• Lulu the pug
• January 9, 2025
• • Guides

5 Days in Turkey: Cappadocia & Istanbul Costs, Itinerary & Tips

5 days, 2 cities, and all the numbers you actually need. I'm not going to tell you Turkey changed my life. Instead, I'm going to tell you what I did, what I paid, and what's actually worth your time.**Note:** This trip was in June 2023. Prices may have shifted, but the logistics and tips should still hold up.## The Quick NumbersBefore we get into it, here's what you're looking at cost-wise:| Item | Cost | | -------------------------------- | ---------------------- | | Hot air balloon (2 people) | €480 (~$520) | | Daily tours in Cappadocia | $50-60/person | | IstanbulKart (metro card) | 50 lira (~$2.50) | | Average dinner for two | $12-25 | | Göreme airport transfer | 260 lira/person (~$14) | | Topkapı Palace (combined ticket) | 650 lira/person |### Total Trip Cost (2 People, 5 Days)If you're wondering what this trip actually cost, here's the rough breakdown for two people:- **Flights (US to Istanbul, Istanbul to Cappadocia):** ~$800-1000 - **Accommodation (5 nights):** ~$300-400 - **Hot air balloon:** €480 (~$520) - **Tours (ATV, Green, Red, walking tour, cruise, pub crawl):** ~$250 - **Food and drinks:** ~$200 - **Attractions and entrance fees:** ~$100 - **Transport (IstanbulKart, ferries, airport transfers):** ~$60**Grand total: roughly $2,200-2,500 for two people**, not including international flights. Solo travelers can cut some of that since the balloon and accommodation split differently.---## Cappadocia (Days 1-3)### Day 1: Arrive + Sunset ATV TourI stayed at **Caravanserai Inn** in Göreme. Central location, comfortable rooms, and free breakfast. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done and you're steps away from everything.The move on day one is to book a [sunset ATV tour](https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/4037378). I found mine through Airbnb Experiences for $32/person, and it was two hours of riding through Swords Valley, Red Valley, Rose Valley, and Love Valley. The landscapes are absolutely ridiculous. You've seen the photos online, but trust me, they don't do it justice. The tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff, so you don't have to worry about logistics.For dinner, we hit **Göreme Han Restaurant**. About $25 for two people with solid Turkish food. Nothing revolutionary, but good portions and a nice atmosphere after a dusty ATV ride.### Day 2: Hot Air Balloon + Green Tour**4:40am pickup.** Yes, it sucks. No, you can't skip it if you want to catch the sunrise.The hot air balloon is the thing everyone comes to Cappadocia for, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. I went with Brother Balloons and paid €480 for two people (roughly $260/person). My advice: book directly with a reputable company rather than through random tour agencies that'll upcharge you for the same experience.After landing, you'll have time to crash for a bit before the **Green Tour** pickup at 9:30am. I booked through Viator, but the actual operator was Hereke Travel. They're solid and I ended up using them again.The Green Tour covers:- Göreme Panorama viewpoint - Pigeon Valley - Kaymakli Underground City (this is wild, we're talking an entire city carved underground) - Selime Monastery - Ihlara Valley, a 3km hike through a canyon dotted with rock-cut churchesFor dinner, we tried **CanCan Restaurant**, and here's a pro tip: only order one main dish. They bury you in free appetizers like bread, dips, and salads. We made the mistake of over-ordering and couldn't finish half of it.### Day 3: Red Tour + Transfer to IstanbulBack with Hereke Travel for the **Red Tour**, pickup again at 9:30am.The Red Tour hits:- Uçhisar Castle - Love Valley - Göreme Open Air Museum (a UNESCO site with rock-cut churches and frescoes) - Avanos pottery demonstration - Devrent Valley (aka Imagination Valley, where rocks look like camels, seals, you name it) - Paşabağ fairy chimneysOne thing worth paying for: the extra 100 lira to see the Dark Church inside the Open Air Museum. The frescoes are incredibly well-preserved, and since most tourists skip it, you actually get some breathing room inside.For our last dinner in Cappadocia, we tried a Turkish ravioli (mantı) place. Tasty, but heads up: no non-beef options if that matters to you. We grabbed coffee at Viewpoint Restaurant and Cafe afterward for one last look at the landscape.We arranged our airport transfer through the hotel with Göreme Transfers. 260 lira per person for a smooth ride to the airport, then flew to Istanbul.