Turkey: 2 days in Selcuk

@littlemisshappyfeet

We planned a 2 days stop in Selçuk because of its close proximity to Ephesus. Initially we thought of staying in the beautiful Greek Village of Şirince. However, due to shortage of budget, Selçuk was our best bet to score a good deal on accommodation. 

Turkey: 2 days in Pammukalle

@littlemisshappyfeet

We scored a cheap last minute bus ticket at Goreme bus stop and here we go-- off to the cotton castle! Bus company: Metroturizm

Quick Guide: Cappadocia, Turkey.

image via reddit

When travelling to the moon is impossible, travelling to Cappadocia, Turkey is perhaps the best alternative available. The bizarre landscape in Cappadocia is out of this world, you might find yourself wide-eyed-bewildered, repeatedly questioning yourself: "Am I still on the surface of the earth?"

Turkey: 3 days in Cappadocia

@littlemisshappyfeet

Cappadocia is located in Anatolian Region, Turkey. Besides its otherworldly landscape filled with unusual rock formations that look like mushrooms, cones and heads, this is a region with rich historical value. During the Roman era, early escaping Christians took shelter in various Cappadocian mountains and underground areas, creating the eerie underground cities.

Quick Guide: Istanbul, Turkey

Get around the city: 

1. Tram: Purchase tokens from the machines at the stations. 2 TL each. All transits are included (counted as single journey).
2. Bus: İETT city public buses accept tokens, while private buses (green and white) only take Lira.
3. Taxi: Always ask for a price quote before you hop on.
4. Metro: Uses tokens.
5. Walking: Istanbul is a fantastic city to explore by foot, however, prepare good walking shoes as some of the streets are cobbled and some are slopes. Get a map of the city from your hostel.

Savings: 

1. Purchase a "museum pass" (valid 3/5 days ) if you are interested in museums. It allows you to skip queues.
2. An "Istanbulkart" can save you a lot of money if you are planning to stay more than 3 days and you know you are using a lot of public transit. It is an electronic refillable card used on buses, trains, and ferries!Several people can share 1 card.

Accommodation: 

Book a hotel in the Sultanahmet district.
Recommendations: Cordial House (I find it cozy and welcoming)
OR If you have more than 1 travel buddies, you can save more by renting an apartment on Roomorama, Stayful, Airbnb, Travelpony. (click on the orange link, sign up to get discounts and free nights.)

Read more: 10 Golden rule to score a FREE hotel stay

Culture: 

1. Dress modestly when visiting religious establishments. Prepare headscarves if you are visiting mosque.
2. Wash hands and remove shoes before entering a mosque.

3. Haggle for the best price in Bazaar. However, do not overdo it. 

See: 

Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia
Sultanahment Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Obelisk of III. Tutmosis
Basilica Cistern
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Taksim Square
Dolmabahce palace
Süleymaniye Mosque
Galata Tower

Read more: 5 days in Istanbul (Itinerary Sharing)

Must Do: 

1. Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise.
2. Visit a Hamams.
3. Watch the Whirling Dervishes performance at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge.

4. Walk the Walls of Constantinople.
5. Haggle in Grand Bazaar.
6. Buy a Turkish Ice cream. Experience the fun. 

Read more: 15 FREE things to do in Istanbul

Must Eat:  

1. Balık ekmek at Eminonu pier.
2. Baclavas and turkish delight at Hafiz Mustafa.
3. Kebab at Sultanahmet Buhara Kebab House.

Read more: What to eat in Istanbul (15 MUST EATS)

Thank You for Reading! 

This post is based on my honest opinion and personal experience. 

 If you have more suggestions/ updates, feel free to share with us by commenting below!

Turkey: FREE things to do in Istanbul

1. Watch people getting prank. 

Dondurma or Turkish Ice cream is a special kind of ice cream that contains orchid root extract, making it chewy and stringy. The sellers will play tricks on customers when serving those ice creams.

2. Learn about different types of Turkish sweets through a glass window.

Turkey: What to eat in Istanbul

I always make a MUST-EAT list before I travel to any places. This is my list for Istanbul (updated after the trip):

1.  Dolma Köfte

www.nefisyemektarifleri.com

Turkey: 5 days in Istanbul

@littlemisshappyfeet

Historically also known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul is not an unfamiliar name for Malaysian students, especially those who took "Sejarah" seriously during SPM. Imagine my excitement when I saw all that I learnt about came to life in front of my very eyes.