The best places for photography in Turkey and general travel tips for Turkey (adventure, luxury, and culture).
“This place should be a World Wonder… definitely over Petra.”
Alyssa took the words right out of my mouth. We’d both been booked as speakers for the World Tourism Forum in Turkey and leveraged it to explore Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir, Istanbul and Ephesus.
“Can whole countries be world wonders?!”
Wow. One of the best weeks of my life. But we almost didn’t come to Turkey.
We agreed to disagree with our initial thoughts — we regret our hesitation to visit Turkey. We’d asked ourselves and our American friends, is it safe to travel in Turkey now? Is it safe to travel to Turkey as Americans?
Both Alyssa Ramos and I are solo female travelers. While we intended on meeting up, per usual, we asked ourselves about travel warnings of traveling to Turkey as women.
The answer is that Istanbul is a major city as safe as NYC, Barcelona and Rome. Quite frankly, there is more political unrest and crime against women in the USA than there is most parts of the world that we brand with “dangerous.”
That being said, Turkey and Turkish culture is as delightful as Turkish desserts. We spent over a week exploring Turkey and had the most incredible time!
In this post:
- What’s in my camera bag
- Photo guide to the best places in Turkey.
- How to get around while traveling in Turkey.
- The best things to do for bucket list experiences in Turkey.
- When to travel in Turkey.
- What to pack for Turkey.
What to shoot photography with:
First things first, I shoot with a DSLR and an iPhone. Check out these tools to get the best photos on your next trip!
- Canon 70D, with a free extra battery + memory card.
- Canon 24-70 mm lens (standard zoom lens) available on Spring (with warranty) which is great for lifestyle photos.
- Canon Wide Lens 20 mm which is great for wide landscapes.
- I mostly shoot photos of myself by using the Manfrotto tripod, it folds up nicely.
If this all sounds a bit confusing, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Photography | Which Camera is Right for You post.
I also do a lot of iPhone Only Photography (check out my guide)
Here’s all the must-do photo experiences in Turkey:
In a rush?
1. Take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
A bucket list experience for travel in Turkey, sunrise in Cappadocia is magical. Start your pre-morning with a quick (limited) continental breakfast before embarking on a flight with 12 – 26 of your *closest* friends.
Excuse the sass, it really is a perfect experience and you can upgrade from a standard to a private tour when booking in advance! Regardless, you’ll find yourself 4 – 20km above the ground, and love every bit of it no matter who you’re sharing it with.
Tips for the Turkey hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia:
- If the winds are too strong, the company will delay flights until the following morning — give yourself an extra day or two in Cappadocia as a backup — or to catch the balloons from looking point.
- If you’d like to get beyond the main town in Cappadocia, you’ll need a car — however, the hot air balloon companies do hotel pick ups.
- It gets a little cold, so bundle up! You also have to climb in and out of the hot air balloon basket, so wear pants or leggings.
Floating like a butterfly in the magical land of Cappadocia.
Hot air balloon Cappadocia, Turkey with Alyssa Ramos from My Life’s a Movie
2. Get aerial photos while paragliding in Pamukkale.
We had just finished strolling the travertine pools of Pamukkale when our driver surprised us with great news: “It’s not too late to go paragliding in Pamukkale.” Within in 15 minutes, we were at the top of a mountain… running off of it with a parachute.
You can book paragliding through your hotel or anywhere in the town. It’s AMAZING a bucket-list adventure for sure!
BTW check out my ultimate guide to GoPro Photography Tips + Accessories
3. Actually, take a walk in Pamukkale too.
If you’re not in a dare-devil mood, the Pamukkale thermal pools are the unicorn of natural national parks. Translating from Turkish to “cotton castles,” these white terraces mirage as snow glaciers, but are actually deposits of calcium carbonate.
During the winter, the park closes at 5:00 PM (which is why we took cheeky photos at 5:15, thus dodging the crowds). During the spring and summer, the park is open until midnight.
You can bring your swimsuit for a swim, but it does get cold during the winter.
4. Explore Ephesus
The Greek City of Ephesus holds strong Christian significance in the Book of Revelation. It’s an Ancient World Wonder and a quick trip from the Andan Menderes Airport.
I took on to photographing Alyssa for this part of the trip! Follow her on Instagram @MyLifesAMovie
But the sites stand majestically on their own.
5. Visit the Blue Mosque
Notoriously, the most popular of all points of interest in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque lives up to the hype! So nice, I visited it twice at sunrise.
