What to do in Turkey: Ottoman treasures, turquoise beaches and Cappadocia adventures 🌏🇹🇷

It's impossible to get bored in Turkey. From the historic streets of Istanbul to the milky limestone terraces of Pamukkale, from Cappadocia's fairy chimneys to the crystal-clear coves of the Lycian coast, the country is a mosaic of stories, landscapes and flavors. This guide helps you plan a smooth and inspiring trip, with practical advice on when to go, what to see, how to get around, and how to stay connected stress-free with a single eSIM that follows you everywhere.

Quick tip: if you're visiting multiple regions, plan your itinerary in "loops" to minimize backtracking, and book at least one sunrise in Cappadocia. It remains an unforgettable moment.

Turkey spans a great diversity of climates. The best time to visit therefore depends on your plans.

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are perfect for exploring cities and ancient sites. Temperatures are mild in Istanbul and on the Aegean coast, crowds are still reasonable, and the light is magnificent for photos.

Summer (July-August) is ideal for swimming on the Mediterranean and Aegean coast. Choose the Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye or Bodrum region. However, expect heat in the interior of the country. In Cappadocia, the weather is often dry and sunny, but afternoons can be hot.

Winter (December-February) can be cold inland (snow possible in Cappadocia, in the east and in the Kaçkar mountains), milder on the coasts, with occasional rain. The atmosphere is peaceful in Istanbul, perfect for museums, hammams and cafes.

Weather tip: balloons in Cappadocia fly mainly when the wind is low. If you're planning this experience, allow yourself 2 to 3 mornings on site to maximize your chances.

Istanbul, between Europe and the Orient

Istanbul is the ideal gateway. Navigate through its layers of history: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and its jewels, the Basilica Cistern like something out of a novel, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, not forgetting a cruise on the Bosphorus at sunset.

Stroll through Sultanahmet for the monuments, then change the atmosphere around Karaköy, Galata and Cihangir, where cafes, galleries and terraces reveal a creative side. In the evening, Kadıköy on the Asian side brings alleys, meyhanes (taverns) and rakı bars to life.

Transport tip: get an Istanbulkart (rechargeable transport card) as soon as you arrive. It works on metros, trams, buses and ferries, and saves you from queues.

Cappadocia, valley of wonders

Nothing beats Cappadocia for feeling like you're on another planet. In Göreme, Uçhisar and Çavuşin, monoliths sculpted by erosion house rock-cut churches and cave villages. While hiking, reach Rose Valley, Red Valley, or Ihlara. At sunrise, Cappadocia is covered with balloons: even if you stay on the ground, it's spectacular.

The underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı show how inhabitants found refuge during invasions. Bring good shoes: the trails are accessible but sometimes rocky, and the light changes quickly for photography.

Aegean coast: Izmir, Ephesus and white villages

The west coast charms with its Mediterranean atmosphere. Izmir is airy and jovial, an excellent base to branch out to Ephesus, one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the Mediterranean. The theater, the Library of Celsus and the Street of Curetes are superb early in the morning. Nearby, the charming village of Şirince offers fruity wines and Ottoman houses.

Further north, Pergamon seduces with its acropolis and hillside theater. On the Çeşme and Alaçatı peninsula, people love the whitewashed facades, flowery cafes and ideal wind for kitesurfing. The beaches here are clear, with a chic but relaxed atmosphere in summer.

Turkish Riviera: Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye and the Lycian Way

The Turkish Mediterranean lines up turquoise coves and mountains dropping into the sea. Antalya delights with its old town (Kaleiçi) and gastronomy, while Kaş seduces with its bohemian atmosphere and snorkeling spots. Fethiye, base for many "blue cruises", allows you to sail from island to island, anchored each evening in a different bay.

The Lycian Way, a legendary coastal trail, crosses cliffs, forests and submerged ruins. You can walk sections in a day (Ölüdeniz, Kabak, Faralya) without being an experienced hiker: the important thing is to start early, well hydrated and protected from the sun.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale surprises with its white limestone pools cascading down the hillside. At the top, Hierapolis tells the story of Rome in Asia Minor, with theater, necropolis and ancient pools. The place is very busy during the day: aim for opening time or late afternoon for a more peaceful atmosphere.

Black Sea and Kaçkar Mountains

Less known to travelers, the Black Sea coast (Trabzon, Rize) reveals a green landscape. The Sumela Monastery clinging to its cliff, the plateaus (yaylas) and misty valleys have a mystical charm. The Kaçkar Mountains enchant hikers in summer, with alpine trails and suspended villages.

Eastern Anatolia: the other Turkey

For the curious, the east offers volcanic landscapes, immense lakes (Van), citadels, Armenian churches and wide open spaces. It's wilder, with fewer tourist infrastructures, but memorable encounters.

