Once made with raw meat, çiğ köfte has transformed over time into one of Turkey’s most beloved vegetarian street foods. It’s made from fine bulgur wheat, tomato paste, hot pepper, pomegranate molasses, and a bold mix of spices. The mixture is hand-kneaded until smooth, shaped into bite-sized portions or rolled into wraps, and served with fresh lettuce, lemon, and sometimes mint.

The taste is bold and spicy, the texture is pleasantly unique, and each bite leaves a memorable impression. For vegetarians and curious food lovers alike, çiğ köfte offers a healthy and exciting way to dive into Turkey’s local flavors. It’s easy to find — from busy street stalls to casual food counters — and can be enjoyed at any time of day. Watching the preparation is part of the experience: the rhythmic kneading and skilled rolling of the wrap makes the process as satisfying as the taste itself. Whether eaten as a quick snack or a light meal, çiğ köfte proves that with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a street food that’s packed with flavor and character.

Known as “Islak Hamburger’’, the Turkish wet burger is a steamy, saucy snack that’s practically a celebrity on Istanbul’s iconic Istiklal Street. Soft burger buns are soaked in a garlicky tomato-based sauce and kept warm in a steamed glass box until served — hot, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t be fooled by its humble appearance; this burger has a cult following, especially among night owls and late-night wanderers. It’s messy, addictive, and unforgettable — everything a great street food should be.

Across the bustling streets of Istanbul or the sunlit coastlines of Izmir, you’ll find vendors selling midye dolma — plump mussels stuffed with herbed rice, pine nuts, and a hint of cinnamon. Served cold with a generous squeeze of lemon, each bite is a salty, spicy, and slightly sweet taste of the Mediterranean. Locals eat them standing up, often counting how many they’ve eaten only after they’re full. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack that brings the sea right to your palate. One is never enough — and that’s exactly the point.

Kokoreç may be one of Turkey’s most daring street foods — and one of its most beloved. Made from seasoned and grilled lamb intestines wrapped tightly on a skewer, then finely chopped and mixed with spices before being served in crispy bread, this rich and aromatic delicacy surprises many travelers. Though the ingredients may sound intimidating, one bite is enough to turn hesitation into obsession. Often found at bustling street corners and local markets, kokoreç is part of Turkish street food culture’s bold personality. For adventurous foodies, it’s not just a meal — it’s a rite of passage.

Simit is one of the most iconic and beloved street foods in Turkey. This golden, sesame-crusted circular bread appears on street carts from the early morning, fresh out of the oven. Often enjoyed with a glass of strong Turkish tea served in a tulip-shaped glass, simit is not just a quick and affordable snack — it’s a daily ritual deeply woven into the lives of locals. With roots dating back to the Ottoman era, it carries cultural significance as well as culinary delight. Whether shared with seagulls on a ferry ride, paired with cheese and olives in a park, or savored plain while strolling through city streets, simit is a symbol of Turkish simplicity and hospitality. For every traveler visiting Turkey, holding a warm simit in one hand and sipping tea with the other is more than a snack — it’s a moment of immersion into local life. Eating simit is one of the simplest yet most authentic ways to experience the true flavor of Turkey.

Start your journey on the vibrant Aegean coast in Kuşadası and step back in time.
Explore Ephesus, where ancient architecture tells stories of grandeur and glory—from the Library of Celsus to the marble-paved streets and towering theatre.
Just a short drive away, the House of Virgin Mary offers a serene and spiritual retreat in the forested hills.
But the journey doesn’t end there.
The next day, travel inland to one of Turkey’s most otherworldly landscapes: Pamukkale. Known as the “Cotton Castle,” its white travertine terraces, formed by thermal waters, are a wonder to walk barefoot.
Above them lies Hierapolis—an ancient Roman spa city where you can explore ruins of theatres, temples, and a vast necropolis.
And don’t forget to bring your swimwear! The Antique Pool (Cleopatra’s Pool) invites you to bathe among sunken Roman columns in warm, mineral-rich water.
This tour through western Turkey is a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty—all in one unforgettable experience.

With surreal landscapes sculpted by wind and time, mysterious underground cities, and a living cultural heritage, Cappadocia is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is known for its fairy chimneys, rock-cut dwellings, and ancient churches.
Stay in authentic cave hotels and truly feel the spirit of this unique land. Discover the underground cities that once served as safe havens for early civilizations.
Explore the open-air museum of Göreme, with its vivid frescoes. Wander through the fantastical terrain of Pasabag (Monks Valley) and visit the pottery workshops of Avanos, where artisans shape clay using ancient techniques.
In Belisirma Village, stroll past stone houses and terraced gardens tucked into the valleys. Gaze over Pigeon Valley, where thousands of dovecotes dot the cliffs—a silent testament to the region’s harmony with nature.
And of course, the experience of a lifetime: a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Drift peacefully above the magical terrain as the light of dawn paints the valleys below.
Cappadocia is more than a destination—it’s a living dream carved in stone.

Just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, the Princes’ Islands offer a peaceful escape where time slows down and nature, history, and serenity blend beautifully. The largest and most popular island, Büyükada, charms visitors with its historic wooden mansions, pine forests, and absence of cars—making it perfect for cycling, leisurely strolls, or taking a ride in one of the eco-friendly electric carriages. A hike up to the famous Aya Yorgi Church rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and Istanbul’s silhouette. Nearby Heybeliada offers a quieter, more relaxed experience, featuring coastal walking paths, cozy cafes, and the historic Halki Seminary, nestled among the island’s green hills. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a day of calm exploration, or a refreshing change of pace, these islands provide a unique blend of natural beauty and timeless charm—making them an unforgettable part of any Istanbul visit.