[Latest 2025 Travel Guide] Türkiye (Türkiye)
🇹🇷 Why go to Türkiye?
Türkiye connects Europe and Asia and has:
- Thousands of years of civilization heritage (Greece, Rome, Ottoman Empire)
- Unique natural wonders (Pamukkale, Cappadocia)
- A fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine
- The price is relatively affordable and the CP value is high💰
💡Editor 's Take : Turkey is a well-rounded travel destination with history, scenery, and delicious food. Whether you're a hipster, adventurous, or a foodie, you'll find something to delight you!
🏙️ Popular cities and tourist hotspots
1️⃣ Istanbul
Türkiye's largest city, straddling Europe and Asia.
Must-see attractions:
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Hagia Sophia ⛪
A miraculous building that blends Byzantine and Islamic cultures. -
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) 🕌
The blue tiles on the exterior are magnificent. -
Topkapi Palace 👑
The palace of the Ottoman Sultan, housing treasures. -
Grand Bazaar 🛍️
The world's oldest covered market, with carpets, spices, handicrafts and more. -
Bosphorus Cruise 🚢
Admire the mosques and palaces on both sides of the river.
2️⃣ Cappadocia
It is famous for its unique volcanic rock landforms.
Must-see attractions:
-
Hot air balloon tour 🎈
Overlooking the strange rocks and cave houses, it is a must-try in life! -
Göreme Open-Air Museum 🏛️
The cave church complex and the murals are well preserved. -
Underground City (Kaymakli / Derinkuyu) 🕳️
An underground labyrinth where ancient people took refuge. -
Hiking in Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley🌄
Suitable for travelers who like natural scenery.
3️⃣ Pamukkale
-
Travertine terraces ♨️
The white stepped hot springs are as beautiful as snow-capped mountains. -
Hierapolis 🏺
Remains of ancient Roman baths and theaters.
4️⃣ Antalya
Mediterranean coastal resort.
Must-see attractions:
-
Old Town (Kaleiçi) 🏘️
Ottoman-style alleys and piers. -
Düden Waterfalls 🌊
A magnificent waterfall plunges directly into the sea. -
Blue Coast 🏖️
Azure waters and fine white sand beaches.
5️⃣ Ankara
Capital, cultural and political center.
Must-see attractions:
-
Ataturk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) 🇹🇷
A magnificent building commemorating the founding father of Türkiye. -
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Collection of ancient Anatolian artifacts.
🍢 Must-try Turkish food
- Kebab : Lamb or chicken skewers with strong spices.
- Döner Kebab 🌯: A sandwich like a shawarma.
- Manti : Small dumplings with yogurt sauce.
- Turkish Breakfast (Kahvalti) 🍳: Cheese, olives, bread, honey, eggs, very rich.
- Turkish Delight : A representative dessert.
- Baklava : puff pastry with nuts and syrup.
- Turkish black tea (Çay) ☕: Served in a traditional tulip-shaped glass.
- Turkish coffee (Türk Kahvesi) ☕: Rich and strong, you can use the coffee grounds to divine after drinking it.
💡Editor ’s tip : Sitting down for a cup of Turkish black tea at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or a local teahouse is the closest experience to local life.
🚍 Transportation (A Practical Guide for Hong Kong Travelers)
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City transportation
- Istanbul: Metro, light rail, and ferry are well connected. Buy Istanbulkart (an Octopus-like transportation card).
- Antalya: There is a well-developed bus network and a light rail.
-
intercity transportation
- Domestic flights : Turkey has dense domestic routes, and Istanbul ↔ Cappadocia only takes 1 hour.
- Long-distance bus : more comfortable and cheaper than flying.
- Train : High-speed railway connects Ankara, Istanbul and Konya.
- Self-driving : Suitable for exploring Antalya, Pamukkale and other attractions, but be aware of traffic rules and gas prices.
💡Editor 's opinion : If time is limited, it is recommended to take a domestic flight; if the budget is limited, long-distance buses are actually more comfortable than you think and there is WiFi.
✅ Editor's travel advice
- Visa : Hong Kong SAR passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for travel to Turkey within 90 days.
- Currency : Turkish Lira (TRY). It is recommended to bring some Euros/US Dollars for easy exchange.
- Language : Turkish is the main language used locally, and English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
- Safety : The main tourist cities are safe, but the markets are crowded and you need to be wary of pickpockets.
- Best travel season : Spring and autumn are the most comfortable (April-June, September-October).
✨Summary :
Turkey is a country where you can experience ancient civilizations, natural wonders, and delicious cuisine . I highly recommend this golden route: Istanbul for a fusion of cultures → Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride → Pamukkale for a hot spring soak. It's guaranteed to be full of surprises!
