I just returned from 5 days in Turkey and wanted to share a detailed report.
Accommodation:
Stayed at a mid-range hotel near the main area. About $51/night. Clean, had AC and wifi.
The Scene:
Better than expected. Excellent value.
Highlights:
Quality was consistently high across multiple encounters.
Overall: 8/10 — Exceeded expectations.
Happy to answer any questions from the community.
Returning to Turkey after 3 years
Started by WanderlustCarl · 7 Mar 2026 · 1477 views
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7 Mar 2026 at 02:23
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7 Mar 2026 at 09:38
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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8 Mar 2026 at 03:54
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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8 Mar 2026 at 19:23
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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10 Mar 2026 at 10:42
Not sure I agree about that area. I found the outskirts to be better value.
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10 Mar 2026 at 12:18
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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11 Mar 2026 at 03:35
I was there in January and prices were exactly as described.
Spent about $144/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Spent about $144/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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11 Mar 2026 at 22:58
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
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12 Mar 2026 at 12:16
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything checks out.
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13 Mar 2026 at 19:31
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 7/10 destination.
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14 Mar 2026 at 11:19
I was there in March and prices were great value.
Spent about $96/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
Spent about $96/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
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15 Mar 2026 at 10:09
100% agree. The quality is hard to beat.
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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15 Mar 2026 at 12:17
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the pandemic. Current prices are higher than what's described here.
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15 Mar 2026 at 20:09
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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17 Mar 2026 at 17:38
Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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17 Mar 2026 at 20:45
How does it compare to the Philippines?
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19 Mar 2026 at 07:54
I was there in January and prices were slightly higher.
Spent about $130/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
Spent about $130/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: avoid weekends.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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19 Mar 2026 at 13:07
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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19 Mar 2026 at 21:31
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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20 Mar 2026 at 03:57
I was there in January and prices were exactly as described.
Spent about $147/day all-in. Quality was good.
My tip: midweek is golden hour.
Spent about $147/day all-in. Quality was good.
My tip: midweek is golden hour.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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