As the old saying goes, experiences refine a person’s conscience and make them see life more realistically. Travel experiences, however, do more than refine the soul — they revive it with joy and pleasure. The pleasure of swimming in the warm waters of traditional baths that date back hundreds of years, and watching Istanbul from the decks of vessels that ply the Bosphorus morning and evening, as well as walking the Lycian Way and enjoying the most breathtaking and unparalleled scenery, are among the finest experiences that can only be had in Turkey.
Cover a stretch of the Lycian Way — the world’s longest running and walking trail
If you are a lover of nature as well as historical destinations, the Lycian Way is the best route recommended for visiting in Turkey. This trail begins in Antalya and ends in Fethiye.
This stunning route, stretching 540 kilometres, is the longest walking trail in the world.
The experience of travelling this route is an unparalleled adventure, as it takes you through the most beautiful natural vistas, from towering rocks to turquoise-coloured beaches.
Spring and autumn are the best times to undertake this experience due to the mild weather. Rural villages and ancient towns, as well as passing by the ruins of historic sites such as the massive rock-cut tombs of Myra, the ruins of Olympos, and the burning rocks of Cirali, are among the finest experiences to be had on this adventure.
Swim in one of the traditional Turkish baths
In the past — in the days when there were no bathrooms in homes — public baths were among the places people visited for cleanliness and to exchange conversation.
These baths still exist in Turkey and are among the favourite destinations of Western visitors and Arab tourists alike, where one can find rest and relaxation, especially after trying the massage service.
The architecture of these baths, with their marble-adorned walls and domes that channel light inside, is one of their distinguishing features.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam at Hagia Sophia, which dates back to the sixteenth century, Cagaloglu Hammam, and Kilic Ali Pasha Hammam in Istanbul are among the finest baths recommended for a visit in Istanbul. Among other baths worth visiting in the city of Bursa, mention can be made of Eski Kaplica and Yeni Kaplica, both of which are supplied with water from the region’s hot springs.
Try shopping in Turkey’s ancient bazaars
Despite the abundance of modern and sophisticated malls and markets that still exist in Istanbul and other cities in Turkey, the old and traditional bazaars of Turkey are among the favourite destinations for the goods they offer tourists — from leather products to colourful fabrics, as well as handmade goods that often make wonderful gifts.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, also known as the Covered Market — called Kapali Çarsi in Turkish — is one of the finest markets that must be visited when going to Istanbul.
Specific areas are usually designated for fruit and vegetable sellers and other goods in Turkish cities, especially in Istanbul. Some markets are held on particular days of the week, and the goods sold at these markets are offered at very reasonable prices. Among the delights of Turkey’s weekly markets, one can point to food that is cooked right before your eyes in small carts.
Enjoy a coastal trip on the turbulent waters of the Bosphorus
Due to Istanbul’s location on both sides of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, and because it is divided into Asian and European halves, the largest ports in Istanbul are situated there.
The Bosphorus is considered the narrowest international waterway in the world. There are three suspension bridges spanning this strait, which are counted among the most beautiful tourist attractions.
Given that swimming in this strait is prohibited due to its turbulent waters, taking a boat is the best option for enjoying the beauty of the scenery.
If you are someone who always dreams of an unforgettable trip, do not miss the opportunity to ride a tourist vessel in Turkey. At various points along the Bosphorus there are stops for public transport and tourist boats, where you can board a tourist vessel and enjoy the views around the Bosphorus and the Bogaz Bridge. Many programmes are held aboard these large tourist vessels, including live cooking and live music performances.
Discover the beauty of Istanbul by walking through its popular streets
Walking through Istanbul’s bustling and beautiful streets is a wonderful experience for tourists.
Istanbul’s streets are renowned for their constant vitality, as they are almost always filled with local residents and tourists who have come for various purposes, including entertainment, shopping, and enjoying the sight of charming old buildings.
Istiklal Street is one of Istanbul’s most famous tourist and civic streets. You can see stunning historic buildings and shops of the best and most prominent brands on this street.
Istiklal Street can be likened to the beating heart of Istanbul, as this place is filled with cinemas and cultural and entertainment centres, making it an attractive destination for the younger generation and tourists. The Dervishes Museum, known as the Galata Museum, and the Church of Saint Anthony, which represents the splendour of Gothic architecture from the ancient period, are among the finest places that can be visited on this street.
