Last June, I spent a few days in Turkey, not nearly enough time, but we tried to make the most of it! We started in Istanbul, just one night, then took a short flight to Antalya and stayed a night there before renting a car and heading to Kaş.
Originally, we were supposed to keep going to Göcek… but we loved Kaş so we stayed an extra night there instead — no regrets. Kaş is a small coastal town with the perfect mix of chill vibes and fun nightlife. We had no real plan and ended up booking our Airbnb literally the day before for each stop. Spontaneous trips are always the best ones, in my opinion!
Fun fact
🕌 Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents — Europe and Asia! You can literally cross continents in a few minutes.
🐈 There are (almost) more cats than people in Istanbul — locals feed and care for street cats everywhere, and they run the city!
🛀 The first ever ‘spa day’ happened here — Turkish hammams (baths) are hundreds of years old and still part of the culture today.
🍆 Eggplant (aubergine) is in everything — it’s a major part of Turkish cuisine. You’ll see it grilled, stuffed, baked, and more.
Get your vocabulary right
Hello – Merhaba
Thank you – Teşekkür ederim
Please – Lütfen
One coffee, please – Bir kahve, lütfen
Good night – İyi geceler
Yes – Evet
No – Hayır
Goodbye – Hoşçakal
How much? – Ne kadar?
🇹🇷Short History
Turkey has been at the center of major civilizations for thousands of years. It was once part of Ancient Greece and later became a key region of the Roman Empire. After that, it was the heart of the Byzantine Empire, followed by the rise of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled from the 14th century until the early 20th century. In 1923, the Republic of Turkey was officially founded under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Today, the country still holds historic landmarks and ruins from all of these eras, making it one of the most historically layered places to visit.
🕌Landmarks
Turkey is full of iconic sights — here are some of the most memorable ones
Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) – Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again — this place holds layers of history in it.
Blue Mosque (Istanbul) – Known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive domes, it’s right across from Hagia Sophia.
Topkapi Palace (Istanbul) – Home to sultans during the Ottoman Empire, with beautiful courtyards and views over the Bosphorus.
Pamukkale – Natural hot springs.
Ephesus – Some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. You can walk down streets that are over 2,000 years old.
Mount Ararat – The highest peak in Turkey, and believed by some to be where Noah’s Ark came to rest.
👀Must-See
Cappadocia – Famous for its hot air balloon rides over surreal landscapes and cave hotels. Still on my bucket list!
Kaş – A charming seaside town I loved. Laid-back and beautiful, with great nightlife.
Göcek – Perfect for boat trips and a peaceful escape along the Turquoise Coast.
Antalya – A great mix of beaches, old towns, and resorts.
Bodrum & Fethiye – Popular beach destinations with a lot of character and lovely views.
🚍 Getting Around Turkey
✈️ Domestic Flights – Super affordable and the best option when covering longer distances (like Istanbul to Antalya or Cappadocia). Turkish Airlines and Pegasus are the main ones.
🚗 Car Rental – Great if you’re planning a road trip like we did!
🚊 Public Transport in Istanbul – Easy to use. There’s metro, trams, ferries, and buses. Just grab an Istanbulkart and you’re good to go.
🚕 Taxis – Cheap compared to many places, but always double-check the meter is on.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Turkey is great year-round, but here’s a quick breakdown!
April to June – Springtime is amazing! Warm but not too hot, everything’s blooming, and it’s less crowded than summer.
September to early November – Autumn is perfect if you want nice weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices.
July & August – Hot and busy, especially on the coast and in big cities. Great for beach days but be ready for heat.
December to March – Off-season, but if you’re into skiing or want to visit places without tourists, this could be a great time.