Respect tip: in mosques, shoulders and knees must be covered; you remove your shoes, avoid walking in front of worshippers. Ask before photographing people, especially in places of worship.

From a traditional hammam to a gulet cruise, Turkey invites you to slow down.

Spend half a day in a historic hammam in Istanbul or Antalya: go through the warm room, exfoliation, foam massage, then tea. Try regional cuisine: meze to share, fragrant kebabs, crispy lahmacun, manti, grilled fish by the sea, and pistachio baklava. Turkish coffee and tea (çay) punctuate the days.

In Istanbul, explore neighborhoods beyond the "must-sees": Balat and Fener with colorful houses, Kadıköy for its markets and street art, Nişantaşı for its stylish boutiques. On the coast, embark on a "blue cruise" from Fethiye to Olympos, alternating swimming and calm anchorages.

Finally, if you love panoramas, climb to Uçhisar castle or the viewpoints around Göreme for a sunset over the pink valleys.

Hammam instructions: bring a swimsuit or spare underwear, hydrate before/after, and let the pros guide you. It's a treatment as much as a ritual.

Turkey has a dense network of comfortable intercity buses (reclining seats, often Wi-Fi), connecting major cities day and night. Book 24 to 48 hours in advance during high season. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) complement the network for short distances.

The high-speed train connects Istanbul, Ankara and Konya, practical and comfortable. Frequent domestic flights allow you to cross the country in an hour or two: convenient for chaining Istanbul – Cappadocia – Antalya without wasting time.

Renting a car is a good idea for exploring the coast or the interior at your own pace. The main roads are good, but watch out for speed limits and radars. In the mountains, opt for a slightly more powerful vehicle.

Mobility tip: combine an internal flight and car rental for a portion (for example Antalya → Fethiye → Kaş) to save time and let yourself be carried on the rest of the itinerary by bus or train.

The currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted in cities, restaurants and hotels. However, bring some cash for small purchases, markets, dolmuş and tips. Prices can vary quickly in an inflationary context: check on site for site entrances, taxis and services.

Tips (bakşiş) are appreciated: round up the bill or leave 5-10% at restaurants if service is not included, and a few liras for luggage service or a short trip.

Exchange tip: ATMs are everywhere in the city; avoid changing large sums of cash, and prefer card payments when possible to limit risks and keep track.

When traveling, a reliable connection simplifies everything: navigating without getting lost, translating a menu, ordering a ride, finding the bus stop, sharing photos and contacting loved ones. With GoMoWorld, you install a single eSIM valid in more than 200 destinations, then you activate data plans whenever it suits you, directly in the app.

Here's what it concretely changes in Turkey:

• 100% installation via the app (iOS/Android), no QR code. Even if you buy your plan on the website, log into the application with the same email to install your eSIM.
• One eSIM for the whole world: you travel to Turkey, then elsewhere, without reinstalling. Just buy and activate a plan.
• Manual activation: the plan only starts when you press "Start" in the app. Perfect for controlling your budget.
• Unactivated plans never expire: buy in advance, start when you need it.
• Hotspot always allowed: share your connection with your computer or the family tablet.
• Built-in VPN: useful on public Wi-Fi or to secure your mobile usage.
• Europe-based support, ready to assist you every day.

GoMoWorld plans for Turkey

Choose a volume according to your itinerary. In the city, 4G is widely available and partner networks are well optimized.

Smart GoMoWorld tip: activate your plan upon arrival at the airport (a simple click in the app) and keep your physical SIM card as backup if needed. Inactive plans remain valid indefinitely.

Good to know: purchase possible on the website or app; eSIM installation is done only in the application. GoMoWorld is a data-only solution: for traditional calls/SMS, use VoIP (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, etc.) via data.

In terms of clothing, a simple and respectful style works everywhere. In mosques, cover shoulders and knees; women sometimes cover their heads (scarves lent at very touristy places). In bazaars, bargaining is a game: keep smiling, offer a reasonable price and accept the tea, it's part of the exchange.

For health, drink plenty of water, protect yourself from the sun, and prefer bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach. When dining, follow the local crowd: it's often a sign of a good place.

In the city, prefer official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Ask for the meter to be used and check the route on your phone. In the evening, central Istanbul neighborhoods are very lively; as everywhere, keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.

Food break: order various meze to share (smoked eggplant, dolma, ezme, cacık), an Adana or Urfa kebab depending on your spice tolerance, and finish with a crispy-melting künefe. Accompany with a fresh ayran.

