to climb it, we watched as visitors peered over its circular balcony, taking in the view from above.
Instead, we soaked in the neighborhood’s charm, stopping by a few quaint shops before enjoying a delightful lunch at an outdoor café along the waterfront.
Büyük Çamlıca Hill & Tower
After lunch, we took an Uber to Büyük Çamlıca Hill, one of the highest natural points in Istanbul.
This lush green oasis offers some of the most spectacular views in Istanbul.
Walking along the shaded pathways, we admired the sprawling cityscape below. On our walk, we laughed at yet another cat along the way.
Fun Fact: Istanbul has become famous worldwide as the “city of cats.”
Deciding to go even higher, we purchased tickets to ascend Çamlıca Tower, the tallest structure in Istanbul.
From the top, we had an unparalleled 360-degree view, stretching across both Europe and Asia.
To celebrate, we shared a scoop of creamy Turkish ice cream. A sweet moment overlooking an unforgettable skyline.
From our vantage point atop Çamlıca Tower, we spotted the impressive Çamlıca Mosque rising in the distance, its elegant domes and towering minarets commanding the skyline. Almost immediately, we decided that would be our next stop.
Çamlıca Republic Mosque
Çamlıca Republic Mosque is one of the most striking additions to Istanbul’s skyline. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic in 2023.
Inspired by classical Ottoman design, the mosque features cascading domes, elegant arches, and six slender minarets that rise dramatically into the sky.
Its design pays homage to the great imperial mosques of Istanbul while incorporating modern engineering and contemporary touches.
As we approached, the sheer scale of the complex became apparent.
The courtyard alone felt expansive and peaceful, offering panoramic views of the city stretching across two continents.
The symmetry of the structure, combined with the soft stone exterior, gives it both grandeur and grace.
Standing there, surrounded by sweeping views and timeless design, we were reminded once again how Istanbul so effortlessly bridges past and present.
As evening approached, we made our way back to the hotel, this time taking a different route through Istanbul’s tunnels, a fascinating underground road system that made the journey smooth and efficient.
Day 3: Final Explorations
On our final morning, we returned to Sultan Ahmet Park, where we revisited some of Istanbul’s most treasured landmarks.
As we wandered past Fatih – Binbirdirek Mh, the heart of the city’s historic quarter, we admired the layers of history visible in every stone, archway, and minaret.
Pigeons fluttered across open courtyards while shopkeepers began setting up for the day.
Even the worn cobblestones seemed to tell stories of centuries of travelers, traders, emperors, and pilgrims who had walked these same paths before us.
It was the perfect place to pause and relish every moment of our time in Istanbul. Soaking in the history, the energy, and the quiet beauty that make the city unforgettable.
How We Documented Our Trip To Turkey
Polarsteps: One of Our Favorite Travel Apps
We love using Polarsteps, an amazing app that makes it effortless to document and share our adventures with friends and family back home. Instead of using up your data sending individual pictures, your loved ones can follow your journey in real time, seeing your route, photos, and notes as you go.
One of the best features? When your trip is over, you can turn your travel memories into a beautifully designed hardcover book – a tangible keepsake filled with your stories, locations, and stunning photos. The app automatically tracks your route and organizes your moments, making it easy to relive your adventure whenever you want. It’s an affordable and seamless way to preserve your travels for years to come! Check out Polarsteps by clicking HERE.
Take All The Photos
When it comes to capturing memories, our advice is simple: take the photo.
You’ll never regret having too many pictures, but you might regret missing the moment. It’s always easier to delete extras later than to wish you had documented something special.
From breathtaking skylines and historic landmarks to vibrant street scenes and quiet café corners, every image tells part of your travel story. Even the small, unexpected details often become the memories that make you smile the most.
Photos aren’t just images. They’re anchors to the feelings, experiences, and moments that made your journey unforgettable.
How We Made The Most Of Our Trip to Turkey
We’ve learned that managing our thoughts while traveling makes all the difference in how we experience a destination. Travel often comes with unexpected challenges like our trip did with last-minute changes in plans, but we’ve found that by being intentional about our mindset, we can navigate these moments with ease and enjoyment.
On our trip to Turkey, we reminded ourselves that our thoughts shape our experience. Instead of getting frustrated when our plans changed, we leaned into curiosity and flexibility. By choosing patience and an open mind, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty, culture, and history of Turkey without letting itinerary changes steal the joy from our journey.
Travel is as much about your mindset as it is about the destination. Choose thoughts that make your trip even more amazing!
Final Thoughts: Why We Loved Traveling to Turkey
Our spontaneous stop in Turkey became one of the most memorable experiences on our journey toward visiting 100 countries. What started as a last-minute change in plans turned into a chance to immerse ourselves in a destination rich with history, culture, and stunning scenery.
Istanbul captivated us with its blend of East and West. From the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Egyptian Bazaar. The shimmering Bosphorus, historic palaces, and the echo of centuries-old traditions made every moment unforgettable.
Even more than the sights, it was our mindset that shaped the experience. By staying flexible, curious, and grateful, we embraced the unexpected and savored each moment fully. Turkey reminded us that some of the best journeys happen when you lean into new experiences with an open mind.
Until the next adventure, happy travels! ✈️🌎
💡 More Stories
If you enjoyed reading about our adventure in Turkey, check out our other travel stories for more inspiration and tips from our journey across the globe.
Additionally, for help planning your own trip, check out our Travel Resources page for the tools we use to plan our trips.
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