Chelsea
If you’ve been thinking about a trip to this part of the world, here are 9 reasons to visit Türkiye that will earn it a spot on your ‘must-visit’ destinations list!
There really are so many reasons to visit Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey); it truly does have something for everyone.
It is the meeting point of Europe and Asia and has incredible food, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, diverse cities and landscapes, and so much more.
This blog post will provide you with 9 convincing reasons why you should visit Türkiye, and some recommendations for while you’re there. Let’s jump in…
9 Reasons to Visit Türkiye
#1 – Yes, Türkiye is Safe!
I’ve put the topic of safety at the very beginning of this blog post, because it’s often the first thing people ask me – ‘Is it safe to travel to Türkiye?’ This is a completely valid question, especially if you’re a solo female traveller. I’ve had many people over the years tell me it’s not safe to visit Türkiye, or that I “should be careful”, despite them having never been there. This is a good reminder to carefully choose who you listen to.
For me, the answer is always a resounding, ‘yes, Türkiye is safe’!
It goes without saying that you do need to use common sense and be alert in some areas. This is no different to any other city/destination that you visit. However, I often feel safer in Türkiye than I do in my home city in Australia, which is also incredibly safe.
There may be some regions within Türkiye that you may need to proceed with more caution, such as areas in south eastern Türkiye, specifically the borders with other countries. In these instances, I usually recommend that you defer to your country’s government travel guidance. For me, as an Australian, it’s the Australian government’s ‘Smart Traveller‘ website.
#2 – The History
If you’re a history lover, then Türkiye has got you covered! The appeal of the fascinating history is perhaps one of the most popular reasons to visit Türkiye. Some of the oldest known civilisations have called modern Türkiye home. Influences from the Hittites, Byzantines, Romans, Persians, and of course the Ottomans, can be seen throughout the country.
I personally love how many ancient ruins can be found in Türkiye, no matter where you are. A few of my favourites are Ephesus and Hierapolis (Pammukale), which are two of the more well-known sites. The scattered ruins that can be found along the Lycian Way on the south-western coast of Türkiye are also a highlight (e.g., the ancient city of Aperlai).
I also love the range of history that can be found within the larger cities of Türkiye. For example, Istanbul has the ancient Basilica Cistern that dates back to 532, the Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar that was constructed in 1461, and the more modern 19th-century Dolmabahçe Palace. You’ll be kept intrigued, no matter your favourite period of history.
#3 – The Architecture
To be completely transparent, I can’t comment on the specific styles or time periods of the architecture within Türkiye. Architecture is definitely not my area of expertise BUT I can tell you that it’s all very aesthetically pleasing.
One of my favourite things to do in Türkiye is just wander the streets and soak in the sights and atmosphere. No matter the town or region you’re in, there is always something interesting to see, and I’m usually left in awe. Further down in this post are a few photos of some of the different architectural styles that can be found in Türkiye.
#4 – The People & Hospitality
Perhaps my favourite reason to visit Türkiye is to connect with the people and experience their incredible hospitality. Turkish locals are warm, kind, and genuinely welcoming. I’ve loved chatting with them over the years to learn more about their culture and everyday life in Türkiye.
I’ve been lucky enough to form some special friendships with Turkish locals while travelling. One example is a beautiful couple I met when I stayed at their Airbnb in Izmir. The accommodation was an apartment at the base of their family home. The first night I arrived, they invited me to dinner in their home. Despite no English being spoken and all communication via Google Translate, we spoke for hours. From there, we shared every breakfast and dinner, and went on outings within the city. I also met their adult children, other family members and friends. I now visit them each time I’m in Türkiye, and am always welcomed like family.
Another example of the amazing Turkish hospitality and kindness was during a flight from Konya to Istanbul. I had been to Konya for a weekend visit, and the lady next to me saw my Australian passport. We started talking, and she was surprised I had chosen to visit Konya. She ended up writing her phone number down and offered me a place to stay in Istanbul if I needed it.
These are just a few examples of the hospitality and kindness that I’ve experienced over the years. My suggestion is to lean into it – if someone is up for a chat, or offers you a tea or coffee, say yes! You never know where it might lead.
#5 – Diverse Landscapes
From the very first time I visited Türkiye, I was shocked by how varied the landscape was. Of course, there are chaotic and bustling cities, but there is also an abundance of farmland and rolling hills. There are the incredible mountain ranges, which make for great hiking and even skiing in the winter. There are also the unique landscapes and valleys that can be seen in the Cappadocia region, where the famous fairy chimneys are located.
Türkiye is also well known for it’s stunning coastline and beaches. Perhaps my favourite area is the Turquoise Coast in south-western Türkiye, which encompasses the Muğla and Antalya regions. This is where you’ll find lush, green mountains that meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. At some times of year, the nearby mountains are even snowcapped, which makes it feel even more magical.
#6 – The Beaches
I know I’ve just spoken about how diverse the landscapes are in Türkiye, but as someone who has a love of water and a dip in the ocean, it would be remiss of me not to have a section specifically about the beaches.
