Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Turkey
There was a Turkish boy named Kurt in my 9th grade gifted and talented social studies class. I wasn’t the best at geography at that time but Kurt made sure I knew where Turkey was on the world map. He also made sure we as a class understood some cultural aspects of Turkey such as kisses on cheek and the infamous kebabs.
Kurt would be proud to know I visited Turkey last year and had an amazing time. Here’s the reasons why you should add Turkey to your destination list:
Cheaper Cosmetic and Health Care Procedures
Most people associate Turkey with medical procedures and they are not wrong. Turkey provides inclusive and detailed medical exam cheaper than United States. Many influencers and others have decided to ditch United States yearly exams and head to Turkey for full exam costing around $800 and up. Watch some Tik Tok reviews.
This is also a popular place to get Botox and hair implants for men. My departure flight from Turkey had many men with bandages on their scalp, showing their recent hair implant. I didn’t get a chance to get a full comprehensive exam due to schedule conflicts but I plan on returning to Turkey for my comprehensive medical exam. Who’s joining me?
2. Unique Excursions
Turkey is also known for many unique excursions such as hot air balloon ride and Turkish bath. Turkey’s Cappadocia region offers one of the world’s most famous and visually striking hot air balloon experiences. Flights usually launch at dawn to catch calm winds and dramatic sunrise colors. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is an iconic Turkish experience—combining unique geology, ancient human history carved into rock, and the quiet, floating perspective that only balloons can provide. Book with a reputable operator, prepare for an early start, and expect unforgettable views.
A Turkish bath (hamam) is a traditional bathing ritual that blends cleansing, relaxation, and social ritual. A typical hamam experience includes entrance and undressing, warm room, hot room, scrub and massage, and rinse and cool down. The health and wellness benefits include deep exfoliation, improved circulation and muscle relaxation, detoxification and respiratory relief, and stress reduction.
3. City Explorations
Turkey has many cool cities to visit such as Istanbul, Antalya, Trabzon, and Cappadocia. Istanbul is the cultural and economic heart of Turkey, straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus. It is good for history, architecture, shopping, nightlife, culinary variety.
Antalya is a major resort city on the Turkish Riviera (Turquoise Coast) with beautiful beaches and a historic old town. It is good for sun-and-sea tourism, family resorts, access to ancient Lycian sites.
Trabzon is Northeastern Black Sea city with lush landscapes and a distinct regional culture. This city is good for nature, mountain scenery, regional cuisine. Cappadocia region is world-famous for fairy chimneys, hot-air balloons, cave hotels, and underground cities.
4. Asian/European Sides
Turkey is a transcontinental country bridging Europe and Asia. The two sides—commonly called the European side (Thrace) and the Asian side (Anatolia)—each offer distinct geography, history, culture, and urban life. Below is an organized comparison to help travelers or readers understand what sets them apart.
The European side is bustling, cosmopolitan, fast-paced. Major shopping streets, nightlife, business centers and tourist hubs are concentrated here. It has tourist-friendly infrastructure, with many hotels, tour operators and cultural venues. The European Side includes Istanbul historical peninsula (Sultanahmet), Grand Bazaar, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace.
The Asian side is more residential and local in feel, quieter in many districts though vibrant in areas like Kadıköy with cafés, markets and arts scenes. It offers a more everyday, community-oriented experience of Turkish city life. The Asian side includes Kadıköy and Üsküdar waterfronts, Camlica Hill viewpoints, Asian-side bazaars, plus many Anatolian sites beyond Istanbul such as Ephesus, Cappadocia, Pamukkale.
Ferries, bridges and tunnels connect the two sides of Istanbul. Options include passenger ferries, road bridges, the Marmaray rail tunnel and Eurasia road tunnel.
5. Shopping
Shopping in Turkey is a lively mix of tradition and modern retail. From bustling bazaars and historic caravanserais to sleek shopping malls and boutique streets, Turkey offers a wide range of goods for every budget and taste. Popular items include textiles, ceramics, spices, Turkish delight, antiques, carpets and kilims, leather goods, gold jewelry, and locally made cosmetics and soaps. Places such as Grand Bazaar (Istanbul), Spice Bazaar (Istanbul), Istiklal Avenue & Galata (Istanbul).
Turkey is a great place to visit for cultural experience, city hopping, unique excursions, and some shopping. Book a flight to Turkey for a medical procedure but do not forget to shop, and sip some of their famous tea.
