Share article
Last updated
Turkiye is currently exploding in popularity, with travelers coming from all over the world to explore its cultural hotspots and take advantage of its affordable prices.
In 2023, an astonishing 49.2 million international tourists visited Turkiye. This means that the year has been officially recognized as the best year ever for Turkey's tourism industry.
Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism has predicted that the number of foreign arrivals to the country will reach 60 million by 2024.
Here's why this affordable European destination is breaking every tourism record.
cultural attractions
Turkey has a unique blend of history and culture. This is a destination where East meets West, and no city exemplifies it better than Istanbul. One side of the Bosphorus Strait that separates the city is in Europe and the other in Asia.
Istanbul is Turkey's second largest city and is considered a cultural capital. This city is most popular with domestic tourists who are attracted by its hustle and bustle, vibrancy and great charm.
Some of the best cultural attractions to explore in Istanbul include the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
Officials recently announced that entry to the Hagia Sophia will now cost 25 euros (about $27), but if you're traveling on a budget, entry to the Blue Mosque is still free.
Female travelers must dress modestly and wear a scarf to enter. This applies to all mosques in the country. So keep a lightweight scarf in your luggage.
Cultural vultures can also explore Cappadocia. Cappadocia also broke all previous visitor records, welcoming around 5 million tourists in 2023.
The area is famous for its beautiful hot air balloons, Göreme open-air museum, and beautiful palace ruins.
breathtaking coastline
Turkey has a vast Mediterranean coastline, one of the most popular and beautiful coastlines in Europe.
Combined with the country's rich cultural appeal, this means it attracts a diverse range of travelers and is the perfect destination to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Turkish Riviera spans over 600 km and consists of hundreds of different beaches. It is famous for its outstanding beauty, golden sandy beaches and mountainous landscapes.
Huge resorts like Marmaris and Dalaman have the typical tourist restaurants, bars, and clubs, but there are also many smaller towns that offer a more authentic and intimate experience.
There's never a bad time to visit the Turkish Riviera.
However, the busiest times are around the peak summer months of July and August.
travel on a budget
Want to explore Europe without spending a lot of money? Simply put, you get more for your money in Turkiye.
The cost of living in Turkey is lower than in most European countries, so goods and services are also much cheaper.
It's a great place to buy inexpensive souvenirs or get a haircut.
Turkish cuisine is world-famous, but it's also incredibly affordable.
A meal at a restaurant in the heart of Istanbul's Old City costs about 330 Turkish Liras ($9.85), and a specialty coffee at the hotel bar costs 90 Turkish Liras ($2.50).
Street food such as simple breakfast rolls and freshly squeezed juices are considerably cheaper than this.
To stretch your budget further in Turkiye, consider traveling out of season. Accommodation rates in January and February are very affordable. Plus, the streets will feel empty and you'll have many of the best sights to yourself.
If you want to splurge without having to buy luxury goods, Turkiye is also a great option. In Turkey's Antalya region alone he has 421 of his five-star hotels. This is more than the number of five-star hotels in all of Spain. However, these 5-star establishments are still cheaper in Turkey.
friendly people
The Turkish people are warm and welcoming. They have embraced the tourism industry and the travelers that come with it.
When I walk down the street, I'm often approached by shop owners who want to show me their wares. If you decide to go for a walk or shop, don't be surprised if you're offered a seat and a cup of Turkish or apple tea.
Turkish people take hospitality very seriously and will do everything they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Their joy and enthusiasm is contagious and the people are a big part of what makes Turkiye a popular destination.
read more:
Top 5 travel insurance plans starting at $10 a week
How to easily earn points with free travel
↓ Please join the community ↓
of Travel Off Pass Community FB Group Get the latest news, conversations and Q&As about reopening every day.
Subscribe to latest posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest travel news straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any organization included in the post.