Türkiye is a well-known summer and beach destination, and the beaches are one of the top reasons people visit Türkiye. As mentioned earlier, I love the Turquoise Coast and areas like Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, and Kaş. I also enjoy exploring the coastline further west towards Çeşme, Ilıca, and Alaçatı, which sit on the Aegean Sea.
Overall, in Türkiye you’ll find some of the clearest and bluest water in the world. Beach hopping is one of my favourite things to do in Türkiye, so my top tip is to hire a car. This allows you to get away from the more crowded tourist hubs and gives you the chance to find the hidden beaches dotted along the coastlines.
#7 – Well-Connected and Easy to Navigate
This might seem a little boring, but it’s definitely worth mentioning… logistically, Türkiye is easy to get around. Overall, Türkiye is well connected internationally and domestically, and wherever you are in the country, it’s generally easy to navigate once you’re on the ground.
Flights
There are several major international airports within Türkiye that you can fly into. Istanbul is the most obvious point of entry, being the largest city and having two international airports. However, there are also other well-connected airports such as Izmir, Antalya, and Ankara.
Domestically, air travel is also relatively cheap and easily accessible. Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus Airlines all run regular flights between major cities and regional destinations.
Intercity Trains
I haven’t really travelled between cities on the train, but there are regular and high-speed trains that service some major cities (e.g., Istanbul > Ankara). The one time I intended to use the high-speed train was from Istanbul to Konya. However, the time I needed to travel, the tickets were already sold out. Hot tip – make sure you book these high-speed train tickets at least a few days in advance!
Intercity Buses
Türkiye has one of the most well-connected bus services in the world. If you’re looking to travel between cities or towns, there is most likely a bus connection. In my experience, the buses are always clean, comfortable, and well priced.
A few of the major bus companies that I’ve used personally, and can vouch for are Metro Tourism, Pamukkale Tourism, Çanakkale Truva Tourism, and Kamil Koç (Flix Bus). You can book directly with the bus companies, or I also recommend Obilet. This website allows you to see all of the bus routes and timetables to your chosen destination, and you can book your tickets here too.
Intracity travel
Most cities within Türkiye are also well connected once you’re on the ground. There are, of course, taxis available, and Uber has just been introduced in some cities. There are usually also other public transport options available too. For example, in Istanbul, there are trains (the Metro), trams, ferries, buses and dolmuş (local minibuses). In Istanbul specifically, it’s usually better to use public transport than catch a cab because the traffic is so bad!
#8 – Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems
As you’ve already gathered, there are a lot of iconic sights to visit with Türkiye. Everyone has heard of Istanbul and Cappadocia. These locations are popular for a reason – they are incredible! However, if you’re looking for something a little more ‘off the beaten track’, there are still places to visit in Türkiye that aren’t as well known and aren’t overrun with tourists….
For example, if you’re looking for a beach holiday, you could try the Black Sea coastal cities of Trabzon and Rize. If you’re looking for historical sights beyond Ephesus and Pamukkale, you can travel further east to see Göbekli Tepe or Mardin. Alternatively, if you want to explore a city with a more local feel, consider Izmir or Konya.
With over 81 provinces within Turkey, there are plenty of places to explore.
#9 – The Food
Finally, the food alone is a reason to visit Türkiye. Turkish cuisine is, without doubt, some of the best in the world. Türkiye is one of the only countries I’ve visited where I’m happy to eat local food the entire time I’m there.
I’m definitely not a ‘foodie’, so you won’t usually find me recommending specific restaurants or hotspots, BUT, I genuinely think it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to food in Türkiye. Almost all places are good. My rule of thumb is if there are a lot of diners at a restaurant, and if you spot some locals eating there, go in!
A few of my favourite go-to Turkish foods that you should try are Adana Kebab, pide (Turkish pizza), doner, gözleme, kunefe, and simit. I also just generally love the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables available. I still don’t quite know how cucumbers and tomatoes taste so much better in Türkiye. Finally, you need to experience a full Turkish breakfast, which definitely beats the cereal and toast I usually have at home.
You also can’t go to Türkiye without having a Turkish coffee (kahve) or Turkish tea (çay). You might have heard of apple tea being the traditional tea of choice, but in my experience, the locals don’t drink this. Make sure you give traditional Turkish black çay a go, you’ll usually be offered this at the end of a meal, served in the iconic Turkish tea glass.
Summary
As you can see, there are so many reasons to visit Türkiye. This is not an exhaustive list, but hopefully this post has piqued your interest and encouraged you to add Türkiye to your upcoming destinations list. You won’t be disappointed, and I can almost guarantee that when you’re there, you’ll already be planning your next trip to return!
This post was all about the most compelling reasons to visit Türkiye, while providing some key recommendations for your future trip
If you’re keen for more travel related content make sure you follow @Roamingwithchelsea on Instagram. If you’re interested in learning more about travel in Türkiye, make sure you check out some of these other blog posts
7 Things to Do in Konya: Explore the Magic of Türkiye
Quick Guide: 10 Tips For Pamukkale and Hierapolis
21 Free Things to Do in Istanbul: How to Maximise Your Visit
Happy Travels
Chelsea xx