7 days: Istanbul + Cappadocia express

• D1-D3: Istanbul. Sultanahmet monuments (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi), Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, coffee in Karaköy, sunset at Galata. Dinner in Kadıköy for a change of atmosphere.
• D4: Flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, transfer to Göreme/Uçhisar. First walk in the valleys.
• D5: Sunrise with view of the balloons, underground city of Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı, Uçhisar at sunset.
• D6: Rose/Red Valley hike, Göreme Open Air Museum. Evening in a cave restaurant.
• D7: Return to Istanbul and flight back.

10-12 days: from ancient sites to the Riviera

• D1-D3: Istanbul.
• D4: Flight Istanbul → Izmir, road to Selçuk. Sunset at Ephesus.
• D5: Ephesus early, Şirince village. Evening in Izmir or on the Çeşme peninsula.
• D6: Road to Pamukkale, visit Hierapolis in late afternoon.
• D7: Bus or car to Fethiye.
• D8-D10: Coves around Ölüdeniz, boat day, section of the Lycian Way (Kabak, Faralya).
• D11: Kaş for snorkeling and relaxation.
• D12: Antalya (old town Kaleiçi), flight back.

14 days and more: Panoramic Turkey

• Istanbul (3 days), Cappadocia (3 days), Aegean coast (3 days), Pamukkale (1 day), Turkish Riviera (3-4 days). If you have more time, add the Black Sea (Trabzon, Rize) or Eastern Anatolia (Van).

Smart extension: are you visiting multiple countries on the same trip? Thanks to the single eSIM, seamlessly move to Greece for the Cyclades, Italy for Rome and Naples, Morocco for the medinas and the Atlas, or Thailand for a tropical finale. One click in the app and you're connected again.

Turkey is a modern, young, warm country where traditions and creativity coexist. Live music is everywhere: meyhanes in Istanbul, seaside bars in Kaş, outdoor concerts in summer. Museums are of high quality, starting with the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara, or the remarkably showcased ancient sites.

During Ramadan, restaurant and museum hours may vary slightly; outside major mosques and religious neighborhoods, the rhythm of daily life remains very normal. Major national holidays feature decorations and concerts, a wonderful atmosphere for travelers.

Be curious and open: an invitation to have tea is often sincere. A few words of Turkish (merhaba, teşekkürler) are always appreciated.

Museums and hours: some major museums close one day a week (often Monday) and tourist mosques may restrict access during prayers. Check the day before to avoid bad surprises.

Turkey welcomes millions of travelers every year. Tourist areas are used to visitors, with visible police presence in historic centers. As elsewhere, watch your belongings in crowded places and only exchange at official bureaus if you need to change money.

Health-wise, travel insurance is always a good idea. Bring a kit with your usual medications, sunscreen, bandages, antihistamines and stomach upset treatment. Bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs.

On the road, always wear your seatbelt; in the mountains, inform your accommodation of your hiking plans if you're going alone.

• Download the GoMoWorld app and log in with the email used for purchase.
• Install your eSIM in the app (no QR code needed).
• Buy your Turkey plan in advance: unactivated, it doesn't expire.
• Upon landing, open the app, choose "Start" to activate the plan, and enjoy.
• Hotspot available: perfect for accompanying a computer or the kids' tablet.
• The app includes a VPN to secure your connections on public networks.

Daily data: Google Maps, translations, bookings, bus routes, voice notes, photos... While traveling, 9 to 20 GB often comfortably cover 1 to 2 weeks if you also use the hotel Wi-Fi. For a nomadic month, 30 GB bring real peace of mind.

Book one of the plans below and activate it when you decide in the app:

• 30-day plan: 30GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 20GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 9GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 2GB for €3.99

These plans are prepaid, with no surprises, valid only for data, and all allow connection sharing.

• Book popular experiences in advance: hot air balloon flight, blue cruise, Istanbul museums with time slots. You'll save precious time.
• In Cappadocia and on the coast, the golden morning and evening light enhances the landscapes. Adjust your visit times to enjoy the best.
• Bet on places frequented by locals, especially at lunchtime: it's often the best value for money and a good indicator of freshness.
• Stay flexible: unpredictable weather, a lively market, an invitation to share a çay... let yourself be surprised. That's often where the best memories are born.

Final GoMoWorld tip: if you're planning a Turkey + neighbors "combo", keep your eSIM installed. For each new destination, just buy the corresponding plan in the app and activate it when you need it. Nothing to reinstall, zero time wasted.

Turkey is a condensed journey: millennia-old cities, dazzling coastlines, high plateaus, generous gastronomy and warm hospitality. By planning a few milestones (Istanbul, Cappadocia, a stretch of coast, an ancient site), you get a rich trip without spreading yourself too thin. And with a single GoMoWorld eSIM for more than 200 destinations, prepaid data and hotspot included, you stay connected everywhere, at your own pace, keeping control of your budget. Breathe: it's all good, you're in Turkey... and you're covered.