Sarah M.

Visited Istanbul 6 times now and never had a safety issue at night. The only thing to watch out for are the aggressive carpet sellers and restaurant touts in Sultanahmet area. They are harmless but p…

My kids absolutely loved the ice cream trick! The vendor kept pulling the cone away and doing flips with it for a good 3 minutes. Great entertainment and the ice cream itself was delicious. Expect to…

I am slightly claustrophobic and managed Kaymakli fine but struggled at Derinkuyu. The ventilation shafts actually bring fresh air so it does not feel stuffy. The historical significance makes it wor…

The ticketing system is online now which helps avoid long queues. Book in advance if visiting during peak season (May-September). Remember it is a functioning mosque, so dress code applies and it clo…

Made this mistake on my first trip! Showed up on a Sunday morning with my whole group. Now I always double-check. The Spice Bazaar nearby is open on Sundays though, which saved our day.

Kalkan has more upscale villa rentals and rooftop restaurants with stunning bay views. It is a great base for exploring the Lycian coast. The Friday market is excellent for souvenirs and local produc…

Go early morning (right at opening time) to avoid the tour groups that arrive around 10 AM. The lighting is also better for photos in the morning. Bring a flashlight for some of the darker churches.

Google Translate works offline with Turkish downloaded. Saved me many times in smaller towns where English is less common. In Istanbul and tourist areas, many people speak at least basic English.

I saved at least 2 hours of total queue time with the Museum Pass on my last visit. Worth it for Topkapi Palace alone where the regular queue can be 45+ minutes during peak season.

I always keep a light scarf in my bag when traveling in Turkey. It is useful for mosque visits, sun protection, and even as a beach cover-up. Wearing respectful clothing is appreciated by locals even…

Technically possible but I would not recommend it. Both deserve at least half a day each. If you must, start very early at Ephesus (it opens at 8 AM), then drive to Pamukkale (about 3 hours). You wil…

Take the public ferry from Eminonu! It costs only a few TL with your Istanbulkart vs 200-400 TL for private tours. The full Bosphorus cruise goes to Anadolu Kavagi and back - about 6 hours total. Pac…

Turkey uses 220V and European-style round two-pin plugs (Type C/F). US devices are 110V, so you need a voltage converter, not just a plug adapter. Many modern hotels have universal outlets in bathroo…

We did Istanbul (4 days) - fly to Cappadocia (2 days) - fly to Izmir, bus to Ephesus/Pamukkale (2 days) - train back to Istanbul (2 days). It was the perfect pace. Do not try to squeeze in too much.…

The balloon ride was the highlight of our entire Turkey trip! We paid about 200 EUR per person for a 1-hour flight with Royal Balloon. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season. The sunri…

This is SO important and nobody tells you! Most places in Turkey - especially older buildings and smaller towns - cannot handle toilet paper in the plumbing. Use the bin provided next to the toilet.…

The e-visa process is super easy - go to evisa.gov.tr, fill in your details, pay online, and you get it by email instantly. US, UK, and many other nationalities can get one. It costs around 50 USD an…

Always pay in Turkish Lira, never accept offers to charge in your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion is a ripoff). Use ATMs for the best exchange rate but avoid the ones inside the Grand Baza…

Buyukada is the largest and most popular island. Take the ferry from Kabatas (about 90 minutes). Since motor vehicles are banned, you explore by walking, biking, or electric vehicles. Pack a picnic a…

The Havaist bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet is the cheapest option at around 150 TL. Takes about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi will cost 500-800 TL but is faster if traffic is l…