---## Istanbul (Days 4-6)### Day 4: Old City + Bosphorus CruiseFirst order of business: **get yourself an IstanbulKart**. It's 50 lira at any metro station and works on trams, metro, ferries, and buses. Basically everything. One card can be used for multiple people (just tap it multiple times), and topping up at any station takes seconds. Also, download the **Yandex Metro app**. It'll save you from staring at confusing transit maps.I joined a [walking tour through Airbnb Experiences](https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/2167606) that hit all the essentials:- Hippodrome - Basilica Cistern (an extra 350 lira per person, but worth it if you're into history. The atmosphere down there is unreal)- Grand Bazaar (more on this later) - Hagia Sophia - Blue Mosque**A note on the mosques:** there's a dress code. Shoulders and knees need to be covered, and women need head coverings. Men, wear pants or at least shorts that cover the knees. If you forget, they sell scarves and coverups right outside, but you'll pay tourist prices. Better to bring your own.For lunch, I grabbed a lamb pide (basically Turkish flatbread pizza) at some restaurant I can't remember the name of, but it was fantastic. Honestly, pide is a safe bet pretty much anywhere in Istanbul.That evening, I did a [Bosphorus sunset cruise](https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1590116) booked through Airbnb, and this ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. You meet at the pier, cruise around the strait for a couple hours, and they provide free drinks and finger food. The views are unreal. Watching the sun set over the Istanbul skyline from the water, with mosques and minarets silhouetted against the sky, is something else entirely. It's a nice, low-effort way to end a long day of walking, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.### Day 5: Asian Side + Grand Bazaar + NightlifeIn the morning, I took the ferry to Kadıköy (the Asian side of Istanbul) from Karaköy pier. 19 lira per person for about a 40-minute ride. Walked around the neighborhood, found a Friends-themed cafe with great Shalep (a hot Turkish drink worth trying), and wandered over to Moda Sahili park.**My honest take:** Kadıköy is fine, but it's not essential. If you're tight on time, skip it and spend more time in the Old City. The fish sandwich at the fish market was mid at best.The afternoon was all about **Grand Bazaar shopping**. One important note: **it's closed on Sundays**, so plan accordingly.Here's what I paid:- Turkish delight: 500 lira per kg - Baklava: 570 lira per half kg - Random trinkets: haggle hard, start at 50% of the asking price and work from thereThe bazaar is absolutely massive and you will get lost. That's fine. Just embrace it and wander. You'll stumble into interesting corners you wouldn't have found otherwise.I also popped into **St. Anthony of Padua Basilica** nearby, which is worth a quick visit if you're into architecture.For nightlife, I did the [party bus tour](https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/3706544) (also marketed as the Istanbul Pub Crawl on Airbnb). It starts at a bar in Sultanahmet with drinking games, then a party bus shuttles you to clubs in Taksim Square. You get one free shot at each club; other drinks are on you. Free entry everywhere, well organized, and I met some cool people. Solid option if you want to go out but don't know where to start.### Day 6: Topkapı Palace + Princes' IslandsStarted the morning at **Topkapı Palace**. The combined ticket including the Harem runs 650 lira per person.**Pro tip:** Get there by 10:30am and you won't need a "skip the line" ticket. The crowds build up later in the day.What to prioritize inside:- The Holy Relics section in Courtyard 3 (yes, really. It's more interesting than it sounds) - The Harem (save this for last since it's a separate section) - The views of the Bosphorus from the terracesIn the afternoon, I took the ferry from Kabataş to the Princes' Islands.**Learn from my mistake:** Look up ferry times BEFORE you go. We showed up at Eminönü first only to discover there was no Sunday ferry, then waited an extra hour at Kabataş because we hadn't checked the schedule. Don't be us.I went to **Büyükada**, the largest of the islands. No cars are allowed, so you get around by bike or on foot.