The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are two of Istanbul's most popular landmarks. The Blue Mosque boasts six minarets and beautiful blue tiles, while Hagia Sophia once served as a Byzantine cathedral and is now a museum. Both buildings are open from 9 am to 7 pm every day except Mondays.
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar offer a unique shopping experience in Istanbul. With over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The nearby Spice Bazaar is smaller but just as vibrant, with spices, teas, and Turkish delights. Both markets are open from 9 am to 7 pm every day except Sundays.
Pamukkale is a natural wonder in southwestern Turkey known for its white terraces of hot springs. Visitors can swim in the ancient Cleopatra Pool, explore the nearby Greco-Roman ruins of Hierapolis, and enjoy the local food and culture. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a swim suit.
Located in Central Anatolia, Goreme National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and hot air balloon rides. Visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses through the park and explore the nearby underground cities. The park is open every day, and hot air balloon rides are available at sunrise.
Troy and Gallipoli are two historic sites located in northwestern Turkey. Troy was famously sacked by the Greeks and is now an archaeological site with a replica Trojan horse. Gallipoli was the site of a brutal World War I battle and is now a peaceful memorial with museums and cemeteries. Both sites are open every day except some public holidays.
To get around Turkey on a shoestring budget, consider taking buses or dolmuş (shared taxis) between cities. Local buses run frequently and are relatively inexpensive, while dolmuş are faster and more flexible. Domestic flights may be more expensive but can save time and effort. Taxis are also available but can be pricey, so be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in.
Estimated travel costs: Bus (10-20 TL per trip), dolmuş (5-10 TL per trip), domestic flight (50-100 TL per trip), taxi (20-50 TL per ride)
If you have more time, consider visiting other parts of Turkey such as the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts, Cappadocia, Mount Nemrut, or Van Lake. If you have less time, prioritize the places that interest you the most and be flexible with your itinerary. Don't forget to try some of Turkey's delicious food, such as kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, and tea. Finally, be prepared for the weather and dress accordingly, as Turkey can be hot and sunny in the summer but cold and snowy in the winter.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport in Istanbul, located 30 km from the city center. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is another option, located 54 km from the city center. Other airports in Turkey include Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB) in Izmir, Antalya International Airport (AYT) in Antalya, and Dalaman International Airport (DLM) in Dalaman.