James W.

I was nervous about the hamam but it ended up being one of my best memories. The locals go to neighborhood hamams that cost 10x less than the tourist ones. Ask your hotel for a local recommendation.

Pro tip: go early on a weekday morning (around 9-10 AM) to avoid the massive crowds. By noon it gets incredibly packed and haggling becomes harder because shopkeepers are busier.

Budget-friendly version: take overnight buses instead of flights (they are comfortable with reclining seats and entertainment). You save on both transport and accommodation. Istanbul buses from the O…

Sit on the right side of the ferry going up for the best views of the European waterfront mansions. On the way back, switch to the left side. Sunset cruises are the most magical.

Budget tip: the shops on the outer edges of the Grand Bazaar tend to have better prices than the ones in the center. Also, paying in Turkish Lira usually gets you a better deal than USD or EUR.

I spent a whole afternoon fishing there! You can rent a basic rod from vendors nearby for about 50-100 TL. Even if you do not catch anything, the atmosphere and views are incredible. The fish restaur…

Budget option: some companies offer flights for 100-150 EUR but they pack more people in the basket and the ride is shorter. I went with a mid-range company and it was still amazing. Flights are weat…

Do not expect a gourmet burger - it is a cheap, greasy, delicious guilty pleasure. I ate 3 in one sitting after a night out in Taksim. At those prices, why not? It is the Turkish equivalent of a late…

I was confused about tipping at first. The easiest rule: if someone provides personal service (waiter, driver, guide), a small tip is nice. For street food, self-service places, or shops, no tip expe…

The lira fluctuates a lot so do not exchange too much at once. Credit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul and tourist areas. Keep some cash for smaller shops, taxis, and bazaar shopping. Street exc…

Budget cave hotels exist! I found a basic but charming cave room in Goreme for 30 EUR per night. It was authentic, clean, and the rooftop terrace had balloon views. You do not need to spend a fortune…

Honestly, for the same views for free, go to the rooftop bars and restaurants near the tower. Several cafes on the streets around Galata offer almost identical panoramas without the queue or cost.

I always take the Havaist bus - best balance of price and convenience. You can buy tickets at the counter right outside arrivals. The bus has wifi and USB charging. Runs 24 hours with reduced frequen…

Do not miss midye dolma - stuffed mussels from street vendors. They cost just 10-15 TL each and are addictive. You will find them everywhere in Beyoglu and Taksim. Also try lahmacun (Turkish pizza) f…

I hiked Rose Valley and Love Valley solo and it was perfectly safe. The trails are well-marked with color-coded signs. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and download offline maps. The landscape is su…

Kas is my favorite place in all of Turkey. It is a small, charming town with incredible scuba diving, sea kayaking to Kekova sunken city, and day trips to the Greek island of Meis. Much less touristy…

Oludeniz has the most photographed beach in Turkey - the Blue Lagoon. Do the paragliding from Babadag Mountain (about 100-150 EUR) for insane views. Fethiye town itself has a great bazaar, fish marke…

ATV tours are incredibly fun in Cappadocia! You ride through the valleys, past fairy chimneys, and through dusty trails. Sunset tours are the best. Prices are around 40-60 EUR for a 2-hour tour. No p…