Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Turkey (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip is a crucial step when considering a move to a new country. It allows you to experience firsthand the culture, climate, and daily life, helping you make an informed decision about where to live. For those contemplating a move to Turkey, this trip is especially important due to the country's vast diversity.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Istanbul, then head to the Izmir region, followed by a visit to Antalya. For a 20-day trip, extend your visits to include the Cappadocia and Aegean regions, along with the city of Ankara. These areas offer a mix of modern cities, coastal towns, and historic sites, providing a comprehensive glimpse into life in Turkey.

Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, is a vibrant mix of ancient and modern, straddling the Bosphorus Strait. Its approximate population of 15 million people enjoys a rich cultural life, numerous historic sites, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living. Expats and digital nomads appreciate the city's energy, diverse neighborhoods, and ease of access to both Europe and Asia.

Travel Tip: Visit the Hagia Sophia, a historic mosque and architectural marvel, and dine at Mikla, a restaurant known for its stunning views and innovative cuisine.

Izmir Region

The Izmir region, including the cities of Izmir, Çe?me, and Ku?adas?, offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Izmir, the third-largest city in Turkey, provides a lower compared to Istanbul, with a population of around 4 million. The region's pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly atmosphere make it a favorite among expats.

Travel Tip: Explore the ancient city of Ephesus near Ku?adas?, and enjoy fresh seafood at Deniz Restaurant in Çe?me.

Antalya

Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast, is known for its mild winters and hot summers. With a population of over 2 million, it offers a blend of historic sites, modern amenities, and beautiful beaches. The city's reasonable cost of living and high quality of life make it an attractive choice for expats and digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Visit the ancient city of Aspendos and its well-preserved theater, and try local cuisine at 7 Mehmet Restaurant.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia, a historic region in central Turkey, is famous for its unique rock formations, underground cities, and hot air balloon tours. Towns like Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar offer a slower pace of life, ideal for those seeking a tranquil environment. The cost of living is generally lower than in larger cities.

Travel Tip: Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and dine at Topdeck Cave Restaurant in Göreme.

Aegean Region

The Aegean region, including towns like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye, is known for its stunning coastline and turquoise waters. These towns offer a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, with a population ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands. The cost of living varies but is generally affordable, making it a popular choice for expats.

Travel Tip: Visit the ancient city of Knidos in Bodrum, and enjoy local cuisine at Memedof Restaurant in Fethiye.

Ankara

Ankara, Turkey's capital, offers a more traditional Turkish lifestyle with a population of around 5 million. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the country. The city's cost of living is lower than Istanbul's, and it offers a variety of cultural and historic sites.

Travel Tip: Visit An?tkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and dine at K?rlant? Restaurant for authentic Turkish cuisine.