It’s free to visit the mosque; however during hours of prayer, you will be asked to respectfully give those in worship due space. Don’t be surprised if you can’t get to parts of the mosque or set down a tripod during prayer.
6. Stay in a Cave in Cappadocia
Move over seven star hotels of Abu Dhabi! There’s nothing like living in a cave of an underground city. Volcanoes hollowed out rocks over centuries; these became people’s homes and eventually, Turkey points of interest for a luxe lodging experience.
Enjoy a rooftop meal of your cave hotel in Cappadocia.
And sleep in a restored cave where antique classics meet modern restrooms, electricity and comfort.
We stayed at the Amber Cave Suites (above) and Museum Hotel (cover photo).
7. Tour the underground city.
There are thirty-six underground cities in Cappadocia, with the most popular being the Kaymakli Underground City (pictured below). The cave dwelling boasts an intricate defense against enemies. From ventilation systems, to traps, wineries, churches and nurseries, the engineering of 100 tunnels and eight stories makes this one of the most fascinating cities I’ve yet to visit.
8. Find a rooftop in Istanbul.
Istanbul is known for eccentric art and funky rooftops. Indulge in hookah, wine or Turkish coffee with a view of the only mid Euro-Asian metropolitan city.
9. Chase the blue eyes in Cappadocia
Iconic of Turkey, the blue eyes or “Nazars,” protects against the evil eye — all those with envy wishing bad upon you.
Just up the road overlooking the trees is a restaurant. We asked them if we could take our tea outside to the rooftop, and they concurred.
10. Have a walk within Hagia Sophia
Meaning “Holy Wisdom,” the now museum has evolved as a Christian Church, Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Cathedral, and Imperial Mosque. Take a walk inside and you’ll appreciate its majestic domes too.
11. Goreme National Park, Cappadocia
Goreme National Park describes the entire area, but there are rock sites that have nicknames including Rose Valley, Mushroom Valley and Imagination Valley. Ask your guide or driver to tour you through the fairy chimney and volcanic rock formations.
12. Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul
Great at sunrise or sunset, capture the mosques from afar via Istanbul’s Bosphorus bridge.
How to Get Around in Turkey
- Fly into Istanbul Atatürk Airport, making the Istanbul tour of your trip the first or last bit of your loop. Next, we flew to Neveshir airport (super cheap… $25 – $40) to see Cappadocia for a couple days. We then flew to Izmir to meet our guide and took an hour drive to Ephesus. Next a three and a half hour drive to Pamukkale. We then drove an hour to the Denizli airport where we flew back to Istanbul.
- Get a visa online before arriving to the Istanbul airport. You can get one on arrival, although it takes another line and they only take cash. They also seemed to be very upset that I didn’t have my visa ahead of time.
- Taxis vs Uber: Use an Uber whenever possible in Istanbul. They only have Uber X which seats six, however Istanbul is notorious for over-charging tourists in cabs. Your cab rate will end up being 2 – 3xs it’s actual cost — you’re better off taking an Uber.
When to travel in Turkey
- The high season is during the summer. The weather is hot and prices shoot up to almost three times the cost.
- You’ll catch low rain during the winter, but you’ll dodge the crowds.
- The best time to travel is really during the spring.
What to pack for your trip to Turkey
Definitely pack a pashmina or scarf to visit the mosques. They also make for an easy way to dress up a much more comfortable outfit.
I wish I would have packed more maxi skirts. Not only are they comfortable and adhering the the conservative needs of the mosques you’ll visit, but they look great in photos!
For photos, I shoot with an iPhone 7, GoPro 4, Go Pro Session, and Canon 70D.
Photography Guides:
The Ultimate Guide to iPhone Photography: Tips, Accessories, Features, Apps
The Ultimate Guide to GoPro Accessories + Tips
Beginner’s Guide to the Best Photography Equipment
See complete packing lists
Swimsuits for Women
Paradise Attire for Men
Outdoor and Fitness Attire for Women
Outdoor and Active Wear for Men
Snow Wear for Women
Snow Wear for Men
Which spots would you add as the
best places for photography in Turkey?
Thank You
A big thank you to the World Tourism Forum for inviting me to speak on behalf of destination marketing. I was able to take cheeky side trips with their help and some planing with Alyssa Ramos of MyLifeIsAMovie.com
World Tourism Forum February 2017, in Istanbul, Turkey
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Great post! I’ve been to Istanbul, it’s an amazing city. Cappadocia and Pamukkale are totally on my bucket list, and now I’m adding the paragliding and the hotel cave too. :)
Thanks for reading! I had done Istanbul in the past and I’m really glad I went back to add on Cappadocia and Pamukkale! Enjoy :)
Great Post! Love your travel guide! Actually Im living in Istanbul for one year but I didnt visit Cappadocia and Pamukkale. I have to do it!
