Discover Turkey – The Best Experiences, Restaurants & Local Tips
Turkey is one of the world's most exciting travel destinations — a country where ancient history, stunning nature, and world-class food come together. Whether you're visiting Antalya on the Mediterranean coast or exploring the vibrant streets of Istanbul, there is something for every type of traveller.
Here are our favourite experiences, the best restaurants, and a few local tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
Top Things to Do in Antalya
- Land of Legends Theme Park — One of Turkey's biggest and most spectacular theme parks, located in Belek near Antalya. Perfect for families with thrilling rides, water attractions, and live shows.
- Kaleiçi (Old Town) — Antalya's beautifully preserved Roman-era old town with narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman mansions, and the iconic Hadrian's Gate.
- Düden Waterfalls — Stunning waterfalls that cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea. The upper falls are walkable; the lower falls are best seen by boat.
- Aspendos Roman Theatre — One of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world, dating back to 155 AD. Still used for opera and ballet performances today.
- Antalya Museum — One of Turkey's finest archaeological museums, housing artefacts spanning thousands of years.
- Konyaaltı Beach — A long pebble beach with crystal-clear water, just minutes from the city center.
- Perge Ancient City — A well-preserved Hellenistic and Roman city just 15 km from Antalya, ideal for history lovers.
Top 10 Restaurants in Antalya
- Vanilla Restaurant — Elegant fine dining with panoramic sea views. Perfect for a special evening.
- 7 Mehmet Restaurant — An Antalya institution since 1970. Classic Turkish cuisine at its finest.
- Parlak Restaurant — Famous for fresh fish and seafood in the old harbour area.
- Hasanağa Restaurant — Traditional Turkish home cooking in a beautiful garden setting in Kaleiçi.
- Gizli Bahçe — Hidden garden restaurant with mezze, grills, and live music.
- Seraser Fine Dining — Upscale Ottoman-inspired cuisine in a restored mansion in the old town.
- Balıkçı Barınağı — Beloved local fish restaurant at the harbour. Order the catch of the day.
- Club Arma — Stylish restaurant and bar built into the old city walls with stunning sea views.
- Dönerciler Çarşısı — The best döner in Antalya. A local favourite for a quick, authentic meal.
- Köşk Restaurant — Rooftop dining with views over the old town. Great for mezze and grilled meats.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia — One of the world's greatest architectural achievements. Originally a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque, now open to all visitors.
- Grand Bazaar — One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. Perfect for spices, jewellery, textiles, and souvenirs.
- Bosphorus Cruise — A boat trip along the strait separating Europe and Asia, passing palaces, fortresses, and stunning waterfront mansions.
- Topkapi Palace — The opulent palace of the Ottoman sultans, now a world-class museum with priceless artefacts and jewels.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) — Istanbul's iconic six-minaret mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tile interior.
- Galata Tower — A medieval stone tower offering panoramic 360° views over Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
- Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) — A colourful market filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and local delicacies.
- Dolmabahçe Palace — A lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus.
Top 10 Restaurants in Istanbul
- Mikla — Michelin-recommended rooftop restaurant with stunning views and modern Turkish-Nordic cuisine.
- Nusret (Salt Bae) — The world-famous steakhouse. A must-visit for meat lovers.
- Karaköy Lokantası — Classic Turkish tavern food in a beautifully tiled space in Karaköy.
- Çiya Sofrasİ — Legendary Anatolian home cooking in Kadıköy. One of Istanbul's most authentic dining experiences.
- Sunset Grill & Bar — Upscale dining with panoramic Bosphorus views. Perfect for a special occasion.
- Balıkçı Sabahattin — Istanbul's most beloved traditional fish restaurant, operating since 1927.
- Hamdi Restaurant — Famous for its kebabs and spectacular views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
- Nicole Restaurant — Fine dining with creative modern Turkish cuisine and rooftop views over the city.
- Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi — A historic köfte restaurant near the Blue Mosque, serving the same recipe since 1920.
- Pandeli — One of Istanbul's oldest restaurants, located inside the Spice Bazaar. Classic Ottoman dishes in a stunning tiled dining room.
Local Tip: Taking a Taxi in Turkey
If you take a taxi within a city in Turkey, always make sure the driver turns on the taximeter (taksimetre). Using the meter is almost always cheaper than agreeing on a fixed price upfront — and it is your legal right as a passenger. Simply say "Taksimetre lütfen" (Meter, please) when you get in.
For longer intercity routes — such as from Antalya Airport to Alanya — taxis typically do not use the meter and will quote a fixed price. In these cases, a pre-booked private transfer with TTT Transfer is almost always the better value, with the added benefit of a professional driver, flight tracking, and meet & greet service.
Last updated: May 2026