- Bike rental runs about 50 lira per person per hour - Fair warning: the island loop isn't easy. Expect hills and unpaved sections, so prepare to work for it - Dilburnu Park has a 21 lira entrance fee but it's a great spot to rest and grab some photos - There's a monastery at the top of an incline hill. The climb is worth it for the rooftop terrace restaurant with incredible views**Another tip:** If you arrive early enough, grab an all-day pass at one of the beach clubs. Umbrella, drinks, wifi, the whole package for about 350 lira per person. We got there too late and missed out.I caught the 8:35pm ferry back to Kabataş. Heads up: the return trip takes about 2 hours since it stops at all the islands along the way.For a late dinner, **Karadeniz Pide Salonu** is open 24 hours. More pide. Zero regrets.---## Frequently Asked Questions### How much does a hot air balloon ride cost in Cappadocia?Expect to pay €200-250 per person with a reputable company. I used Brother Balloons and had a great experience. Book directly with the balloon company rather than through a middleman tour agency.### Is the Green Tour or Red Tour better in Cappadocia?Honestly, both are worth doing if you have time. The Green Tour has the underground cities and the Ihlara Valley hike, making it more adventure-focused. The Red Tour covers the fairy chimneys and the Open Air Museum, making it more sightseeing-oriented. If you can only pick one, I'd lean toward Green, but ideally do both.### How do I get around Istanbul?IstanbulKart is your best friend. 50 lira gets you a card that works on all public transit, and one card works for multiple people. Top it up at any metro station. The tram and metro system is genuinely solid and covers most tourist areas.### Is Kadıköy worth visiting?If you have 3+ days in Istanbul, sure, it's a nice change of pace. But if you only have 2 days, skip it and prioritize Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Princes' Islands instead.### Should I do the Istanbul pub crawl?If you want to party and meet other travelers, absolutely. It's well organized, you get free club entry, and there's usually a good mix of people. If drinking games and club music aren't your thing, skip it.### What should I know about dress codes at mosques?Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque both require covered shoulders and knees. Women need head coverings, and men should wear pants or at least shorts that cover the knees. They sell scarves and coverups outside if you forget, but prices are inflated. Bring your own if you can.### How do I get from Cappadocia to Istanbul?Fly. Seriously. It's a 10+ hour drive or bus ride otherwise. Flights are cheap and take about an hour. You'll fly out of either Nevşehir or Kayseri airport near Göreme. Arrange the transfer through your hotel.### How much should I budget per day in Turkey?For a mid-range trip like mine, budget around $100-150 per day for two people. That covers a decent hotel, tours, meals at sit-down restaurants, and attractions. You can do it cheaper if you stay in hostels and eat street food, or spend more if you want luxury cave hotels.### Is Turkey expensive for tourists?Not compared to Western Europe. Meals are $10-25 for two, transit is dirt cheap, and even "expensive" attractions like Topkapı Palace are under $20. The main splurge is the hot air balloon, but even that is cheaper than similar experiences elsewhere.### Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon worth it?Yes. It's expensive at €200-250 per person, but floating over those fairy chimneys at sunrise is genuinely one of the most surreal experiences I've had traveling. If you can afford it, do it. Just book directly with a reputable company.### How much does food cost in Turkey?A pide (Turkish flatbread pizza) runs about $5-8. A full dinner for two at a decent restaurant is $20-30. Street food like simit (sesame bread) or dürüm (wraps) cost $2-4. Turkish breakfast spreads at cafes are around $8-12 per person and will keep you full until dinner.### Should I use cash or card in Turkey?Both work. Cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops in tourist areas. You'll need cash for smaller vendors, the Grand Bazaar (easier to haggle), and some transit. ATMs are everywhere. Just avoid exchanging money at the airport since the rates are terrible.---## Final ThoughtsTurkey punches way above its weight. You get ancient history, landscapes that look like another planet, and legitimately excellent food, all without Western Europe prices. Five days is tight but absolutely doable if you don't waste time agonizing over where to eat lunch.The hot air balloon is expensive but worth every cent. The underground cities are way cooler than you'd expect. Istanbul's public transit puts most American cities to shame. And Turkish breakfast spreads? Borderline religious experience.Book it.