You absolutely have to do it! I went to Istanbul in the past and it is an incredible city, but Pamukkale and Cappadocia are also really unique!
Hi, this was an awesome blog! I am going to Turkey in June and I am beyond excited! May I ask what the restaurant was called where they allowed you to sit on the roof and drink tea? Thanks! Safe travels!
Hi Jennifer, thanks for reading! I’m not sure of the name of the restaurant, however, it’s the ONLY one above the lookout point with the trees of evil eyes. If it would be helpful, I can connect you to our private tour guide. He’s the one that arranged little things like this along our trip.
Fantastic post steph… u really hadna great time in turkey…we will be in turkey on may next month and would like to some photog also… can i get urrr tour guide contact ..tks
Thanks for reading!
great post! Would also love the contact for your guide!
Let me look into that for you!
Nice information about turki places
Hi! Wonderful photos.! I’m visiting Turkey in June! Where was the first picture taken, the one in the pool overlooking that amazing view with hot air ballons!??
The pool is at the Museum Hotel in Cappadocia :)
Wow, amazing photos. I see I should finally visit Turkey :)
Yes, it’s so nice — I’ve done it twice! If you go, let me know and I can recommend some people to show you around :)
Great blog post! This is going to help me so much the next time I visit Turkey!
You’ll love it!
Great post…I’m visiting Turkey this summer and i would love to have the contact of your guide😇
Hi! I am so sorry, I just caught your comment. I’m looking into the exact contact information for future readers! Thanks
That is very helpful tips for any traveler. This 12 place is the awesome place. There most interesting place is the Blue Mosque. I 1st time see the Blue Mosque, That is wonderful Mosque.Thanks for sharing your amazing picture.
Literally did all of these things on my first visit to Turkey. Spent a month there traveling around. But we also went to Troy, Galipoli, and Bodrum and surrounding towns. Will be going back again next summer. My boyfriend is from Turkey so that helps :)
Oooh sounds like I have a few spots to add for my next trip! Thanks for sharing and thanks for reading!
My dance group & I travelled to all these places . Goreme was the best – great food & people . In fact everywhere we went people were lovely & personable . We also went on river cruises in Dalyan- small river boats , ruins , beaches , mud baths & much more . I love turkey more than anywhere else I have travelled . And the shopping !!!
Hi There!
Awesome photos. Absolutely unique and loved the fact that your outfits fit every location you went to and the colors. Californian here, alumni from UC Irvine and Pepperdine (dont worry, I am a bruin at heart when it comes to football because neither school has a FB team lol). I am going to Turkey on the 14th. Do you have any recommendations for Hotels in Istanbul? Hope you enjoy the travels :)
Hi Melody, thanks for reading! I wasn’t ecstatic about my hotel in Istanbul, so I didn’t include it in the roundup. I don’t have a recommendation that I’ve personally experienced, but you should register for my app http://www.Buena.Life and see if any of your other friends have done Istanbul.
Thank you so much for the info on your blog, Stephanie. I will DL right now. I am actually in Turkey right now. We picked a hotel and its actually been very great. I am not sure if I am allowed to write the name of the hotel because I dont want to solicit. But I recommend it, very good breakfast!
Thanks Melody, Enjoy your trip!
Thanks for the wonderful information and amazing photos:) I am a photographer who loves to travel and would like to ask if it is okay to do a fashion style photoshoot with a model in istanbul (outdoors) without a formal permission etc? I am not really a pro just need to make some good images at good locations
Thanks for reading! Regarding permission, you’d have to ask specific destinations. We asked for permission at the Museum Hotel in Cappadocia. The National Parks were okay to shoot and so were the mosques, as long as it wasn’t during prayer. Enjoy!
Sorry if this is off-topic but do you have breast implants? If you do, could be a good blog post to talk about why you decided to do that and perceptions of appearance around the world and things like that? Keep up the great work!
Hi Julia,
Interesting question. No, I don’t have breast implants and would agree that perceptions regarding appearance varies around the world. Check out Buzzfeed for some great videos and articles on the topic.
Cheers
Hey Stephanie! Can i know if the first picture under topic 6. Stay in a cave hotel is at the Ambers Cave Suite or Museum Hotel? I am looking for the perfect cave hotel that gives awesome view of the hot air balloons going up but the only one i can find is Sultan Cave Suites and that is completely sold out on the dates im going. Do you have any recommendation?
