Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey. (Goturkiye)
People love asking travel writers like me for recommendations on where to go. It makes sense. In the last 18 months alone, I have touched all seven continents. but don’t ask about me turkiye If you are in a hurry. Despite being a broke 25-year-old when I first visited there 10 years ago, I will keep singing the praises of the destination until my voice breaks. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly fun or a five-star stay (which is what I’m looking for these days), Turkiye has it all. And thanks to new nonstop flights from Detroit to Istanbul, it’s never been more accessible. Ideally, you can take a month off to travel around the country. But if you only have a week or two, I’d start at the bottom.
istanbul
It’s hard to ignore the beauty of this seaside city that spans two continents and was once the capital of three legendary empires. The locals are sincere, and even the street cats look like they’re on vacation. Everything else – from sipping your morning tea (served in clear glasses so you can enjoy the colour) to bathing in the underground Turkish hammam – is a fascinating experience. I learned the art of bartering in the bustling Grand Bazaar, got 180-degree views of the Bosphorus from the Galata Tower, and looked for a house in the effortlessly charming neighborhood of Karaköy because I wanted to move there after only two nights. Despite being Catholic, I cannot deny that the Hagia Sophia is the most magnificent house of worship I have ever set foot in.
Pro Tip: wear socks, Wearing shoes is not allowed in mosques.
bodrum
A coastal city of contrasts, Bodrum is where I went for an 8-night Sun Fun You cruise on a traditional wooden gulet, next to a multi-million dollar fiberglass yacht. This port city boasts the Yalikvak Marina, one of the finest marinas in Europe, where you can shop at Dior and dine at Zuma. But it is also home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While touring on foot – it’s possible to walk everywhere in the old town – I saw remnants of Bodrum’s former life as a quiet fishing village. However, in the evening, I drank and danced up to Bar Street, a mile-long strip specializing in nightlife. And forget FOMO. Thanks to the laid-back Turkazian lifestyle, I was completely present and even mundane moments seemed magical.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the “Anatolia Show,” where martial arts meet acrobats in Halicarnassus, the city’s oldest club.
Aerial view of hot air balloon, Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey. (Goturkiye)
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is more than just the hot air balloon capital of the world. It’s rich in history (visit the seventh-century BC underground city of Derinkuyu, or explore the mysterious cave churches of Göreme) and full of geological formations. From whimsical 100-foot-high fairy chimneys to a snow-covered 12,851-foot-high dormant volcano, this part of central Turkey is made for the ‘gram. Here, it’s all about perspective, which is why hundreds of hot air balloon safaris take off every day. Still, many people think this magical landscape is best enjoyed on horseback. And don’t forget to embrace your inner sommelier and taste the fine wines of the region. The fertile soils of Cappadocia produce rare rich grapes in addition to other famous varieties.
Pro tip: Make your own ceramic souvenir at the Avanos Pottery Workshop or shop for hand-knotted rugs in Cappadocia’s colorful markets.
The prestigious Sumela Monastery of Turkey. (Goturkiye)
trabzon
A former Silk Road hub bordered by the Black Sea and surrounded by mountains, Trabzon appeals to my inner adrenaline junkie. My bucket list includes paragliding over Lake Uzungol, a popular alpine escape for adventurers, laying the first track at Zigana Ski Center, one of more than 40 ski resorts in the country, and hiking up to Sumela Monastery, a Greek Orthodox Engineering is a marvel that has been going on since ancient times. 4th century BC It is carved out of a rock and on clear days, there is always a breathtaking view of the lush green Altindere Valley National Park below. Of course, no trip to Trabzon is complete without Akçaabat Köftesi (fried meatballs).
Pro Tip: If you’re not claustrophobic, explore the Cal Cave, the self-proclaimed second longest cave system in the world.
Aerial view of Porto Seneviz Bay, Antalya, Turkey. (Goturkiye)
antalya
The heartbeat of the Turkish Riviera is blessed with 231 Blue Flag beaches. For comparison, the US has only two. But there’s more to this resort-packed area than just world-class sand and surf. Just 55 miles north of the city, a crystal clear river flows through Koparulu Canyon National Park – a natural playground for rafters, campers and hikers. Close to town, the dramatic Duden Falls are a popular spot for picnics. The lower waterfall also falls over a cliff into the sea. Antalya, with its Roman, Ottoman Turkish, Seljuk Turkish and Eastern Roman influences, doesn’t disappoint in the culture department either. Its 2,000-year-old Aspendos – the best-preserved theater of the ancient world – still hosts concerts, operas and ballets. And Kalise, Antalya’s old town, is a living, open-air museum.
Pro Tip: Embrace your inner emperor and enter the Kalisi Through the three-arched Hadrian Gate, which was built specifically for the Roman ruler’s visit in 130 AD.
Katie Jackson is a freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she’s chasing a Leonberger named Wilko.
