This year during National Day, I embarked on an unforgettable 8-day journey to Turkey. The country captivated me with its breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people, particularly in the south. However, the high prices and hidden pitfalls could easily spoil the experience if you’re not careful. Here’s what I learned:
❶ The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are iconic landmarks, but they come with their own challenges. Both were incredibly crowded, with long lines and a noticeable odor inside. To make matters worse, visiting Hagia Sophia cost 200 RMB per ticket—a steep price that many might find unworthy. In contrast, the Süleymaniye Mosque stood out as a hidden gem.
Its majestic architecture, free entry, and serene atmosphere made it a standout. The garden balcony outside offers stunning views of other mosques and the sea, making it an exceptional experience.
❷ For panoramic views of Istanbul, the Seven Hills Hotel delivers in spades. From its rooftop, you can enjoy a complimentary vista of the sea and various churches while feeding seagulls—an experience that feels almost cinematic.
❸ The Galata Tower is another must-see spot for viewing Istanbul, especially at dusk when the city lights up. However, the ticket price has skyrocketed to 250 RMB (from just 60 RMB previously), which may not justify the visit. You might consider skipping it altogether.
❹ A public ferry ride through Istanbul is an absolute must. Whether you start from Eminönü in the old city or Karaköy/Kabataş in the new city, this journey is both affordable and scenic. With a public transportation card, a one-way trip costs just 30 lira (about 6 RMB). While there’s a 130-lira fee for the card itself, it can be shared among multiple passengers. Paying with a Visa card costs 50 lira per trip, making it a budget-friendly option.
❺ Adventure seekers will love paragliding and island hopping in Fethiye. We booked these activities the day before directly at the site, saving significantly compared to online prices. Paragliding came in at 120 USD (including photos and videos), while island hopping was priced at 800 lira (about 160 RMB) for a full day, complete with lunch. Fethiye’s island tours are perfect for extroverts, whereas Kaş offers a quieter, more introspective experience.
❻ Driving along the D400 highway is nothing short of magical, especially between Fethiye and Kaş. Along the way, Kaputaş Beach awaits with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs—an ideal stop for nature lovers.
❼ Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides are infamous for their exorbitant prices. Due to no flights the previous day, we were quoted 2800 RMB per person—a staggering amount. Instead, I highly recommend visiting the Sunset/Sunrise/Balloons Highest Viewpoint. This spacious area offers a front-row seat to watch the balloons ascend, all for just 20 lira. Visiting at sunset also allows you to soak in the enchanting night view of the town.
❽ Duty-free shopping at Istanbul Airport proved disappointing, with items often pricier than in China. Prices across Turkey generally lean toward the expensive side, so bargaining is essential. For instance, a McDonald’s burger costs a shocking 100 RMB, and a bottle of Efes beer rings in at 112 RMB.
Even transportation isn’t spared; a ride from the city to the airport (for an eight-seater car) was initially quoted at 4000 lira, but after some negotiation, we secured it for 2500 lira (about 500 RMB).
Turkey is a land of contrasts—beautiful yet costly, welcoming yet tricky to navigate. With a bit of preparation and savvy, your trip can be as rewarding as mine!
❾ Shopping with a Visa card at many stores can be less cost-effective—or worse, not accepted at all. It’s often better to pay in local lira or euros. Some restaurants even offer a 10% discount when you pay in cash! You can withdraw lira from ATMs using a UnionPay debit card; Ziraat Bankasi stands out as it charges no fees, whereas other banks we tried levied an 8% fee.
⭐️ When it comes to breathtaking scenery, stunning architecture, and rich cultural experiences, Turkey truly earns its place on every traveler’s bucket list. However, when comparing prices and entry tickets, Turkey tends to be pricier than many European destinations, and bargaining feels more like a game of chance. What are your thoughts on Turkey? Image 10 showcases the map of my travel route—feel free to leave comments or share your own experiences!
@Photography @Outdoor
