FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN TURKEY AS A BLACK WOMAN
"It's levels to this s*** .”
The infamous Meek Mill lyric is what plays in my head when I recall my trip to Turkey.
It seemed Spring would be the best time to visit Turkey because it’s less crowds, and the temperatures are mild enough for jacket only. All of these traits is what I wanted to embody during this trip. Here's my favorite things I did in Turkey during my spring travel:
1. Ride Hot Air Balloon
We headed to Cappadocia after visiting Istanbul for a few days to experience the mountainside of Turkey. We booked for hot air balloon but was in anticipation since it is weather dependent. If it is too windy, no hot air balloons would be lifted. Fortunately we were clear to ride hot air balloon.
We were picked up from our hotel around 6am and headed to the park where the hot air balloons were being prepared. Once ready, we were lifted into hot air balloon, given directions, and lift off. About 15-20 people can fit in one hot air balloon. The most magical part for me was watching the other hot air balloons rise. I also enjoyed riding through the mountains.
This unforgettable experience cost about $200 USD.
2. Get a Turkish Bath
I knew I wanted to find some spa or relaxation. The infamous Turkish bath, or hammam, is a centuries-old bathing tradition rooted in Ottoman culture that blends cleansing, relaxation, and social ritual. It evolved from Roman and Byzantine bathing practices and became central to daily life across the Ottoman Empire. A visit to a Turkish bath offers a blend of cleansing ritual, relaxation, and cultural history, whether experienced in a centuries-old marble hammam or a modern spa modeled on traditional practices.
We decided to get massage and Turkish bath. Turkish Bath will include:
Scrub (kese): A vigorous full-body exfoliation using a coarse mitt that removes dead skin and stimulates circulation.
Lather and rinse: Soap — traditionally made with olive oil or, in some regions, black soap — is worked into a foam and rinsed away by attendants or by the bather.
Massage: Following the scrub and rinse, a massage with oils or creams relieves muscle tension and nourishes skin.
Cooling and relaxation: Time to rest, cool gradually, and drink water or tea.
What to expect as a visitor
Many places provide towels, soap, and slippers.
Clothing: Most hammams use towel-only or nude options depending on local customs and facility rules; check ahead if unsure.
It costs around $100 USD.
3. Visit Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an iconic Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul; it is famed for its cascading domes, six slender minarets, and an interior richly decorated with over 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles in blue hues that give the mosque its popular name.
The mosque’s vast prayer hall, illuminated by more than 200 stained-glass windows and ornate chandeliers, creates a serene, luminous atmosphere, while the central dome’s intricate calligraphy and arabesque motifs.
Located opposite the Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque remains an active place of worship and a major cultural and tourist landmark, balancing religious significance with public accessibility, though visitors are expected to respect prayer times and dress modestly.
What to wear:
Visitors must dress modestly.
Women must cover their hair, shoulders, and legs.
Men must have their knees covered.
It is free to visit but closes during prayer times!
Turkey was the best place to start my Spring excursions and I am happy for the exploration but also for the encompassing the three traits of new, refreshing and iconic. It is a great place to visit and explore new and unique excursions.