The first thing to know about my experience visiting bars in Taksim is that I’m no longer a night person. I prefer early mornings and early nights, and my partying days are largely behind me. Still, when visiting one of the world’s great cities—Istanbul—I decided to try the nightlife. Istiklal Avenue stays lively well into … Read more

Ahh, Istanbul in the rain… Is there anything cozier than mosque domes glistening through the drizzle, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and a steaming cup of Turkish tea? While many travelers dread gray skies, Istanbul is one of those rare cities that becomes even more atmospheric when it rains. The city offers countless indoor activities … Read more

I love looking at pictures of Cappadocia. The region consistently surprises with dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations and a rich Turkish culture beneath its tourist-friendly surface. Located in Turkey’s central Anatolia, within Nevşehir province, Cappadocia is the country’s second most visited destination and draws visitors from across the globe. Many backpackers include Cappadocia on their … Read more

Kars was a stop on my journey from the north to the east of Turkey. Before I left, I told two Turkish friends about my plan: a one-day guided tour of Kars followed by three days exploring on my own. Their reaction surprised me: astonished expressions and warnings. “You cannot stay in Kars alone,” they … Read more

Sitting on the balcony of my hotel room in the hills above Kalkan, I watched the panorama of the bay as the sun slipped below the horizon. The view was spectacular, but my mind kept returning to memories of the gulet cruise I had taken the week before. I joined My Blue Cruise, a yachting … Read more

Planning a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul? This travel guide covers everything you need to know! Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Turkey’s most famous landmarks, renowned for its lavish interiors, enormous crystal chandeliers, and stunning views over the Bosphorus. If Topkapı Palace was the heart of the Ottoman era, Dolmabahçe was its dazzling final … Read more

Hattusa, located near the boundary of central Anatolia and the Black Sea region in Turkey, is one of the country’s lesser-known archaeological treasures. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986, Hattusa played a central role in ancient Anatolian history as the capital of the Hittite Kingdom. While many travelers focus on Istanbul, Ephesus, … Read more

When I studied the large map at the bus station, a small village called Ibrahimpasa caught my eye. Assuming it might resemble the nearby old Greek village of Mustafapasa, I decided to go and see it for myself. The bus route required two changes, which I wasn’t keen on, so I negotiated with the taxi … Read more

Clinging to the side of a mountain in the lush green district of Maçka is the Sumela Monastery, originally founded in the fourth century. I visited as part of a tour from nearby Trabzon to see this iconic site in person. We drove up as far as the road allowed and then walked the final … Read more

Turkey’s travel scene used to be very different from what it is today. Leisure travel was once largely the privilege of the wealthy and the curious—figures such as Mark Twain, Gertrude Bell, and the Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi explored the region—while most people traveled for trade or necessity. A prime example is the ancient Silk … Read more