On the frequently asked question: “What do you know about the best cities in Turkey?", people usually start thinking of its luxurious 5-star hotels, the iridescent sea, and the tantalizing sun.
Travelers from all over the world go to this fabulous country not only for beach holidays but also to learn more about the culture and history of ancient civilizations, that formerly inhabited this land.
Turkey is widely perceived by many foreigners primarily as a holiday destination. But it is also great for permanent residence, thanks to the loyal migration laws. If you want, you can easily buy a property in Turkey and stay for a long time. Getting citizenship is not very difficult. And getting a permanent residence permit, especially with the initial capital, is frankly easy.
Contrary to stereotypes, Turkey - is a modern country, where it is a pleasure to live.
To move to a country and not be disappointed, you need to approach it competently. And the first thing you need to figure out is where to live best and which city to visit.
Best Cities in Turkey to live
İstanbul
If you ask our expert point on the question - what are the best cities in Turkey to live in and where do people prefer to buy property for commercial purposes - the top city on this list will be rated by gorgeous Istanbul. It is not only a beautiful and one of the most expensive cities in the jurisdiction but also the most promising for investors from all corners of the world.
This is a huge metropolis, where everyone is constantly moving to. The population is over 16 million, which means endless crowds. Istanbul never sleeps, day or night.
Istanbul stands on the Bosphorus Channel, which divides it into Asian and European parts. Here you can find ancient buildings and magnificent sights, bordering on modern graffiti and youth nightlife. This combination of eras creates the illusion of duality of times, meeting in one place at one time.
It is also the largest business center, open for international communications and gathering entrepreneurs and investors in all sectors of the economy under its wings. Suitable for owners of large companies looking for a way to enter the international market by registering a business in Istanbul's Free Economic Zone. The city offers good prospects for real estate investors as the tourist flow to this place does not stop all year round.
The high level of education and medical care attracts students and retirees who are ready to move to Turkey for their bright future and peaceful old age.
There are several English-speaking schools in Istanbul, where your children can get a decent education additionally to the Turkish language.
Ankara
Ankara
is the capital of Turkey. Located in the center of the country, it is home to
major government buildings, great history, and a very traditional atmosphere.
For those who want to experience real Turkish life and see one of the main
cities of Turkey, a visit to Ankara is a must.
Many tourists try to avoid Ankara and prefer Istanbul, but this is a mistake because the capital is a great place to explore too. It is very modern and fun and you will find some great restaurants and nightlife here.
Best cities in Turkey to visit
What
first comes to your mind when you think about the best cities in Turkey to visit?
One of the most famous photos of travelers around the world is of balloons over Cappadocia, and it is really a must-see. The extraordinary landscape here is something to behold, and the so-called "fairy chimneys," formed by years of rock erosion, are truly magnificent. You can even stay in a traditional cave hotel!
As an alternative, or maybe another option, you can go to Saklikent National Park in Antalya, where you can do canyoning, rock climbing, and river rafting, but whatever you choose, this place really takes your breath away.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is one of the best tourist attractions for anyone in Turkey. Whether you are a nature lover or not, you will surely be amazed by the extraordinary properties of this huge thermal spring. This natural UNESCO World Heritage Site is located deep in southeastern Turkey and is considered as a perfect day trip for major coastal cities.
Millennia of endless flow of water and mineral deposits have formed a spectacular concentration of travertine terraces, clear water, and white limestone that shimmers under the Turkish sun. People have been visiting these hot springs and pools since antiquity when the Roman city of Hierapolis (Holy City) was located here.
Although the pools and terraces themselves are nowadays closed to visitors, you can still see them up close on the footpaths. It is also worth visiting the Roman ruins and museums located within the city. Pamukkale is one of the best places in Turkey for a day trip between the coastal resorts.
Best Cities in Turkey for Holidays
The best cities in Turkey for holidays are the cities and resorts for recreation like Istanbul, Marmaris, Antalya, Kemer, and Belek.
Istanbul is the historical center of Turkey, which tends to visit those travelers who do not like resort countries. In Istanbul, you can admire sights such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Christ the Savior Church in Chora, the Archaeological Museum, shopping at the famous Kapaly Charshi (Great Bazaar), and finally take a ride on the Bosporus - the strait that connects Asia and Europe.
Most people are surprised when they see how much nightlife there is in Turkey. Of course, it is not everywhere, and some of the small towns and villages are still more traditional in terms of beer houses, that are mostly for men only, etc., but you will also find many international and modern bars.
Taksim and Beşiktaş in Istanbul are ideal for partygoers, but Izmir and Antalya will also appeal to you. Taksim is the home of some very bustling nightclubs if that's what you're after!
In addition, the beach resorts on the south coast such as Marmaris, Gümbet, Bodrum, and Alanya also have plenty of bars and nightclubs.
Best Cities in Turkey for Honeymoon
Let’s
review the best cities in Turkey for an unforgettable honeymoon to spend with your soulmate.
Antalya
Antalya is not only an entire region of Turkey but also a big city.
With some of the most fascinating beaches in close proximity, as well as historical ruins and wonderful natural landmarks, such as the romantic view from the top of Mount Tahtali (don't worry, there is a cable car), this city offers everything honeymooners need.
If you want your honeymoon to take place at a less hectic pace, you can stay at Lara Beach, a short distance from the town itself.
Here you'll find some impressive five-star hotels, including the famous Titanic Resort. It's luxurious with a capital "L" and the perfect place for honeymooners.
