Turkey is a lively clash of ancient and modern, of Middle Eastern charm and European sensibility. It’s both peaceful and chaotic every moment of the day.
The capital city of Turkey is actually Ankara, and not the more frequently visited Istanbul. Turkey was once the heart of the Ottoman Empire and today close to 75 million people call this country home. Food, tea, and coffee are integral to the cultural essence of this great land.
TIME FRAME?
A minimum of three days is needed to see Istanbul properly, but you could easily spend longer exploring the markets and neighbourhoods.
If you want to explore the so called ‘Turkish Riviera’ along the west coast of the country, schedule a week. That will allow you to visit one or two small towns, though you could easily spend a month traversing the coast.
TRAVELLING TURKEY?
Flying to Istanbul or elsewhere into the country is certainly the best option – there aren’t many nearby cities that are an easy train ride away.
To get around Turkey’s cities: Turkey is a massive country and it can take hours to get from one city to another by road. It takes five to six hours to drive between Istanbul and Ankara. I have done this drive, and believe me when I say take a flight! You are not missing anything on the road but endless pot holes!
Many Australians do the Anzac loop around Turkey solo or on a group tour visiting Istanbul, Gallipoli, and Troy. There are public and private buses that do this loop daily.
Continue down the coast towards Bodrum and Marmaris for scenic Mediterranean vibes. I haven’t had a chance to visit Cappadocia yet but it is high on my bucket list!
TRAVELLING TURKEY?
Flying to Istanbul or elsewhere into the country is certainly the best option – there aren’t many nearby cities that are an easy train ride away.
To get around Turkey’s cities: Turkey is a massive country and it can take hours to get from one city to another by road. It takes five to six hours to drive between Istanbul and Ankara. I have done this drive, and believe me when I say take a flight! You are not missing anything on the road but endless pot holes!
Many Australians do the Anzac loop around Turkey solo or on a group tour visiting Istanbul, Gallipoli, and Troy. There are public and private buses that do this loop daily.
Continue down the coast towards Bodrum and Marmaris for scenic Mediterranean vibes. I haven’t had a chance to visit Cappadocia yet but it is high on my bucket list!
WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Turkey is a beautiful country year-round, and I wouldn’t hesitate to visit during any season. However, despite having borders along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, the winters can be severe and snowy!
Needless to say, the summers are hot and dry with constant temperatures above 30ºC. As always, I suggest travelling through Europe in the shoulder months of April and May or September and October for milder climates, less tourists to compete with, and lower prices. The month of May can bring a lot of rain.
MY BEST ADVICE…
Don’t let the current news and stories in the press deter you from seeing this beautiful country. Some of the kindest and most generous people I have met have been from my travels in Turkey. The locals are always interested in a chat and I have been hosted many times for a glass of traditional tea in the markets after getting into conversation with a local.
Though there is safe and reliable public transport to move you around the city, I always found myself walking for hours between Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu – be sure to pack some decent shoes.
Advice for women! Unfortunately, Turkey, and more specifically Istanbul, was a place I found exhausting to travel as a solo woman. You certainly attract a lot of attention, and men are not afraid to leer, cat call, or even approach you with any ‘romantically gushing’ story they can concoct. Stand tall and unwavering, and play it smart. Having said that I had a wonderful time in Istanbul on my solo visits and it is still a country I highly recommend visiting if you are a savvy, street-smart, solo female traveller.
MY BEST ADVICE…
Don’t let the current news and stories in the press deter you from seeing this beautiful country. Some of the kindest and most generous people I have met have been from my travels in Turkey. The locals are always interested in a chat and I have been hosted many times for a glass of traditional tea in the markets after getting into conversation with a local.
Though there is safe and reliable public transport to move you around the city, I always found myself walking for hours between Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu – be sure to pack some decent shoes.
Advice for women! Unfortunately, Turkey, and more specifically Istanbul, was a place I found exhausting to travel as a solo woman. You certainly attract a lot of attention, and men are not afraid to leer, cat call, or even approach you with any ‘romantically gushing’ story they can concoct. Stand tall and unwavering, and play it smart. Having said that I had a wonderful time in Istanbul on my solo visits and it is still a country I highly recommend visiting if you are a savvy, street-smart, solo female traveller.
DID YOU KNOW?
WHERE SHOULD I GO?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
