Top Turkey hotels
Asian side Istanbul
44 Reviews Sile is a small resort town near Black sea, about 50 kilometers from Istanbul, going deeper into Asian side of Turkey. It is a small town, about 10 thousand people live here, but as the place is...
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bosphorus boat trip Istanbul
29 Reviews Bosporus cruise probably was the most memorable thing to me in Istanbul, I loved to glance at beautiful surroundings with green hills and nice villas, few castles, fishermen on the shore, and also it...
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hammam Istanbul
8 Reviews So many of the Hamams in Istanbul are SUPER cheesy (tourist-oriented) and SUPER expensive. If you want to go to an authentic Hamam, which is actually used by a Turkish community in Istanbul, visit...
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old houses Istanbul
16 Reviews I noticed there was a category for 'old houses' so I thought I'd make a tip. You will certainly see plenty of them if you wander the streets of Cankurtaran, a few minutes' walk seawards from Ayia...
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theodosian (city) wall Istanbul
10 Reviews These, big, ancient Walls I saw several times as I toured around Istanbul. Some are still in ruins, and some have been restored. Evidently, the wall contained 8 main gates. The main public gates led...
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Ortakoy Istanbul
7 Reviews Nestled under the shadow of the Bosphorus Bridge is Ortakoy an attractive neighbourhood of narrow cobbled streets lined with cafes and shops which, across the busy road, heads upwards to a more...
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Rumeli Hisari Istanbul
7 Reviews Referred to as the Europe Castle to distinguish it from the Asia Castle across the Bosphorus, Rumelihisarı dominates the narrowest point in the Bosphorus Strait. The castle was built in 1452 by...
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Chora church Museum (Kariye ) Istanbul
9 Reviews You should be prepared. Before you enter the church, buy a book in your language (10 liras, it's sold by merchants near the entrance) and use it as a guide. Wikipedia or general travel books miss the...
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Bosphorus zoo Istanbul
5 Reviews There is sort of a modern zoo 35km away from Istanbul....They call it bird paradise and botanic garden. But it is not easy to get there. First go to bus terminal 'ESENLER' (take a cab) , The bus...
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the Roman Aqueduct Istanbul
6 Reviews The Aqueduct of Valens in just a short walk southeast of the Faith Camii. By no means is it one of the great remaining Roman aqueducts in existance but it is still pretty impressive. It stretches for...
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smoking nargileh Istanbul
4 Reviews There are many places around sultanahmet to enjoy some nargileh. And when in Turkey, do as the Turks right? Try some nargileh, it is quite fun. Ask the waiter to demonstrate some tricks for you,...
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Galata Tower Istanbul
5 Reviews Galata Tower , XIV century Genoese tower 67 meters height is a best place to see the sunset in Istanbul. From there you can see most of the areas of this huge city. Europe and Asia, the Golden Horn...
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Sunken Palace Cistern Istanbul
3 Reviews En las guias aparecen muchos sitios para visitar en Estambul, pero uno que no hay que perderse, aparte de los importantes, es la Cisterna de la BasÃlica de Yerebatan. La combinacion del sonido del...
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Heading down the Agean coast south of Canakkale is the very old and small town of Behramkale (Assos is around the corner on the water). Another great place to escape the tourist. There are a few good hostal in Behramkale, and some nicer hotels in Assos. You also get a bonus of a well preserved Fortress surrounded by an old Roman temple.
Sirince is a small mountain town outside of Selcuk (near Ephesus) that is known for its wine and olives. It is well worth a day trip, and possibly longer if you just want to chill out. It remains very traditional and peaceful despite its proximity to Ephesus.
It' could be fun to explore the other side, the Asian part of Istanbul. We took the ferry across the Bosphorous to Uskudar, a suburb opposite the Golden Horn. We got another view of the city and saw more mosques and historic monuments. There are regular passenger ferries to Usküdar from Besiktas and Karaköy.
There are many interesting ruins near the Tlos site. In fact my one regret about taking a tour to Tlos was that I could not wander around to the other sites as I would if I had come alone. Regardless we did take in what was once a Roman-Byzantine spa-hospital complex. The wealthy would come here to take in medicinal medicines and perhaps a back rub. I seem to recall that the guide stated that this was the second oldest hospital in history. Obviously this fact is subject to some debate. Although relatively small the building was fairly well preserved and had great views of the Xanthos valley. Apparently usually you can see the mountains that soar to heights over 3000m but there was too much cloud cover at this moment. Actually my visit to Tlos was one of the my worse days weatherwise while in Turkey. Usually the weather was perfect.The get to the spa you have to hike about 300m from the...