• Lulu the pug
• January 8, 2025
• • Guides

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon: Is It Worth €250? Honest Review

Let's cut to the chase: yes, the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is worth it. But I'm not going to just tell you that and move on. Here's everything you need to know about the cost, the experience, and how to book without getting ripped off.## The Real Cost| Item | Price | | --------------------------------- | ------------------- | | Standard balloon ride (60-90 min) | €180-250 per person | | Premium/small basket ride | €280-350 per person | | Budget operators | €120-150 per person |I paid **€480 for two people** with Brother Balloons, which works out to €240 per person. That's on the higher end of standard pricing, but the company had excellent reviews and a solid safety record.**What's included:**- Hotel pickup around 4:30-5:00am - Light breakfast/tea before launch - 60-90 minutes in the air - Champagne toast after landing - Certificate (if you care about that) - Drop-off back at hotel**What's NOT included:**- Photos/videos from the company (they'll try to sell you a USB for €50-100) - Tips for the pilot and crew (optional but appreciated)## Why It's ExpensiveHot air balloons aren't cheap to operate. You've got fuel, insurance, pilot licensing, equipment maintenance, and the small detail that they're literally keeping you alive hundreds of feet in the air. Cappadocia also limits the number of balloons that can fly each day, which keeps prices from racing to the bottom.The cheap operators (€100-150) often have larger baskets with 20-28 people crammed in. The mid-range and premium operators keep it to 12-16 people, which means better views and more room to move around.## The Experience**4:40am pickup.** Yes, it's brutal. No, there's no way around it. The balloons launch at sunrise because that's when the air is calmest and the light is most spectacular.You'll be driven to the launch site where dozens of balloons are being inflated simultaneously. It's chaos in the best way. Then you climb into the basket (they help you, it's awkward for everyone), and within minutes you're floating.The flight itself is surreal. You drift over fairy chimneys, through valleys, and past other balloons. The pilot controls altitude by heating the air, so you'll rise and dip throughout the flight. At some points you're high enough to see the entire landscape; at others you're skimming just above the rock formations.It's quiet up there. Weirdly peaceful despite being in a wicker basket held up by fire.The landing is controlled chaos. The ground crew chases the balloon in trucks, and the pilot sets down wherever the wind takes you. They're pros at this.## Is It Worth €250?**Yes, if:**- You can afford it without stressing your budget - Bucket list experiences matter to you - You're already in Cappadocia (don't fly to Turkey just for this) - You appreciate landscapes and photography**Maybe not if:**- €250 is a significant portion of your trip budget - You're afraid of heights (there are no walls, just a waist-high basket edge) - You get motion sick easily (it's gentle, but you are floating) - You're visiting during a season with high cancellation rates (winter)For context, a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon costs about the same. Skydiving is $200-300. This is firmly in "splurge experience" territory, but it's not insane.## How to Book Without Getting Scammed**Book directly with the balloon company.** Tour agencies and hotels will mark up the price 20-50% for the same flight.**Reputable companies I've seen recommended:**- Brother Balloons (who I used) - Royal Balloon - Butterfly Balloons - Voyager Balloons**Red flags:**- Prices under €150 (larger baskets, potentially shadier safety records) - Pressure to book immediately "because spots are filling up" - No clear cancellation policy - Can't find reviews on Google/TripAdvisor**Cancellation policy matters.** Flights get cancelled for weather all the time. Good companies will reschedule you for free or refund you. Get this in writing.## Weather Cancellations Are RealThis is critical: **the three days before my flight, all balloons were grounded.** Poor visibility, wind, rain. It happens constantly.Balloons can only fly in very specific conditions. Too much wind, no fly. Rain, no fly. Low visibility, no fly. Even moderate gusts that wouldn't bother you on the ground are enough to cancel flights. The Civil Aviation Authority makes the call each morning around 4am, and there's no negotiating with them.