I’ve Visited Turkey Seven Times—Here’s What Not to Miss

After visiting Turkey 7 times and even living there as a digital nomad in Istanbul, I’ve deeply fallen in love with this breathtaking country.

If you’re planning your first visit, don’t try to see everything at once. Give yourself time to experience the daily local life, chat with the locals over tea, or wander without a strictly planned itinerary. Turkey will reward you for slowing down. 

Istanbul

When I first arrived in Istanbul, I made the mistake everyone makes here: I thought a couple of days would be enough. Of course, it wasn’t. After several returns and even living there for a while as a digital nomad, I still find myself lost in its layers, literally and emotionally.

I remember standing inside Hagia Sophia, and the feeling while there watching its massive dome above me. It’s been a cathedral, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again. But, no matter its purpose, it’s a place that humbles you.

Right nearby is the Blue Mosque—I can still see the way the sunlight touches its stained glass windows, catching the delicate blue tiles inside. Just a short walk away, Topkapi Palace tells stories about the luxurious lives of Ottoman sultans, with views over the Bosphorus that honestly made me stop walking for a moment.

But Istanbul isn’t just about the history. The first time I got lost in the Grand Bazaar, I ended up spending hours weaving between shops, bargaining over spices, jewelry, and lanterns. I didn’t even realize how much time had passed until I left, and it was almost dark.

On another visit, I climbed the Galata Tower just before sunset. The view from the top is breathtaking, and for the first time, I really understood the scale of this city that stretches on two continents.

But if there’s one thing I now do every time I visit Istanbul, it’s booking a Bosphorus cruise. There’s something meditative about watching the palaces, wooden mansions, and mosques located on both the European and Asian shores. Every time I do it, it feels like a new experience.

When I want to feel Istanbul’s modern heart, I head to Istiklal Street or Taksim Square. There, I’ve danced to street music, eaten the best baklava of my life, and watched people for hours.

What I learned the hard way: Split your stay. Spend part of it in Sultanahmet, close to all the historical attractions, and the rest in more local areas like Beyoğlu or Kadıköy on the Asian side. That’s where the real Istanbul shows itself.

Cappadocia

Of all the places I’ve visited in Turkey, Cappadocia definitely feels like a different planet.

While in Cappadocia, I woke up one morning at 4AM for a hot air balloon ride, when the sun started rising. Hundreds of colorful balloons float above the fairy chimneys, and make you feel suddenly awake! It’s a breathtaking view.

I also stayed in a cave hotel, where the room was literally carved into the rock. It was a quiet, cozy, and completely unique experience I highly recommend doing when in Cappadocia.

During the day, we hiked through Ihlara Valley, visited ancient cave churches in Göreme Open Air Museum, and underground cities where early Christians used to hide in. It was almost surreal – every wall there is covered with history.

Ephesus & Pamukkale

On one of my longer trips, I finally made it to Ephesus – it’s one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Standing in front of the Library of Celsus, with its massive columns, made me feel tiny. And the Grand Theatre, which once held 25,000 people, gave me goosebumps.

I combined that trip with Pamukkale, which looks like snow but feels like a spa. The white travertine terraces and Hierapolis ruins are some of the most magical things I’ve seen and also highly recommend. The experience of floating in Cleopatra’s Pool, surrounded by sunken marble columns, was something out of a dream.

The Coastline

After a lot of sightseeing, I finally discovered the Turkish coast. Turkey’s coastline, with over 5,000 miles, never disappoints, I promise.

Here you can swim in the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz, sip cocktails in Bodrum’s beach clubs, and wander the old town of Antalya, like I did – one of my favorite experiences in Turkey.

In Fethiye, I took a boat ride to hidden beaches. And in Alanya, I found quiet moments watching the waves crash below the castle walls.

What I’ve Learned From My Travels to Turkey

The more I’ve traveled in Turkey, the smarter I’ve gotten about how to do it.

One of the key points I’ve mastered is getting around: Istanbul’s public transport is fantastic. I recommend just grabbing an Istanbulkart, and you’re set. But driving in the city? No, no, never again. For places like Cappadocia or the coast, renting a car and moving between the attractions makes more sense.

Another challenge I’ve experienced is where to stay in Turkey. In Istanbul, Sultanahmet is just perfect for first-timers. For something more local, I now choose Beyoğlu or Kadıköy on the Asian side. And if you go to Cappadocia, always choose a cave hotel!

Another challenging question is what to wear. My choice here – modest clothing is best for cities and mosque visits, especially as a woman. I always kept a scarf in my bag to cover my head and shoulders or legs if wearing shorts. But on the coast? The vibe is way more relaxed.

Still wondering about the best time to visit Turkey? My favorite times are spring and fall – it’s less crowded, and with perfect weather. The coast is gorgeous from May to October, and while winter is cheap, the weather can surprise you with snow, so pack layers in that case.

My Favorite Experiences in Turkey

After seven visits, these experiences stand out as truly special to me:

• Watching the sunset from a rooftop restaurant in Istanbul while hearing the call to prayer across the city.
• Floating in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia as hundreds of other colorful balloons also fill the sky.
• Swimming in the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz with mountains all around.
• Enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh bread, olives, cheese, honey, and tea.
• Exploring the less-visited neighborhoods where locals also go for a cup of Turkish tea.

What Keeps Me Going Back to Turkey?

What’s always drawing me back to Turkey isn’t just the incredible sites or beautiful beaches, can you imagine this? It’s actually the feeling of a new discovery each time I visit this country. Plenty of hidden cafés, side streets or small authentic shops in Istanbul are waiting for me! The sunset from a new coastal spot is also different each time, so Turkey continues to surprise me seven visits later.

If you’re planning your first visit, don’t try to see everything at once. Give yourself time to experience the daily local life, try to chat with the locals over tea or wander without a strictly planned itinerary. Turkey will reward you for slowing down. You’ll thank me later!