Probably one of the most amazing archaeological but least visited sites in Turkey is the Karain Cave. The cave has been continuously inhabited for more than 25,000 years. Therefore as you would expect there are loads of great archaeological finds. These are exhibited in a little museum just off the road before the slope up to the cave. The exhibits include ancient animal bones and tools. To get to the Karain Cave, you have to climb up a steep hill that will be challenging for some. I found that it was really hot, so bring water. The cave itself consists of three chambers that are all connected by way of a common hall. There is a pillar in that hall on which there are stone age paintings or reliefs. It is dark in the chambers and the stones are slippery, so watch you footing. To get to the caves, you will probably have to rent a taxi as I did and visit Termessos, which is nearby, on the...
Just wanted to make a note that if you are going to Turkey (I have personally witnessed this, seriously) and expect to pay 5 euros for accommodation and 1 euro for meals, per day, then you are REALLY EXAGGERATING and you better stay at home cause you just do not have the money to travel. Turkey is cheap but the given budget is impossible. Or it is possible if you find a s**thole to sleep in for 5 euros and eat only a pastry a day and drink one ayran. So, don’t take it too far with the budget restrictions.
Rhodes is worth a visit, if staying in Marmaris, Fethiye, Olu Deniz, or other nearby resorts. Local tour operators, travel companies, boat companies etc. offer day trips to Rhodes.Rhodes offers historical sites, and shopping opportunities, plus the chance to maybe experience 2 countries during your Turkish holiday.( When I was working as a holiday rep in Marmaris / Icmeler- I had to visit Rhodes in order to renew my Visa)to be continued... I'm also in progress of setting up my Rhodes page, so please visit for more tips.
Symi can be reached by ferry from Datca, or from Rhodes (catch a ferry from Marmaris).Symi Island is only a few km from the Turkish coast in parts, and about an hour by boat from Datca. Although Turkish/ Greek relations have traditionally been hostile over the years, there is now a much friendlier atmosphere between the island and its' Turkish neighbours. Yialos, the harbour in Symi, is port to many Turkish gulets and boats. There are also regular events between the 2 towns such as an annual swimming race between Symi and Datca, as well as music festivals and shopping trips for the locals.Please visit my Symi page for more info/tips
The Ethnography Museum is housed in the building which was a onetime the offices of Ataturk. Upon his death the building temperarioly was used as his tomb. Today it is home of a small but good museum displaying exhibits detailing the rich folklore of the Anatolian Peninsula. There are many lifesize dioramas here with manaquins dressed in native costume. Each display is immaculately detailed and features various aspects of life in Turkey such a wedding procession. There are also of course many a carpet on display here. The museum was just recently reopened after a period of restoration. The Ethnography Museum is open from 8:30am to 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It costs just $1.50 to enter. It is located by the Opera House and a large hospital.
If you are in istanbul in June, don't miss the Music Festival and especially the concerts in Hagia Irene. We saw there in a magical atmosphere William Christie and the Arts Florissants, John Elliot Gardner, and many excellent artists. The sound is OUT OF THIS WORLD, and think that the building is one of the oldest in the world!
Esans Hotel Istanbul
7 Reviews and 181 Opinions a very new hotel. very near to grande museums and sophia dome. sea is very near to hotel. we enjoy...
Welcome Barut Hotels Lara Spa Antalya
5 Reviews and 511 Opinions This was our first time in Turkey and first time in an all-inclusive hotel. i have to say - we all...
El Vino Hotel Bodrum
2 Reviews and 272 Opinions This small property is both central (10 min walk to the bazaar and waterfront) and secluded and...
Reviews and photos of Turkey attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Turkey sightseeing.
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Q: Hi, my wife and I organize trips for high school students (groups of approx. 35 ppl) and our next trip is scheduled for June-July...
A: Hi, Turkey is stable, with broad-minded politians & people. I had never thought about visiting TR, till I all of a sudden & surprisingly decided! Why? A VERY...
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