If you are thinking about making the decision to travel to Türkiye, known to many as Turkey, go ahead and book it, but go in with realistic expectations. Türkiye is beautiful, historic, chaotic, crowded, exhausting, and completely unforgettable. Our trip took us through Istanbul and Izmir, with a visit to Ephesus just outside of Izmir, and each stop felt like an entirely different world.
Istanbul: Incredible, Intense, and Not for the Faint of Heart
Istanbul is the city that humbles you first. The hills are steep, the crowds are constant, and the amount of history packed into one place can feel genuinely overwhelming. This is not the kind of city where you casually wander without a plan and expect everything to feel easy. You need comfortable shoes, patience, and enough energy to keep up with the pace. Many people who travel to Türkiye are surprised by just how physical the experience is, and Istanbul is where that hits you hardest.
Hagia Sophia is one of those landmarks that feels impossible to fully absorb in a single visit. It has served different roles over centuries and remains one of the most important places to see in the city. Just as impressive is Topkapi Palace, the former home of Ottoman sultans, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the Bosphorus. The views alone are worth it, but the scale of the palace complex and the history behind it add another layer to Istanbul that is hard to describe until you are standing in it.
The Basilica Cistern is a completely different experience. It is underground, atmospheric, and almost eerie in the best way, with towering columns, dim lighting, and a quietness that feels like a real break from the chaos above.
The Grand Bazaar is a must-see, but prepare yourself. It is not a peaceful shopping afternoon. It is crowded, loud, maze-like, and intense. You will find textiles, lamps, ceramics, jewelry, spices, and more souvenirs than you can process in one visit. Go in knowing you may not buy much. I recommend doing your main shopping outside of the Grand Bazaar. Sometimes the experience itself is the point.
What to Eat and Drink When You Travel to Türkiye
One of the best parts of the trip was slowing down long enough to actually eat. If you only have one food experience in Istanbul, make it the Iskender kebab at İSKENDER Kuruluş 1867. This Istanbul institution has been serving the same recipe since 1867. Thinly sliced döner meat layered over pide bread, topped with tomato sauce, browned butter, and yogurt. It is rich, deeply savory, and absolutely worth every bite.
For drinks, Turkish coffee is strong, thick, and served in small cups. The grounds settle at the bottom, and traditionally, people turn the cup over after finishing and read the patterns in the grounds to tell your fortune. Whether you believe in it or not, it is one of the most fun cultural moments of the trip. Apple tea is lighter and sweeter, and you will likely be offered it while shopping or taking a break from all the walking. Salep is a warm, milky drink made from orchid root flour and lightly dusted with cinnamon, and it is comforting and unlike anything you will find at home. For dessert, do not skip Sütlaç, a classic Turkish rice pudding that is creamy, simple, and exactly what you need after a long day on your feet.
Izmir: A Completely Different Energy
After Istanbul, Izmir felt softer. It is sunnier, more relaxed, and easier to breathe in. The Aegean energy gives it a different feel. It still has city life, but it does not hit you with the same level of sensory overload.
Ephesus: Ancient History That Puts Everything in Perspective
One of the biggest reasons to visit Izmir is Ephesus, located near Selçuk. Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive ancient cities you can walk through anywhere in the world. The Library of Celsus and the ancient streets alone make the trip worth it. It is hot, exposed, and can get crowded, so go early, bring water, and do not underestimate how much walking is involved.
Is It Worth It to Travel to Türkiye?
Absolutely, but go in with realistic expectations. Istanbul takes real effort. It is crowded, hilly, and mentally exhausting, and that is also exactly what makes it so memorable. Izmir gives you room to exhale, and Ephesus adds a layer of history that makes the whole trip feel even bigger. Türkiye, or Turkey as it has long been known, is not a destination you simply check off a list. It is a place you feel, recover from, and keep thinking about long after you leave.
Not ready for an international adventure just yet, but love exploring new places and building travel itineraries, check out my Napa Valley Wine Tasting Itinerary: Wineries, Downtown Napa and Silverado Trail for another trip worth adding to your list.
