Emre K.

Tip: visit right after the morning prayer for the smallest crowds. The light coming through the windows in the morning is absolutely magical. Budget about 1-2 hours for a proper visit.

For authentic Kahramanmaras ice cream without the tourist markup, try Yasar Usta near Kadikoy on the Asian side. Much cheaper and arguably better quality than the Taksim vendors.

Insider tip: even if you do not fly, waking up early to watch hundreds of balloons fill the sky from a viewpoint is free and absolutely magical. Sunrise Point and Goreme Panorama are the best spots f…

In Istanbul, try Cafe Privato in Galata or Van Kahvalti Evi in Cihangir for excellent serpme kahvalti. Expect to pay 300-600 TL per person at popular places. Come hungry - the amount of food is stagg…

The short cruise (2 hours) is good if you are short on time. But the full cruise is much better - you get to see both the European and Asian sides, pass under both bridges, and have lunch at the fish…

I would swap one Istanbul day for a day trip to Gallipoli or Troy if you are a history buff. Or add the coast - Fethiye is worth the detour. Turkey has so much to see that 10 days barely scratches th…

If there is a bin next to the toilet, use it. If there is no bin, you can flush. Modern hotels and newer buildings generally have no problem. When in doubt, use the bin - it saves everyone a lot of t…

Absolutely! No license needed. The fishermen on Galata Bridge are super friendly and will often let you try their rod. Best time is early morning or sunset. You will mostly catch horse mackerel (ista…

Go on a weekday if possible - weekends are very crowded. Heybeliada is my favorite island as it is less touristy than Buyukada. The ferry ride itself is beautiful and worth the trip. Use your Istanbu…

Important: use ONLY the official site evisa.gov.tr. There are many scam websites that charge extra fees. EU citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check the official site for your natio…

The boat restaurants at Eminonu are touristy but still good. For a more local experience, try the fish market in Karakoy or the restaurants under Galata Bridge. The fish is freshest in autumn and win…

Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty and bring goggles or sunglasses. The dust clouds can be intense. Most tour companies provide helmets and basic instruction. It is a fun way to cover more gr…

The boat trip through the Dalyan Delta is beautiful on its own - you pass ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs. The mud baths nearby are a fun and quirky experience. The whole area feels…

You can buy an Istanbulkart at any metro station or major bus stops from the vending machines. The card costs about 70 TL and you can top it up at the same machines or any convenience store. One card…

As a local, I can confirm the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Many tourists miss this! The surrounding streets still have shops open though, so it is not a total loss if you ar…

Turkcell has the best coverage across Turkey, especially in rural areas like Cappadocia. You can get a tourist SIM at the airport for about 30-50 EUR with 20GB data. Bring your passport - it is requi…

Istanbul is generally very safe at night, especially in Sultanahmet and the main Taksim/Istiklal area. I walk around at 2 AM regularly. Just use common sense like any big city - avoid poorly lit back…

Tap water in Istanbul is technically safe but locals do not drink it because of old pipes and chlorine taste. Buy bottled water - it is very cheap (5-10 TL for 1.5L). Most restaurants serve bottled w…

Antalya for families, all-inclusive resorts, and a bigger city feel with more historical sites nearby. Bodrum for a more upscale, party-oriented vibe with beautiful boutique hotels and the Aegean coa…

My golden rule: never accept the first price. Start at about 40-50% of what they ask and work up from there. Always be friendly and smile - Turkish shopkeepers respect good-natured haggling. Walking…