**What causes cancellations:**- Wind speeds above ~10-12 mph - Rain or storms - Poor visibility (fog, dust) - Unpredictable weather patterns**When cancellations are most common:**- Winter (December-February): highest cancellation rates, sometimes 50%+ - Shoulder season (March, November): moderate risk - Summer (June-August): lowest risk, but still happensI got lucky. After three cancelled days, my fourth morning was perfect. But I've heard of people visiting for two days and never getting to fly.**The bottom line:** Build buffer days into your Cappadocia itinerary. If the balloon ride matters to you, don't book it for your only morning there. Give yourself at least 2-3 chances. Book your flight for the first morning so you have backup days if it gets cancelled.## Tips for the Best Experience1. **Book for your first morning in Cappadocia.** If it gets cancelled, you have backup days.2. **Dress in layers.** It's cold at 5am, warmer once the sun comes up, and the burner above your head is hot.3. **Bring your phone/camera but secure it.** Dropping it over the edge would be tragic.4. **Skip the company's photo package.** Your own photos will be better, and €50-100 for a USB drive is a ripoff.5. **Eat light beforehand.** They give you snacks, but a full stomach plus gentle motion plus early morning can be a bad combo.6. **Tip the crew if you can.** These guys are out there at 4am making the magic happen.## Frequently Asked Questions### What if my flight gets cancelled?Weather cancellations are extremely common. The three days before my flight were all cancelled. Reputable companies will reschedule you for another morning at no charge or give you a full refund. Always confirm their policy before booking, and always build extra days into your itinerary.### How long is the actual flight?Usually 60-90 minutes in the air. The whole experience from hotel pickup to drop-off is about 3-4 hours.### Is it safe?Cappadocia has a strong safety record. The region has been running balloon tours for decades and the pilots are experienced. That said, it's an adventure activity and accidents have happened. Check your company's safety certifications.### Can I book last minute?Sometimes, but risky. Popular months (April-October) book up days or weeks in advance. If you're flexible on dates, you might score a last-minute spot, but I wouldn't count on it.### What's the best time of year?April-May and September-October have the best combination of weather, light, and moderate crowds. Summer is hot but flyable. Winter has more cancellations but fewer tourists.## Final VerdictI've done a lot of tourist activities that felt overpriced. This wasn't one of them. Floating over Cappadocia at sunrise, watching dozens of other balloons drift through the valleys while the landscape turns gold, is genuinely one of the most memorable experiences I've had traveling.Is €250 a lot of money? Yes. Is it worth it? For me, absolutely. Your mileage may vary based on your budget and what you value in travel.If you're on the fence and can afford it, do it. You won't regret it.

• Lulu the pug
• January 7, 2025
• • Guides

Istanbul on a Budget: What Everything Actually Costs

Istanbul has a reputation for being cheap, but is it actually? I spent 3 days there in 2023 and tracked what I spent. Here's the real breakdown.## The Bottom Line**Daily budget for Istanbul (per person):**| Travel Style | Per Day | | --------------------------------------------------- | -------- | | Budget (hostels, street food, free attractions) | $30-50 | | Mid-range (hotels, restaurants, major sites) | $60-100 | | Comfortable (nice hotels, tours, no penny-pinching) | $100-150 |I traveled mid-range to comfortable and spent about $70-80 per day including everything except accommodation.## Getting AroundIstanbul's public transit is excellent and cheap. The key is the **IstanbulKart**.| Transport | Cost | | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | | IstanbulKart (reloadable transit card) | 50 lira (~$1.50) for the card | | Single tram/metro ride | ~17 lira (~$0.50) | | Ferry ride (Bosphorus crossing) | ~17 lira (~$0.50) | | Airport bus (Havaist) | ~140 lira (~$4) | | Taxi from airport to Sultanahmet | ~400-500 lira (~$12-15) |**Pro tip:** One IstanbulKart works for multiple people. Just tap it multiple times at the turnstile. Load it up at any metro station.The tram, metro, and ferry system covers basically everywhere tourists want to go. I only took one taxi the entire trip and immediately regretted it (traffic was brutal and the metro would have been faster).## Food and DrinkThis is where Istanbul shines. You can eat incredibly well for very little.