Olu Deniz is a dream destination for honeymooners as well.
Olu Deniz with its blue sea, white sand, and endless entertainment is definitely one of the popular destinations for a good reason.
It's also one of the best places in the world to go paragliding, so maybe you can do it as a couple and preserve some amazing memories of your honeymoon!
With massive, towering mountains and pinewoods lining your sight, it's a place you'll fall in love with right away.
The area is also where you will find the famous Blue Lagoon, with water so clear you won't believe your eyes.
There are many ruins in the area, located on the famous Lycian Alley, and you can also go to the Valley of the Butterflies.
All these and many upscale hotels are designed for honeymooners, such as Garcia Resort & Spa or Belcekiz Beach Club.
Best Cities in Turkey in Winter
Many people assume that Turkey is only a summer destination.
It’s true that during the summer months, the sun shines endlessly, the rain stays away (mostly), and temperatures soar, making the beaches and the islands incredible destinations.
There is more than enough to do during the summer months, but have you ever thought about the best cities in Turkey for visiting in winter?
About the weather in Turkey, the
warmest winter month is December. The temperature stays between +12 to +15
degrees, and in Side or Izmir, the water is still only +18 degrees. If you look
closely, you can even see the daredevils who swim.
In January and February, it's already winter by local standards - the temperature stays at 10-12 degrees. The snow is uncommon here, but the cold rains are more common. So pack your hooded jackets if the rain catches you off-guard.
Popular ski resorts in Turkey
●Uludag in Bursa
●Mount Erciyes in Kayseri
●Palandoken in Erzurum
●Karpete in Izmit
●Sarykamysh in Kars
●Saklıkent in Antalya.
In December the ski resorts are open, so you can devote your vacation to winter sports. In the second half of December, the hotels are already in full swing for New Year's programs and animation shows.
So winter tours are also very popular. And do not forget about the warm pools! There are outdoor and indoor, but we recommend choosing the indoor ones with a warm pool and water parks - so there is less risk of getting sick due to temperature change.
Many people like to visit Istanbul for New Year’s Eve, but it’s so unbelievably busy that you probably won’t be able to move.
In my opinion, a better spot is Izmir. This is a modern and historic city with a stylish flair. There is shopping on par with Istanbul, and if you want, you can travel less than one hour to Kusadasi, a beautiful and vibrant beach town with a historic castle.
Best Cities in Turkey for students
Turkey is one of the best educational destinations that are only gaining popularity among foreign students. However, each year the number of best cities in Turkey for students grows at an impressive pace. Every year more and more students from Europe come to study at Turkish universities.
At the expense of special grants and scholarships in Turkey, you can get not only high quality but also affordable education in Turkish or English.
Despite the fact that studying in Turkey is cheap in comparison with other countries in Europe and Asia, there are scholarships in Turkey for foreigners, which cover the cost of education by 50% and even 100%!
Today there are about 700,000 international students from all over the world studying at Turkish universities. There are more than 200 public and private universities in Turkey, and 9 of them are included in the QS World University Rankings 2020.
In Turkey, foreign students have a wide choice of public and private educational institutions, including universities that specialize in the humanities, technical disciplines, and scientific research.
Here are the best universities in Turkey for international students:
●Koç University, Istanbul
●Bilkent University, Ankara
●Sabanci University, Istanbul
●Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara
●Boğaziçi Üniversitesi, Istanbul
Best cities in Turkey for Expats
What about the best cities in Turkey and places for expats for moving? We have been looking into this answer from our clients as it is gaining more and more popularity.
Turkey offers an attractive prospect for
expats because of its low cost of living and cultural variety. If this sounds
ideal, here are the best places to live in Turkey. If price and affordability
of housing are decisive factors, consider the Fethiye region, which means the
experience of living by the sea.
The small town center and the resorts of Hisaronu, Ovajik, and Kalis Beach are home to a significant number of expatriates.
When choosing where to retire, if luxury is required, consider Kalkan. This place, located on the outskirts of the Antalya region, commands respect for its large luxury villas, most of which have stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
European and English emigrants prefer the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, anyone leaving a Middle Eastern destination will be comfortable living in Bursa, where they will find much in common in culture, food, and tradition.
A
few years ago, Bursa rarely appeared on the overseas property market, but new
developments in real estate and infrastructure are now attracting buyers from
near and far.
Top cities in Turkey
With its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bursa has a bonus that many other places don't have. Here is Mount Uludag, which is a skiing paradise in winter and a stunning natural beauty spot in summer.
The best places for European and English-speaking migrants to live in Turkey are big (or not so big) cities, mostly resorts. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle, you can also consider the suburbs. But the countryside will not suit the compatriots if they do not adhere to Islam.
Here the population is more conservative, suspicious of strangers, and not always correctly disposed towards Christians. However, if you choose the best place to live in Turkey, you won't notice any problems in terms of conflict between different religions. This is proven by the experience of many compatriots.
Turkey is a very promising country in regard to relocation for permanent residence. But for such a decision and not to be disappointed, you must understand exactly where you want to move.
Turkey has a lot of interesting cities with a lot to offer but each is different in cost, quality of life, climate, and specifications. It is therefore advisable to gather as much information as possible about all prospective locations before making a final decision so that you can make a good and informed decision.
As you can see, there is something for everyone in Turkey!
Tolerance Homes
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