Turkey Itinerary: 7 Days in Istanbul & Cappadocia
I finally made it to Turkey, a country that’s been on my list for as long as I can remember. After a week in Dubai, I knew I had to take advantage of the route back to Barcelona and finally explore a place I’ve been dreaming about for years. This itinerary covers everything I did in Istanbul and Cappadocia, along with personal tips, honest reviews, and standout experiences.
5 Days in Istanbul
Where We Stayed: Weingart Suites Hotel
We chose Weingart Suites Hotel for its central location, and for the most part, it did the job. The room itself was a good value, and it’s walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the metro. That said, I will be honest, the staff wasn’t the most welcoming, particularly one person we interacted with (I didn’t get his name, but he had dark hair and was very grumpy). But if you’re prioritizing budget and convenience, this spot is solid for first-timers.
Traditional Hammam at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami
I’ve always wanted to experience a Turkish hammam, and after doing some research, I booked at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, one of the highest-rated traditional hammams in Istanbul. It definitely lived up to the hype.
As someone who didn’t know what to expect, I felt a little nervous at first — but the staff were kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. The experience included a full body scrub, steam, and relaxation session in a beautiful, historic marble bathhouse. I left feeling relaxed, cleansed, and glad I pushed past the initial awkwardness. You can watch my full hammam experience here.
Luxury Spa Experience at Chi, Shangri-La Istanbul
If you’re looking for something more private and luxurious, I highly recommend the Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Istanbul. This was more of a modern take on the hammam experience and included a private suite for two, access to steam and sauna rooms, a full-body scrub, and a relaxing massage with milk moisturization.
This spa is perfect if you want the Turkish hammam experience but prefer more privacy and a high-end setting. Yes, it’s pricier, but you’re paying for the full pampering. Watch my spa day here.
Coffee Fortune Reading (Yes, really!)
One of the most fun and unique things we did was a Turkish coffee fortune reading, booked through Airbnb. The experience was interactive, and our host even offered decaf for non-coffee drinkers. After sipping, your coffee cup is flipped and read, and yes, they gift you the cup afterward! Whether you believe in fortunes or not, it’s a fun and culturally rich activity that I’d absolutely recommend.
Private Walking Tour with Context Travel
To get the most out of our time, we booked a private walking tour through Istanbul with Context Travel – use code FANCYNANCISTA for a discount. We visited Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and other historic spots — but what made this tour special was having a guide who truly knew the layers of history behind everything we saw.
I always prefer private tours over public ones, especially in places with as much depth as Istanbul. You can move at your own pace, ask all the questions, and focus on the things that matter most to you.
Markets, Ferry Ride & Turkish Street Food
Of course, we couldn’t leave Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. While the sellers definitely want you to buy something, I found them far less pushy than what I’ve experienced in Morocco. We sampled teas, Turkish delights, and even rode the ferry across the Bosphorus.
Now, let’s talk about the food. Turkish cuisine might just be my new favorite, everything we tried was incredible. I especially loved the meatballs, eggplant dishes, wraps, and of course, the fresh baklava. I’d go back just to eat my way through Istanbul again.
3 Days in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, I joined a 3-day group tour booked through TourRadar using their RISE program, a platform that allows travel creators to earn perks by sharing and recommending trips.
Our tour covered all the essentials:
- The famous hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape
- Visits to Göreme Open-Air Museum and ancient cave churches
- Exploring underground cities and fairy chimneys
- Sunset viewpoints and local cultural experiences
The experience was magical and incredibly well-organized, I highly recommend TourRadar for anyone planning to visit Cappadocia, especially if it’s your first time and you want a hassle-free itinerary with trusted guides. You can check out more details and creator perks via TourRadar’s RISE program here.
Watch my Cappadocia Day 1 Trip here.
Watch my Cappadocia Day 2 Trip here.
Final Thoughts & Tips on Turkey
- Bring some cash: Most places take card, but cash is often preferred in markets or for small purchases. I withdrew around €100 and it was more than enough for the week.
- Felt surprisingly safe: I had heard mixed things about safety, especially for women, but I personally felt safe during my trip. I traveled with a friend and we found people generally respectful, minus one unpleasant hotel interaction.
- It’s more expensive than expected: We were shocked by how pricey some things were — €10 for a coffee and croissant? €20 for a cinnamon roll? Wild. Be prepared for unexpected splurges.
- Time breakdown: We spent 4 days in Istanbul and 3 in Cappadocia, and I honestly wish I had added a few more days in Istanbul to explore more (especially the Asian side of the city). 3 days in Cappadocia felt just right.
- Next time: I’m already dreaming about visiting the Turkish coast, places like Antalya and Kaş are on my list for my next adventure.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Turkey was filled with culture, flavor, history, and some truly memorable experiences. I’m grateful to have finally checked it off my list — and I know it won’t be my last time there.