| Food | Cost | | --------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Simit (sesame bread ring) | 10-15 lira (~$0.40) | | Döner/kebab wrap | 80-120 lira (~$3-4) | | Pide (Turkish pizza) | 150-250 lira (~$5-8) | | Full meal at local restaurant | 200-400 lira (~$6-12) | | Dinner for two at nice restaurant | 800-1200 lira (~$25-35) | | Turkish tea | 20-30 lira (~$0.75) | | Turkish coffee | 60-100 lira (~$2-3) | | Beer at a bar | 100-180 lira (~$3-5) | | Bottled water | 10-20 lira (~$0.40) |**Where to save money:**- Eat where locals eat, not on the main tourist streets - Get breakfast at a simit cart instead of a cafe - Drink tea instead of coffee (it's cheaper and they refill it) - Fill up on the free bread and appetizers at restaurants**Where it's worth spending:**- A proper Turkish breakfast spread (it's an experience) - Baklava from a good shop - Fresh fish by the Bosphorus## Attractions and Entrance FeesThis is where Istanbul can add up if you're not careful.| Attraction | Cost | | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | | Hagia Sophia | Free (it's a mosque now) | | Blue Mosque | Free | | Topkapı Palace | 650 lira (~$20) | | Topkapı Palace + Harem | 950 lira (~$29) | | Basilica Cistern | 450 lira (~$14) | | Dolmabahçe Palace | 650 lira (~$20) | | Galata Tower | 650 lira (~$20) | | Grand Bazaar | Free to enter | | Bosphorus ferry (public) | 17 lira (~$0.50) | | Bosphorus tour boat | 200-400 lira (~$6-12) |**Money-saving tips:**1. **Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are free.** They're also two of the most impressive things in the city.2. **Take the public ferry instead of a tour boat.** The commuter ferry from Karaköy to Kadıköy or from Eminönü to Üsküdar gives you Bosphorus views for $0.50 instead of $10+.3. **Skip Galata Tower.** The rooftop bars nearby have similar views and you can spend the entrance fee on drinks instead.4. **Topkapı is worth full price.** Get the combined ticket with the Harem. Give yourself 3-4 hours.5. **The Basilica Cistern is cool but quick.** 30 minutes max. Decide if $14 for half an hour is worth it to you (I thought so).## AccommodationPrices vary wildly by neighborhood and season.| Type | Per Night | | ----------------------------- | --------- | | Hostel dorm | $15-25 | | Budget hotel | $40-60 | | Mid-range hotel (Sultanahmet) | $70-120 | | Nice hotel | $120-200+ |**Best areas to stay on a budget:**- **Sultanahmet:** Touristy but walkable to everything. Prices are higher but you save on transport. - **Karaköy/Galata:** More local vibe, good food scene, easy tram access. - **Kadıköy (Asian side):** Cheapest option, but you'll spend more time on ferries.I'd avoid staying too far out just to save $20/night. The time and hassle cost more than the savings.## What I Actually Spent (3 Days)Here's my real spending for 3 days in Istanbul, traveling mid-range:| Category | Total (2 people) | | ---------------------------------- | ---------------- | | Accommodation (3 nights) | $240 | | Food and drinks | $180 | | Transport (IstanbulKart + ferries) | $25 | | Attractions | $90 | | Walking tour | $40 | | Bosphorus cruise | $60 | | Shopping (Grand Bazaar) | $80 | | **Total** | **$715** |That's about **$120/day for two people** or **$60/person/day**, and we weren't being particularly cheap. We ate at sit-down restaurants, did paid attractions, and took a tour.## Hidden Costs to Watch For**Tourist trap restaurants:** The places with guys outside aggressively inviting you in are almost always overpriced with mediocre food. Walk one street back from the main tourist areas.**Taxi scams:** Some drivers "forget" to turn on the meter or take long routes. Use the BiTaksi app or agree on a price beforehand. Better yet, just use public transit.**Grand Bazaar markups:** The first price is never the real price. Start at 50% and negotiate from there. If they won't budge, walk away and they'll often call you back.**Airport exchange rates:** Terrible. Use ATMs or exchange money in the city.**Tipping:** Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up at restaurants or leave 5-10%. For tours, $5-10 per person is standard.## Is Istanbul Cheap?Compared to Western Europe? Absolutely. Compared to Southeast Asia? Not quite.Istanbul sits in that sweet spot where you can travel comfortably without spending a fortune. The food is cheap and excellent, transit is basically free, and the major attractions are reasonably priced.Where it adds up is if you do every museum, take taxis everywhere, and eat only at tourist restaurants. But if you're smart about it, you can have an incredible time for $50-80 per day including accommodation.The biggest value in Istanbul isn't even the low prices. It's that the cheap options (street food, public ferries, free mosques) are often better experiences than the expensive ones.

