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Where Europe meets Asia. Mosques, hot-air balloons and memorable breakfasts at great prices.
If you like this destination, also see Spain or Italy.
History and customs of Turkey
Istanbul was Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then Ottoman empires until 1923. Hagia Sophia has been a church, mosque and museum.
Anatolia was home to Hittites, Greeks and Romans before the Ottomans. Atatürk founded the Republic in 1923, opened the country to the West and adopted the Latin alphabet, which changed everyday life.
Turkey moved to a presidential system after the 2017 referendum. In 2023 an earthquake devastated the southeast, and the country remains a very popular destination, with the lira heavily devalued.
Shoes come off and shoulders are covered in mosques. Accepting tea is a courtesy, and haggling in the Grand Bazaar is normal.
Typical food in Turkey
Turkish breakfast is a spread of cheeses, olives, eggs and honey with tea. Baklava was refined in the Ottoman palace kitchens, and Gaziantep is now its capital.
- Kebab and köfte
- Turkish breakfast
- Baklava
What to eat in each city of Turkey
- Istanbul – balık ekmek (fish sandwich
- Gaziantep – baklava and kebab
- Cappadocia – pottery kebab
Regional dishes in Turkey
- Aegean – seafood and vegetables in olive oil
- Black Sea – grilled fish and anchovies
- Southeast – Adana kebab and baklava
- Central Anatolia – mantı dumplings
Iconic places in Turkey
In Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. In Cappadocia, the fairy chimneys and sunrise balloon flights.
Ephesus holds one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, and Troy lies on the Aegean coast. On the Turquoise Coast, Antalya and Kaş combine beaches, ruins and hiking routes.
1. Istanbul – Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar
2. Cappadocia – balloons and valleys
3. Pamukkale – white terraces
4. Basilica Cistern – Byzantine underground reservoir with columns
5. Derinkuyu – a vast underground city
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Turkey
✅ Best time. Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov: mild weather, ideal for Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast.
⚠️ Worst time. Jul–Aug: intense heat on the coast and in the south; in winter Cappadocia gets snow and Istanbul is cold and damp.
How much does it cost to travel to Turkey
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $33 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $88 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $242 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $7–$20 |
| Street food (per person) | $2–$6 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: own estimate, to be verified. Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.
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