The Umbrellas Street is another street in Istanbul that tourists travel to Turkey to photograph, capturing truly one-of-a-kind images. This street, which draws everyone in with its ceiling of colourful umbrellas blocking the sun’s rays, is a place for walking, shopping, and enjoyment.
Try Turkish kebab and street food
There is no doubt that one of the factors that reflects the local culture of any place is tasting the food there, and Turkey — considered one of the world’s leading tourism destinations — has internationally renowned cuisine.
The colours and aromas of restaurants and dining halls in Turkey dazzle the eyes of every tourist and tempt them all to sit down for a delicious meal. Turkey is rich in a wide variety of foods; if you travel to Turkey, do not forget to eat doner kebab there, as Turkish dishes are extremely varied. This kebab is unlike any kebab you have tried before.
Street food is cooked in colourful carts on the edges of the markets. These colourful carts offer all manner of local dishes, especially Turkish kebab, and you can watch every stage of its cooking and preparation live. Hot peppers, onions, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices are among the things that whet one’s appetite.
Drink Turkish coffee and boza and enjoy baklava by visiting a café in Turkey
Delicious sweets such as baklava, Turkish coffee, tea, Turkish delight, and kunafa are served in various cafés across Turkey. In addition to coffee and its various preparation methods, Turkey is famous for its baklava, the like of which cannot be found in other countries.
Tourists can usually watch the preparation of baklava up close, especially the final stage of preparation, where a special fat is poured over the baklava and the pieces begin to puff up as they are readied.
Drinking Turkish coffee brewed on fine sand is one of the bittersweet experiences not to be missed in Turkey. A small plate of kunafa is served alongside the cup of coffee.
Boza, a drink with a history going back eleven centuries, is one of the finest beverages recommended for trying in Turkey. This drink, which is most commonly consumed in winter, is made from corn, millet, bulgur, and wheat, and is consumed after a period of fermentation.
Enjoy being close to the sun on Mount Nemrut
Despite the abundance of historical landmarks and tourist sites in Turkey, Mount Nemrut may be the attraction that inspires the most wonder and amazement of all.
Statues of gods, animals, and mythological creatures were carved in the first century BC on the orders of the Hellenistic king to express the extent of his power and majesty. However, over time, earthquakes and environmental changes toppled the heads of those statues to the ground, leaving the bodies headless.
The experience of watching the sunrise and sunset and the colours they cast upon those statues is a breathtaking one that makes a person feel the complete transience of worldly life and seize even the smallest opportunities to pursue acts that call them toward perfection.
Discover the architecture of Turkey’s religious landmarks by visiting its most famous mosques
If you are a lover of history and wish to travel to different countries to see their historical landmarks up close, Turkey is one of the destinations that fulfils this desire in the finest way.
In addition to the landmarks remaining from Byzantine civilisation in Turkey, there is an Ottoman heritage that still stands proudly before the eye, manifested most clearly in the mosques.
Mosques, as historical and religious sites in any country, offer tourists a rich blend of that country’s history, culture, and art. Turkey is home to the most famous Ottoman mosques in the world.
One of the unmissable and awe-inspiring experiences in Turkey is visiting its magnificent historic mosques, such as: Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque, Rustem Pasha Mosque, and others — as these mosques top the list of tourism destinations in Turkey. Turkish mosques are distinguished by their beautiful architecture, unique colourful ornamentation, and the striking Ottoman heritage that makes them well worth visiting in this country.
Attend a festival or cultural event in Turkey
If you wish to achieve the utmost enjoyment in Turkey, take part in one of Turkey’s festivals. These festivals are divided into various types, including national, local, and special occasions. Turkey hosts a range of cultural festivals, remarkable sporting events, and vibrant music festivals.
By holding festivals in various cities across Turkey, the Turkish people have given tourists the opportunity to participate in these festivals, make a happy day for themselves, and get to know the culture and civilisation of this country. By taking part in these festivals, immerse yourself in happiness every second. The Whirling Dervishes Festival in Konya, the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, and Republic Day in Turkey are among the finest festivals held annually in Turkey.
For more official information about destinations and events in Turkey, you can refer to the official travel guide to Turkey.