• Lulu the pug
• January 6, 2025
• • Guides

Is Turkey Still Cheap in 2026? What to Actually Expect

"Turkey is so cheap!" is something you'll hear constantly from travel bloggers who visited in 2019. But a lot has changed since then. The Turkish lira has crashed, inflation has been brutal, and tourist areas have adjusted their prices accordingly.So is Turkey still cheap in 2026? The short answer: yes, but not as cheap as it used to be. Here's the real breakdown.## What Happened to Turkish PricesThe Turkish lira lost over 80% of its value against the dollar between 2019 and 2024. In theory, that should make Turkey incredibly cheap for foreign visitors. And for some things, it does.But here's what actually happened:- Tourist-facing businesses started pricing in dollars or euros - Attraction entrance fees increased dramatically - Hotels in popular areas raised rates to match demand - Local restaurants and transit stayed cheapThe result is a two-tier economy. Tourist stuff costs roughly what it would in a mid-range European destination. Local stuff is still dirt cheap.## What's Still Cheap**Public transportation:** The IstanbulKart costs about $1.50 and rides are $0.50 each. You can cross the Bosphorus by ferry for less than a dollar. This hasn't changed.**Local food:** A döner wrap is $3-4. A full meal at a neighborhood restaurant is $8-12. Simit (sesame bread) is $0.40. If you eat where locals eat, your food budget will be tiny.**Tea and coffee:** Turkish tea is basically free (restaurants refill endlessly). Turkish coffee is $2-3.**Groceries and markets:** If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, local produce and groceries are very affordable.**Domestic flights:** Istanbul to Cappadocia can be found for $30-50 if you book ahead.**Uber/taxi (for distances):** Still reasonable compared to Western cities.## What's Not Cheap Anymore**Major attractions:**- Topkapı Palace: $20-30 - Basilica Cistern: $14 - Galata Tower: $20 - Ephesus: $25These prices have roughly tripled since 2019 and are now comparable to attractions in Western Europe.**Hotels in tourist areas:** A decent hotel in Sultanahmet or a cave hotel in Cappadocia runs $80-150/night. Not outrageous, but not the $30 boutique hotels of a decade ago.**Hot air balloon rides:** €200-250 per person. This has always been expensive and hasn't gotten cheaper.**Tourist restaurants:** The places on main streets with English menus charge nearly European prices. $15-20 entrees are common.**Guided tours:** Walking tours, day trips, and organized excursions cost about the same as they would elsewhere.## Real Daily Budget ExpectationsHere's what you should actually budget in 2026:| Style | Daily Budget (per person) | | ----------- | ------------------------- | | Backpacker | $40-60 | | Mid-range | $80-120 | | Comfortable | $120-180 |**Backpacker ($40-60):** Hostel dorms, street food and local restaurants, free attractions (mosques, walking around), public transit only.**Mid-range ($80-120):** Private room in a decent hotel, mix of local and tourist restaurants, major attractions, some tours.**Comfortable ($120-180):** Nice hotels, eating wherever you want, all attractions, tours and experiences, occasional taxi.For comparison, a similar trip in Spain or Italy would run $150-250/day mid-range. So Turkey is still cheaper, just not dramatically so.## Where the Value IsThe best value in Turkey isn't the rock-bottom prices. It's the quality you get for moderate spending.**Food:** $10 in Turkey gets you a better meal than $25 in most of Europe. The cuisine is genuinely excellent, portions are huge, and even "expensive" restaurants are reasonable.**Experiences:** A Bosphorus sunset cruise, a hot air balloon ride, a Turkish bath, a cooking class. These cost real money but deliver memorable experiences that would cost more elsewhere.**Hospitality:** Turkish hospitality is legendary. People are genuinely friendly and helpful in a way that's hard to find in more touristed countries.**Off-the-beaten-path:** The further you get from Istanbul and Cappadocia, the cheaper it gets. Smaller cities, the Mediterranean coast, and Eastern Turkey are significantly more affordable.## Tips for Keeping Costs Down1. **Eat one street back from tourist areas.** Same food, half the price.2. **Use public transit.** It's excellent in Istanbul and cheap everywhere.3. **Book accommodations in advance.** Walk-in rates are higher.4. **Visit in shoulder season.** April-May and September-October have better prices and fewer crowds.5. **Learn basic haggling.** Essential for the Grand Bazaar. Start at 50% of asking price.6. **Take the free things seriously.** Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, wandering neighborhoods, watching the Bosphorus from a park. The best experiences often cost nothing.7. **Avoid the airport exchange.** Rates are terrible. Use ATMs in the city.## Comparison to Other DestinationsHow does Turkey stack up against alternatives?| Destination | Daily Budget (Mid-range) | | ----------- | ------------------------ | | Turkey | $80-120 | | Greece | $120-160 | | Spain | $130-170 | | Portugal | $100-140 | | Croatia | $110-150 | | Morocco | $60-90 | | Egypt | $50-80 |Turkey sits in the middle. Cheaper than Western Mediterranean destinations, pricier than North Africa. The value proposition is less about being cheap and more about being a great deal for what you get.## The VerdictIs Turkey still cheap? Not like it was in 2015. Tourist infrastructure has priced itself for international visitors.Is Turkey still a good value? Absolutely. You'll spend less than comparable European destinations while eating better food, seeing more impressive history, and experiencing genuinely warm hospitality.The travelers who will be disappointed are those expecting Southeast Asia prices. The travelers who will be happy are those expecting European prices and finding them 30-40% lower with better food.Turkey in 2026 is a "great value" destination, not a "cheap" destination. That's still worth the trip.

• Lulu the pug
• December 2, 2023
• • General

Clocking In and Taking Off: Travel Handbook for the 9 to 5 ers

Welcome to my not-so-secret society of everyday adventurers. If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about trading your desk chair for a beach lounger without giving your boss a piece of your mind, you're in the right place. This is Techbro Travels, where I believe in chasing sunsets, not unemployment checks.I'm not here to sell you the dream of quitting your job to sip coconut water in Bali while pretending to be an influencer. Nah dawg! I'm here for the rest of us - the ones who love (well or at least don't despise) their jobs but also dream of exploring the world beyond the water cooler.## The Desk Jockey Diaries BeginPicture this: You, comfortably seated at your desk, daydreaming of destinations far and wide. Instead of updating your LinkedIn profile to "Digital Nomad Guru," how about we just plan the trip. Get our PTO in order, take the trip of a lifetime and then do it over and over again. All the while continuing to collect and enjoy our paychecks. You don't need to quit your job, shill some BS coaching course or sleep in 16 people dorms because you are too broke to afford anything better 😬My philosophy is simple: extraordinary travels with ordinary lives. I'm not here to convince you to quit your job; I'm here to uncover the hidden gems of the world while still enjoying the comfort of a paycheck. So, put down that resignation letter and pick up your passport, I'll show you how to be a normal person with a job and still see the world. Not all of us want to sell our souls for a one way ticket to influencer stardom.## The Anti-Influencer BrigadeSpeaking of which let's talk about those travel bloggers who think a beach photo and a vague caption about "living their best life" is groundbreaking content. I'm part of the anti-influencer brigade, the rebels against recycled sunset pictures with motivational quotes. I'm here to bring substance, humor, and genuine experiences to your feed. I travel the world, while being a software engineer working 40 (boss wishes it was 60) hours a week. I say that to convey I'm but a regular guy who has a dream to see the world. I want to use this blog to simply talk about my experiences, give helpful tips and ultimately help you plan and execute your dream trip## Travel blogs are a cesspool 🤢I am not a SEO shill, not an AI content generator and not in the search of a quick buck. I'm sick and tired of ending up on blogs that just shill products/promotions/sponsorships. Can a man please just get some actual, informational content while planning my trip! I want this blog to be essentially my ramblings about the trips I go on but geared towards actually being informational. I have been writing little details about my trips over the last few years - things like how to buy bus tickets at random bus station in Mexico, how much a metro card costs in Istanbul and exactly how to get from one city to another. I often find these details to be what I'm really looking for when planning some of my trips. I'll share all the tips/tricks I have learned, my packing list, my pre-trip checklist, my guide to places and a bunch of other amazing resources I have been piling up over the years. Techbro travels will be a place for me to share all of that with you, my dear reader(s).So get in, loser. We are going on a trip!