With a spectacular setting spanning Europe and Asia, Turkey is known for its glittering turquoise coasts, remarkably diverse cuisine and culture, and abundance of historical sites. But that’s just the start — here’s how to see the very best of Turkey, from Istanbul to the Black Sea coast.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Check Into a Seafront Oasis in Istanbul
With so much of Turkey bordered by seas, spending some time by the waterfront is a must. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are some of the country’s major draws, and even in bustling Istanbul, the Bosporus Strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara brings the calming views of water into the city, its banks accented by domes and minarets.
Located at a charming seaside spot to the south of the city, JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea offers the best of both worlds: the Sea of Marmara’s timeless tranquility and the ceaseless contemporary buzz of Istanbul. The city lies just 15 minutes away along the coast road, yet you’d never know it — such is the peaceful ambience of the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea.
Be Enchanted by Istanbul’s Old Quarter
When you do yield to the allure of Istanbul, head first to the city’s Old Quarter. Sultanahmet is graced by the beautifully well-preserved buildings of the former capital of Ottoman Turkey — you’ll be enchanted by the rich stories that swirl around the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Mosque, which in the 6th century was a Byzantine cathedral.
The neighborhood’s Archaeological Museum, meanwhile, sheds light on Turkey’s historical secrets, making it the perfect primer for explorations of the wider country. If you’re staying the night, Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection keeps you at the very heart of the Old Quarter, its sumptuous rooms overlooking Sultanahmet’s rooftops and the iconic Blue Mosque.
Dine Under the Stars on the Aegean Coast
Southwestern Turkey’s Bodrum peninsula enjoys year-round mild temperatures but comes fully alive during the warmer months from May to September, when clear skies and balmy nights make dining outdoors a delight.
At Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum, all rooms (as well as the stunning infinity pool) enjoy views of the Aegean, while the Buddha-Bar restaurant is a dreamy beachside dining spot — try the black truffle pizza or lobster brioche. Afterwards, head to the terrace of The Glass Lounge, and watch the moon rise over the peninsula as you relax into the sumptuous sunken seating area, gently lit to enhance your experience.
Looking out over the majestic Aegean Sea to the north of Bodrum, the beachfront Hemera restaurant at Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Çesme prepares seafood of such freshness and zest, meals simply demand to be enjoyed outside in the elements. Come nightfall, you’ll be gazing up at a breathtaking canopy of stars.
Understand the Meaning of Turkish Tranquility
Whether it’s an unhurried glass of Turkish tea sipped streetside, a contemplative soak in an ancient hammam or gazing at the views from the rooftop pool of The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, there are countless little ways to center yourself — a reminder that, in Turkey, sanctuary can be found even in the busiest city, with pockets of peace available on every corner.
In Istanbul, for instance, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, is a perfect place to while away a quiet moment, admiring the mosque’s exquisite Iznik tiles. Across the city, Sheraton Istanbul Levent offers a more contemporary take on tranquility, inviting you to leave your cares behind with an indulgent Shine Spa experience that revives and restores.
In Bodrum, the hillside location of The Bodrum EDITION immediately lends a chilled vibe to any stay, while the minimalist design is visual balm to the senses, and the private beach blissfully undersubscribed.
Savor Exquisite Turkish Cuisine from Dolma to Baklava
Turkish dishes like grilled lamb and sweet, nutty baklava are famous worldwide. With traditional plant-based dishes — including rice-stuffed vine leaves, bean stews and olives — and halal food available widely, Turkey has it all.
Some of the world’s best chefs are creating a buzz here, too, fusing local ingredients with international techniques. Housed on the ninth floor of the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, for instance, Octo is a Michelin-recommended restaurant, where the views are as edifying as the Portuguese-Turkish flavors.
Sail a Traditional Gulet in the Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Riviera needs little introduction, so long has it been the center of global affection, with gulet (a traditional Turkish sailing boat) and beach holidays a popular choice from Fethiye to Antalya. There’s a reason so many flock to Bodrum, given its mix of luxury, relaxation and vibrant nightlife in a lush, green setting.
At Le Méridien Bodrum Beach Resort, you’ll be blown away by the views, with cerulean, turquoise and deep blue waters shimmering from every vantage point.
Go on a Shopping Spree in Istanbul’s Malls and Iconic Grand Bazaar
From traditional Turkish wares to designer labels, shopping is one of the highlights of any visit to Istanbul. The Westin Istanbul Nisantasi places you close to designer shopping, while all across the city there are state-of-the-art malls thronging with international brands.
For a more traditional experience, linger at the world-famous Grand Bazaar and marvel at the array of kilim carpets, artisanal leather goods and delicate embroidery and ceramics.
Experience the Best of Anatolia, from Seaside Izmir to Otherworldly Capadoccia
The largest portion of Turkey is in Asia Minor — historically referred to as Anatolia — and has been home to the world’s greatest civilizations, their footprints woven into the fabric of the culture here. Brimming with Greek and Roman heritage sites, Izmir is a good base for exploring beyond the Aegean coast.
The waterfront Renaissance Izmir Hotel places you on the doorstep of Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most impressive sites, with the cotton-white thermal terraces of Pamukkale and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis doable as a day trip. Continue east to the staggering beauty of Cappadocia with its otherworldly “fairy chimneys” and ancient underground cities — best seen from a hot-air balloon.
Offering a taste of Ottoman luxury in the form of a personalized butler service, Lugal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Ankara locates you in the capital and the heartland of Anatolia. After a day of deep exploration, head to the hotel’s Aruni restaurant for a dinner of dry-aged lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Explore the Diverse Delights of the Enchanting Black Sea Region
In the north of the country, Turkey’s Black Sea coast is a whole other world. Here there are tea plantations and lakeside retreats with lush hills and valleys to discover.
Explore regional Black Sea cuisine, like corn bread dipped in “black hive,” wild honey (collected from tree-dwelling bees) and a glass of locally grown tea from the comfort of the Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel, which features a delightful pool and spa. Samsun itself played an important role in Turkish history — it’s where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk took the first steps to creating a new Republic of Turkey.
Share a Coffee — and Seal a Friendship
It’s said in Turkey that taking a coffee with someone promises 40 years of friendship. Alongside a small piece of lokum (the often rose-flavoured, sugar-dusted treat known in English as Turkish delight) a cup of uniquely frothy, sweetened black Turkish coffee is the perfect way to end a meal at the sumptuous Sini restaurant, part of Sanasaryan Han, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul, which specializes in local, seasonal cuisine.
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