That is the Ambers Cave Suites and we loved it. Honestly, I would worry less about getting a good view from your hotel, and more about going to a good spot to capture the experience. Ask the guides/ hotel staff to take you to a good spot for pictures.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful experience with us.
http://www.lovemytour.com/
Thanks for reading!
Hello, these are beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing. Would you say it is safe to travel around Turkey right now? I plan to go next year in May. I was also wondering if you can share how is it possible for one to sustain your life style ? Do you work remotely?
Istanbul is about as safe as New York city, Los Angeles or any major urban city with conflict. Pamukkale and Cappadocia were SO safe without a doubt. If safety is your concern, I wouldn’t spend too much time at night alone in Istanbul — but the country in general is amazing. I have a few blog posts on how to work and travel — explore the site!
I know this is late, but thank you for replying to this comment! I plan on traveling next May and I really needed information like this!
Lately I was wondering to go on an adventurous travel trip to various countries across the globe and every kind of traveler wants to indulge their wanderlust grabbing the best travel experience.
Through blog post, even I feel to take up the challenge of travelling and exploring different places.
You have described your journey in a beautiful way. Congratulations, Thank you and keep up this awesome work.
Regards,
Domnick (India)
Hello!! I Love the post. Could you tell me what time of the year you went. I want to go end February to early March 2018, not too sure if the weather will prevent me from enjoying the things on your list. Thank you :)
Hi! Great question. I flew out of Los Angeles on February 14 and was there mid through late February. I believe this is a great time to go! Cappadocia was a little cold, but nothing that kept us from adventure!
Thats awsome. I needed to hear that from someone. Im looking foward to my trip in Feb then. Thank you :)
Happy to help!
Hi , I really love the post and all information about best place for photography. I wish if you can book for two photographers for 10 days at turkey. If you can , so the dates from 1-2-2018 to 11-2-2018.
Have you ever visited Ankara?
No I visited Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir, and Alanya.
Where is the main picture from? The one with the pool and the balloons
Museum Hotel
Hi Stephanie, great tips! Im going to follow the route you took!! Can you share your Ephesus and Pamukkale tour guide info?
Lufti organized everything from Ephesus to Pamukkale, then he set us up with the guide in Cappadocia.
https://www.facebook.com/lutfi.baydar.9
That’s the best way to contact him. He’s an incredible help!
Great post Stephanie! What was your itinerary (eg # of days/nights in each place and transportation between)? We’d love to see Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Antalya or Alanya but only have about 6 days so that may be pushing it given the travel time needed between these
Dazzling Pictures. Great Eye Candies. Made me jealous today.
I want a girl photographer? Where I should find it
Thanks most for inscribing this one! As a brand new to the scene travel blogger it’s nice to browse quality like this.Great content, Thanks once more.
I love İstanbul in Turkey! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading!
WE WILL PLANNING TO GO IN JANUARY 2019.Weather will prevent me from enjoying the things on your list. Thank you
The place looks really worth taking photos..Thanks for sharing!!
HEYYYYY!!! I LOVE READING YOUR BLOG. ITS FULL OF ADVENTURE.
its my dream one day to visit in turkey and now i cnt wait
You’ll love it!
Wow! Great photos, girls. I’m just getting into photography.
Thanks! I have a few photography tips in my posts. Check out the side bar!
amassing pictures
amassing pictures and assum places
Really interesting. I wish I were there.
Wow!!! So many great things
congrats for all your travels, your work, and pictures !!!!
I visited Turkey for the first time last fall and had a few days in Istanbul. Next time I would like to visit Capdadoccia
First time I went to this website (found it through Google) and was expecting one of these boring “this is how you get good pictures in Turkey” posts that simply didnt add any value (or great examples). But…DAMN! You are killing it!
Thanks a lot – flight tickets (soon) booked! :D
You are goals! I have always wanted to visit turkey!
Beautiful pictures!
Hi, thank you a lot to leave such wonderful guidance for us. I will visit Turkey about fourteen days with my closer friend there in May. We would love to follow your tips to try every charming places and enjoy sunrise.
Nice pictures your awesome.
Very nice post! That’s a great website I have visited, thank you for your essentials words. Give a billion thumbs to you
Great post! These photos are quite amazing! Thanks for sharing these tips.
https://elsale.co/
Awesome images. I heard Turkey is a culturul blend of Europe and Asia. Turkey is in my bucket list
Turkey is one of my favorites countries and indeed, there are so many places and spots that deserve to be visited <3 great photos :)
Thank you!
