As a Digital creator and fashion-forward storyteller, I’ve travelled to many beautiful countries, but few places have left as deep an imprint on my heart as Turkey. If there’s one city I’d move to in a heartbeat, it’s Istanbul. For me, the country offered more than just a getaway. It became one of her most defining solo journeys, a place that sparked my creativity, warm spirit, and left me with friendships that now feel like family. Through my travels across Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya, I found beauty in unexpected places, delicious surprises in every corner, and experiences that made me slow down and soak it all in. Here’s my ultimate guide to exploring Turkey through a local lens—where to eat, stay, wander, and connect.
Where To Eat In Turkey
I call the food in Turkey “perfection on a plate.” Unlike most destinations where I struggle to find meals that suit my palate, Turkey delivers hit after hit—from street-side snacks to fine-dining delights.
For those with a sweet tooth, the baklava—a sweet filled with layers of nuts with honey at Hafız Mustafa and Karaköy Güllüoğlu—one of the most iconic places of the city is highly recommended, as “flaky, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth dreamy.” On the savoury side, I recommend Mitis Mantı for traditional Turkish handmade dumplings filled with chicken and topped with creamy garlic yogurt and Oses Çiğköfte, a place celebrated for traditional food in Balat for bold, spicy flavours. I also fell in love with Asmalımescit Dürümcüsü for their juicy meat and thin flatbread kebab wraps, and Kara Dením Döner for classic döner, one of the most loved street foods of Turkey, filled with meat, veggies, and sauces.
A surprise favourite turned out to be Habesha, an Ethiopian restaurant in Istanbul that added a unique twist to my culinary adventures. In Cappadocia, I insist you try the pottery kebab, served piping hot and theatrically cracked open in a clay pot at your table. And in Antalya, the Old City (Kaleiçi) won me over with its array of fresh seafood, meats, and endless desserts—including, of course, more baklava. A hidden gem I treasure is Happie Balat, a cozy café tucked into the colourful Balat neighbourhood, perfect for coffee and matcha lovers alike.
Where To Stay
I found it to be well-connected and alive, offering the perfect mix of chaos and calm. A vibrant and central area filled with galleries, cafes, boutiques, and a bustling nightlife, I chose to stay in Beyoğlu during my time in Istanbul. For travellers seeking a quiet or more local experience, I suggest Üsküdar and Beşiktaş for their Seaside Promenades, Ferries, art museums, and Historical Mosques.
In Cappadocia, I recommend Göreme as the ideal base not only for its proximity to major attractions, but for the surreal experience of waking up in a traditional cave hotel, with hot air balloons dotting the morning sky. Antalya, my go-to, is again the Old City (Kaleiçi), where I found the perfect blend of pebble shore beaches, culture, and charming alleyways.
What To Do
I began my trip with an Airbnb experience called Hasan’s Home, a walking food tour in Istanbul’s Balat district, which I now consider the heart of my trip. Through stories, laughter, and home-cooked food, the experience introduced me to Turkey not just as a tourist, but as a guest welcomed with open arms. I also immersed myself in traditional art through a tile painting class at Turkish Arts, where the warm hosts even invited me for a home-cooked lunch. It’s these hands-on, personal moments that she says gave me the most authentic memories.
I also recommend taking a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, signing up for a cooking workshop, and enjoying activities like ATV rides and pottery-making in Cappadocia. In Antalya, dance and art classes allowed me to tap into the city’s vibrant, creative undercurrent, while also giving me time to walk the coast, make local friends, and feed the many street cats (yes, I brought food just for them!).
Exploring The Streets Of Istanbul
In Istanbul, I visited iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, but I found myself drawn even more to the charm of Balat and Galata, neighbourhoods filled with artistic flair, colourful architecture, and heartwarming locals. Cappadocia felt like walking through a dream. From the Open Air Museum and underground cities to Pigeon Valley and sunrise balloon rides, every moment felt surreal. For those on a budget, I believe the region’s natural beauty is enough to take your breath away, even without taking to the skies. Antalya, with its turquoise waters and historical depth, gave me time to pause and reflect. Exploring the ruins, wandering the Old City, and relaxing along the coast became a peaceful contrast to the buzz of Istanbul.
A City That Holds Warmth In Every Moment
More than anything, what stayed with me was the warmth. Every experience, from the tile painting family who invited me home to the Airbnb host who drove me to a secret sunset viewpoint, felt deeply personal. Istanbul reminded me of my hometown, Bangalore—chaotic but beautiful, loud yet comforting. I realised I don’t need extreme calm in life. I need movement, energy, and emotion. And Istanbul gave me that in abundance. I was also delighted in planning my looks for each day, saying, “I nailed every outfit. Zero bad photos, zero regrets.” Whether I was wandering historical sites or sipping coffee in the sun, every day was a style moment, and a memory.
Turkey: A Place That Stays With You
For me, Turkey isn’t just about monuments or Instagrammable food. It’s about the people. The stillness between the sights. The kindness that greets you at every corner.
If there’s one thing I hope travellers take away from my journey, it’s this: explore slowly. Say yes to spontaneous conversations. Sit in a park, drink tea, and let the world pass by. Turkey gives you the best of itself when you allow yourself to feel it.
And once you do, I promise, you’ll always find your way back.
Related: Björn Palsson On Treading Off-The-Beaten Paths & Building A Community With Crazy Puffin Adventures
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Rida Tharana
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