Nina R.

I bought a beautiful leather bag for 60% off the initial price just by being patient and friendly. Tea is often offered during negotiations - accept it! It is part of the culture and does not obligat…

I fried my curling iron on my first trip because I only brought an adapter without a converter. Now I always check the voltage label on my electronics. Most laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage…

I was surprised how many people smoke outdoors in Turkey. If you are sensitive to smoke, avoid outdoor cafe terraces during peak hours. Indoor areas are strictly smoke-free though.

The Istanbulkart is essential! It works on metro, tram, bus, ferry, and even the funicular. You save about 50% compared to buying individual tickets. I loaded 200 TL and it lasted me a full week of h…

I worked from so many cafes in Istanbul! Montag in Kadikoy and Walter in Beyoglu both have great wifi and excellent coffee. Turkish coffee is an experience - it comes with a glass of water and someti…

I did the Ihlara Valley hike (15 km) without a guide and it was one of my favorite experiences in Turkey. The valley has ancient cave churches carved into the cliffs. Start early morning to avoid the…

I stayed in Karakoy for a month and loved it. It is right between Sultanahmet and Taksim, has great cafes and street art, and the Galata Bridge is a 5-minute walk. More affordable than both tourist a…

As a solo female digital nomad, I felt very safe walking in Istanbul at night. The Istiklal Street area is bustling until late. Sultanahmet gets quieter after 10 PM but still felt secure with other t…

I brought a reusable bottle with a filter and it worked great for my 2-month stay. Saved money and plastic. In smaller towns the water quality varies more. When in doubt, stick with bottled.

Vodafone and Turk Telekom are cheaper alternatives but coverage can be spotty outside major cities. For a 2-week trip, Turkcell tourist package is worth the extra cost. Your phone will be blocked aft…

For women: you can keep your underwear on or go nude - both are common. A pestemal (thin cotton wrap) is provided. The experience lasts about 45-60 minutes. Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam is gorgeous and well-…

I spent 2 months in Antalya as a digital nomad and loved it. Great cafes with wifi, affordable cost of living, and the old town (Kaleici) is charming. Bodrum is pricier but the nightlife and marina s…

I lived in Fethiye for 3 weeks and it was paradise. Kayakoy ghost village nearby is hauntingly beautiful. The 12 Islands boat tour from Fethiye is a fun day trip. Much more relaxed than Antalya or Bo…

As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe throughout Turkey. People are incredibly hospitable and helpful. I traveled through small towns in eastern Turkey and was invited for tea by strangers mult…

I visited in November and had an amazing time. Istanbul was cool but not cold, attractions had no queues, and hotel prices were half of peak season. The only downside was some coastal towns were shut…

BiTaksi saved me so many times! Regular taxi drivers sometimes try to take longer routes or have broken meters. With the app, the route is tracked and the fare is transparent. Download it before you…

Istanbul cats are absolutely everywhere and they are treated like royalty! The locals feed them, build little shelters, and even take them to the vet. There are water bowls and food stations on almos…

Iztuzu Beach is magical - it is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Visit between May-October for the best chance to see them. The beach closes at 8 PM to protect nesting t…

Staying in a cave hotel is a must-do in Cappadocia! I stayed at a mid-range cave hotel in Goreme for about 80 EUR per night with a terrace view of the balloons. The rooms are naturally cool in summer…