Where to stay in Turkey
Turkey is vast, bridging Europe and Asia with diverse landscapes. Coastal hubs offer resort-style luxury, while interior regions focus on ancient history and rugged topography. Transport between regions often requires domestic flights or long bus journeys, so base yourself near major transit links. Your choice depends on whether you seek Mediterranean leisure, bustling urban energy, or Cappadocia’s unique volcanic terrain. Distances are significant, so focus on one specific region per week to avoid constant travel fatigue.
Karaköy, Istanbul
Once a gritty port, it is now an upscale hub of boutique hotels and industrial-chic dining. You are steps away from the Galata Bridge for easy access to the historic peninsula, and the Tophane tram stop makes navigating the city effortless. Walk to the Istanbul Modern museum or the lively nightlife spots lining the narrow, bustling streets near the waterfront.
Göreme, Cappadocia
This town is the base camp for exploring the surrounding valleys. Everything is walkable, from family-run cave hotels to local restaurants serving pottery kebab. You are within minutes of the Open Air Museum. The landscape is rugged, hilly, and entirely focused on outdoor exploration, making it perfect for those wanting to wake up surrounded by bizarre, wind-carved stone formations.
Kaş, Mediterranean Coast
Unlike the all-inclusive resort zones, Kaş retains a Mediterranean fishing village feel. The town is highly walkable, centered around a compact harbor and the charming Uzun Çarşı street. You can easily stroll to small pebbled beaches like Hidayet Bay or find a waterfront table for dinner without the chaos of massive tourist complexes. It feels personal and quiet.
Rent a car in Turkey
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in TurkeyOne thing to think about
Avoid staying directly on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul. While central, the constant pedestrian traffic, extreme noise levels from bars, and aggressive touts make a good night's sleep nearly impossible. It is a sensory overload that wears thin after one night; look for side streets instead.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Turkey are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Turkey
Common questions
Do I need a car to travel around the country?
In major cities like Istanbul, a car is a burden due to gridlock and scarce parking. For exploring rural areas or the Mediterranean coast, renting a car provides essential freedom, as public transport can be infrequent or slow between smaller villages and remote archaeological sites.
What is the best way to handle tipping and cash?
While credit cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, carry Turkish Lira for small purchases, local markets, and tipping. Tipping 10% in restaurants is standard, though not always mandatory. Small shops and local taxi drivers often prefer cash, so always keep a stash of smaller notes handy for daily transactions.
Are there dress codes I should follow?
Turkey is secular, but conservative dress is common outside of beach resorts. When visiting mosques, women must cover their hair, and both men and women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Carry a light scarf in your bag, as it is a respectful and practical way to comply with entrance requirements at religious sites.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.