Things to Do
What is worth your days in Turkey — Istanbul, Cappadocia, the ruins and the coast — and what each costs to reach.
Turkey's Best Ancient Ruins & Archaeological Sites
A guide to the best ancient ruins and archaeological sites in Turkey, from Ephesus and Pergamon to Göbeklitepe and Mount Nemrut — what makes each special and how to fit them into a trip.
Troy: Visiting the Legendary City
A guide to visiting Troy in northwest Turkey: what to see at the legendary city of the Iliad, the nine layers of ruins, the museum, how to get there, and whether it's worth the trip.
Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A guide to Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites for travelers, from Istanbul and Ephesus to Göbeklitepe, Pamukkale, and Mount Nemrut — which to prioritize and how to fit them into a trip.
Museum Pass Turkey: Is It Worth It?
A practical guide to the Museum Pass in Turkey: how the passes work, what they cover, the different regional versions, and how to decide whether one will save you money on your trip.
Best Beaches in Turkey
A guide to the best beaches in Turkey for American travelers, from the famous Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon and Patara's endless sands to the resort coves of the Mediterranean and Aegean.
Hiking the Lycian Way
A guide to hiking the Lycian Way, Turkey's famous long-distance coastal trail: the best sections for short hikes, when to go, difficulty, and how to walk it without doing the whole route.
Turkey's Best National Parks & Natural Wonders
A guide to Turkey's best national parks and natural wonders for travelers, from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the travertines of Pamukkale to the Turquoise Coast and beyond.
Buying a Rug in Turkey: Export Papers, Shipping and US Customs
Turkish law has no carpet rule and no age threshold. What actually lets a rug leave Turkey, whether to ship or carry it, and what US customs asks on arrival.
Turkish Bath (Hammam): A First-Timer's Guide
A first-timer's guide to the Turkish bath (hammam): what actually happens, what to wear, the etiquette, what it costs, and how to choose between a historic and a modern hammam.
Shopping in Turkey: Bazaars, Carpets & What to Buy
A guide to shopping in Turkey: the best things to buy, how to navigate the bazaars, the art of bargaining, and how to avoid the common tourist scams — for American travelers.
How to Buy a Turkish Rug Without Getting Scammed
A practical guide to buying a Turkish rug or kilim without getting scammed: how to judge quality, understand pricing, bargain fairly, handle shipping, and spot the common tricks.