Exploring Türkiye
Türkiye is a massive country with so much to see and do. Our local experts, Zöe and Kayleigh, are here to take you on a whirlwind tour of its biggest and brightest cities, which span centuries with modern and ancient architecture, tradition, and food. Haydi gidelim (let’s go)!
Hi, I’m Zöe! As a young married couple, my husband Kaan and I call Turkey our home, exploring its age-old beauty from coast to coast and through the mountains. I’m from Phoenix and Kaan is from the old Ottoman capital, Bursa. We love exploring Istanbul and beyond, tasting the local cuisine in every city, and soaking in the incredible beauty of this country!
I’m Kayleigh! I’m an entrepreneur living in Ankara with my husband. I create content about my life here. I love exploring the country’s rich history and food. my favorite places to visit are the ancient ruins along the coastline—you don’t want to miss it.
Mosques & Architecture
Turkey is a blend of industrialism and historical beauty. Modern cities feature unique and sometimes ancient architecture. A city bus ride can easily become a tour as impressive mosques and other natural beauties are passed.
CSO Concert Hall
Ankara, though often overlooked by tourists, is home to one of Turkey’s most impressive concert halls, the CSO, where one can experience Beethoven’s 9th symphony and meet maestros and musicians from around the world.
Termosis
For those who love exploring ancient ruins, Turkey offers sites like Termosis, located at the top of a mountain, sparking curiosity and wonder with its massive and impressive structures.
Emirgan Park
Did you know that tulips were first cultivated by the Turks? The town of Muş, where my husband’s mother is from, is famous for these beautiful flowers, known in Turkish as lale. Every year, Emirgan Park hosts the grand “Lale Festivali,” attracting visitors from all overthe world. It's an incredible sight to see vibrant tulips covering the hills overlooking the Bosphorus!
Yıldız Park
Yıldız Park, located in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, is my favorite park to explore—not just because it’s nearby, but because of its stunning greenery. The park features a beautiful pond, plenty of picnic tables for relaxing, a rope bridge, and a running path. Once part of the imperial gardens of Yıldız Palace, which you can still visit, the park has a rich history.
Şile
Not many people realize this hidden gem is still part of Istanbul! Şile, a stunning coastalt own on the Black Sea with crystal-clear, blue waters. Summer visits are easy because the crowds are small for it being close to Istanbul. The water is warm and amazing to swim in, the sun is perfect, and the area is full of sights to explore—including the Şile Castle, which reflects influences from the Roman Empire.
Antalya
Antalya, a coastal city where the mountains meet the sea, is known for its charm in the smallest flowers and the mightiness of giant mountain peaks. The Mediterranean Sea here is warm and inviting, dubbed “heaven on earth” by locals.
Kaleiçi
Kaleiçi, the ancient city center of Antalya, features stone alleys, colorful buildings, and hidden treasures, blending the modern with the ancient.
Ani
Can you believe we’re looking at Armenia from Türkiye here? This is the ancient town of Ani, located near Kars. Once a major city along the Silk Road, Ani is home to some of the most incredible archaeological artifacts you’ll ever see. This photo was taken inside what used to be a church. To visit Ani, youcan travel to Kars by plane, train, or car, then take a service bus from the intersection ofFaikbey Cd. and Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Paşa Cd.
Cumalıkızık Neighborhood of Bursa
This house is located in the Cumalıkızık neighborhood of Bursa, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history with the Ottoman Empire. Stuffed at the foot of Uludağ, the area is surrounded by fig and chestnut trees and is famous for its colorful houses, refreshing pomegranate drinks, and incredible breakfasts.It is fairly easy to get up here as there are buses that go up often
Balat Neighborhood of Istanbul
These colorful buildings are in the historic Balat neighborhood of Istanbul. Most of the houses here are over 75 years old, and the cobblestone streets add to the charm. Balat once had a large Greek Orthodox and Jewish community, and it’s still home to stunning Orthodox cathedrals. The area is also filled with cozy cafes and restaurants, perfect for people-watching. My personal favorite is By Harve Café!
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is famous worldwide and can be found on almost every street in every city in Turkey. It’s commonly enjoyed with a friend and served with traditional Turkish Delight.
Turkish Breakfast
Known as "Kahvaltı" (meaning "under coffee"), Turkish breakfasts are extravagant and satiating, often enjoyed with black tea and a variety of dishes on the table.
çiğ Köfte
Here’s a dish that often flies under the radar when visiting Türkiye: çiğ köfte. Originally from Southeastern Türkiye, it was traditionally made with raw minced meat and a mix of bold spices. However, in Istanbul, the more common version uses bulgur (a type of wheat grain)blended with plenty of spices. Check out Gazi Çiğ köfte Vefa Şubesi in Fatih, Istanbul—it’s the real deal!