Ohh.. Awesome.. I really Enjoyed your Phorography.. It’s Really Great.. All the Best Go ahead.. :)
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I am planning to visit Turkey. Thanks for sharing about this amazing country.
Wow ! Awesome great things and pictures are too good. wish there too.
This is a great article and amazing pictures, thank’ for sharing.
Beautiful pictures.
Thanks for your exploration about turkey its really good thanks for posting this.
very beautiful pictures.
Great Information.I want to travel Turkey for 2 weeks. Can you share some travel tips to visit Turkey.
Awesome Content , beautiful photos and lovely you. Thanks for sharing !
Hi, I Like your article,its amazing feeling when you don’t know that what you will do on your travel . when you see mountain snow lush greenery than you think now i have achieved the whole world.
Stunning Images. Beautiful place
wow!! so many great things , This looks pretty amazing :)
Hi, thank you for your tips, i love this blog :)
I’m planning a trip to instanbul and your tips will be very useful.
Thank you :)
Great article. I like to travel to Turkey next year (2020) with my family. Heard a lot about Turkish food. Which is the best time to visit with family (Wife, a 4year old child and me).
Paragliding is scary or enjoyable, I don’t know. Must have to try in my life at-least one time. Thanks for posting
Fantastic photos. Balloons are amazing on this country.
I enjoyed your adventures and your experiences, it’s great! very nice pictures
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This is a great list, Thanks for sharing this
Hi! Turkey is one of my bucket list this year and I’m planning to travel their next year. This blog makes me feel better and gets me more to go in Turkey. I really want to go in those mosques their and take a picture of it. Especially those in countries where Muslims are the majority because I’m a Muslim and at the same time I can pray while traveling and exploring the amazing country at the same time. Thanks for sharing this blog. It means alot!
wowwwwww its really amazing places my friend thank you for sharing.
Wow! Your picture really inspires us to visit Turkey :)
Thanks for this amazing piece of content. I wanna visit all the places someday.
Thank you for assembling this post with so many amazing places. After reading this I am decided to visit Turkey. Also I love your blog! I also love that at the beginning of the post you specified how much time is needed to read it. I definitely need to see at least half of these places!
Just astonished with your photographs. Every photos are dashing.
Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures! Started following you on Instagram :).
Well written article very informative though. Such places in the country which is known as the “Sick man of Europe” cause inquisitiveness of higher degree..
I heard Turkey is a cultural blend of Europe and Asia. Turkey is a must-do to the bucket list of everyone. I was amazed by the photography as well.
Great post! And these pictures are truly breathtaking!
I hope to visit Turkey one day (was actually planning to for a friends wedding but 2020 happened lol)
Saving this for the day we’re finally able to visit again!
I’ve only been to Istanbul for now, but Cappadocia is super high on my bucket list. The thing is I want to do the hot air balloon ride, but I’m scared of heights and I’m afraid I won’t enjoy the experience as much. Does it fly that high? And how is the landing?:S
All these beautiful places are definitely on the one day list. How incredible these photos are
Beautiful places and your pictures are great! We will definitely put these places on our list for our next travel. Some places are not for those who are afraid of heights but I think it’s definitely worth it. Thank you for sharing.
I’m planning to visit Istanbul next year, and I will definitely keep in mind your tip to indulge in wine or Turkish coffee from a rooftop! After reading your post, I’m wondering if we should add Cappadocia to our itinerary or just stick to Istanbul as planned.
This is incredible! I would like to visit all of them one day.
Turkey has been on my bucket list for the past 2 years now. I hoping to make it out there next year. I would love to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia. Thank you, for sharing these beautiful photos, definitely got me wanderlusting!
I wonder what you think about Pamukkale… Is it still worth it to visit or is it suffering from overtourism and is just not as good anymore? I heard that the travertines are empty and looking bad.
Amazing blog, thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you so much for this amazing photography tips!
Awesome list of photography spots in Turkey! For anyone traveling and snapping pics, staying connected is a must. I used Zetexa’s eSIM during my trip, and it was super convenient. No need to switch SIM cards, and I had reliable data everywhere, which made it easy to share my photos and find these beautiful locations. Highly recommend it.
Taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia has been on my bucket list for such a long time and now I just added many more reasons why I should visit Turkey!
Thank you for sharing your blog post! Your enthusiasm for photography and travel in Turkey is contagious. The blend of personal experiences and practical tips makes it a fantastic guide. The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia and paragliding in Pamukkale sound incredible! I also appreciate your safety tips for female travelers. Great job! I look forward to reading more of your adventures!