17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Turkey
Turkey is a paradise for the budget backpacker, offering a seamless blend of ancient history and modern energy. By utilizing the extensive intercity bus network and indulging in world-famous street food like simit and dürüm, you can explore this vast country on an ultra-lean budget.
This 17-day journey takes you from the bustling bazaars of Istanbul through the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia and down to the turquoise shores of the Mediterranean. Expect to stay in social hostels and spend your days wandering through open-air museums and historic districts that don't cost a lira to enjoy.
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Old City Wonders
Sultanahmet Square
Start your journey at the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This public square is surrounded by history and is free to explore.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Marvel at the stunning Iznik tilework inside this iconic active mosque. Entry is free outside of prayer times; remember to dress modestly.
Arasta Bazaar
Skip the tourist traps and wander through this more relaxed bazaar behind the Blue Mosque for a look at traditional Turkish crafts.
Street Food Dinner at Eminönü
Grab a famous 'Balık Ekmek' (grilled fish sandwich) from the boats at the pier for a cheap and iconic Istanbul meal.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Markets & Hidden Alleys
Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Market)
Inhale the aromas of saffron, sumac, and Turkish delight. It is free to walk through and offers great photo opportunities.
Balat & Fener Neighborhoods
Explore the colorful Jewish and Greek quarters. These hilly streets are filled with history, street art, and vintage shops.
Galata Bridge Walk
Walk across the lower deck of the bridge to watch the local fishermen and enjoy the panoramic view of the Golden Horn.
Galata Tower Viewpoint
While the tower has an entry fee, the square surrounding it is a great place to soak in the evening atmosphere for free.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Crossing Continents
Bosphorus Ferry to Kadıköy
Use your Istanbulkart for a cheap public ferry ride to the Asian side. It's the best value cruise in the city.
Kadıköy Fish Market
Explore the vibrant markets of the Asian side, which are often cheaper and more local than those in Sultanahmet.
Moda Seaside Promenade
Join the local youth for a walk along the Bosphorus shore in Moda, a perfect spot for people-watching.
Bahariye Street
Take a ride on the nostalgic tram or simply walk this bustling pedestrian street for cheap eats and local shops.
Day 4: Istanbul, Turkey - Golden Horn Views
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Visit one of the most sacred sites in the city, located outside the old city walls at the end of the Golden Horn.
Pierre Loti Hill
Avoid the cable car fee by hiking up the cemetery path to the top for one of the most famous views over Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
Get lost in one of the world's largest covered markets. Window shopping and soaking in the chaos is completely free.
Night Bus to Cappadocia
Head to the Esenler Otogar (bus station) to board your overnight bus. This saves you the cost of a night's accommodation.
Day 5: Cappadocia, Turkey - Valley of the Fairies
Arrival in Göreme
Arrive in the heart of Cappadocia. Most hostels are within walking distance of the central bus station.
Love Valley Hike
Take a free self-guided hike through Love Valley to see the unique phallic-shaped rock formations.
Göreme Town Exploration
Wander the cave-carved streets of the town and see how locals have integrated modern life into the soft volcanic rock.
Sunset Point Göreme
Walk up the hill above the town for a spectacular view of the sunset over the valleys.
Day 6: Cappadocia, Turkey - Fortresses & Pigeons
Pigeon Valley (Gücendere)
Hike from Göreme to Uçhisar through this valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.
Uçhisar Castle
Admire the tallest point in Cappadocia. While there is a small fee to enter the top, the exterior views from the base are free.
Local Pottery Workshop
Walk to a local workshop to see the traditional terracotta art. Many artisans will show you their craft for free.
Testi Kebap Dinner
Try the local specialty, 'Pottery Kebab,' at a budget-friendly local eatery away from the main tourist strip.
Day 7: Cappadocia, Turkey - The Red and Rose Valleys
Sunrise Balloon Watching
You don't need to pay for a flight to enjoy the magic. Hike to the ridges early to see hundreds of balloons take flight.
Rose Valley Hike
Spend the day hiking through the Pink and Rose valleys, famous for their hidden rock-cut churches and vibrant colors.
Çavuşin Old Village
Explore the abandoned rock village of Çavuşin, which offers some of the best free climbing and exploring in the region.
Pasabag (Monks Valley)
Visit these iconic three-headed fairy chimneys. It is one of the most photographed spots in Cappadocia.
Day 8: Cappadocia to Antalya - The Long Haul
Avanos Town
Visit the town on the banks of the Red River (Kızılırmak) for a final walk through its charming historic center.
Local Bazaar Lunch
Find a local 'Lokanta' (tradesman restaurant) for a cheap and filling home-cooked meal before the long journey.
Bus to Antalya
Board your afternoon bus to the Mediterranean coast. This is a scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains.
Antalya Arrival
Check into your hostel in the Old Town area to be close to the morning's activities.
Day 9: Antalya, Turkey - The Old Harbor
Kaleiçi (Old Town)
Wander the narrow, winding streets of the Roman-era old town, filled with Ottoman mansions and bougainvillea.
Hadrian’s Gate
Walk through the monumental triumphal arch built in the name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Mermerli Beach View
While the beach itself has a fee, the cliffs overlooking the harbor offer stunning views for free.
Karaalioglu Park
Join the locals for a sunset stroll in this large seaside park overlooking the Mediterranean and the mountains.
Day 10: Antalya, Turkey - Waterfalls & Beaches
Lower Düden Waterfalls
Take a local bus to the public park where the Düden River cascades directly into the sea from the cliffs.
Lara Beach
Relax on the sandy shores of Lara Beach. Much of the beach is public and free to access.
Antalya City Center
Explore the modern part of the city, including the Republic Square and the vibrant shopping districts.
Street Food Dürüm
Find a local dürüm stand for a quick, cheap, and delicious wrap before heading back to the hostel.
Day 11: Antalya to Fethiye - Coastal Scenic Route
Morning Bus to Fethiye
Enjoy one of Turkey's most beautiful bus rides as you travel along the rugged turquoise coastline.
Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur)
Wander through the 'Old Bazaar' area, filled with souvenir shops and cafes under shady vine-covered trellises.
Fethiye Harbor Walk
Take a long stroll along the modern marina and watch the traditional wooden gulets bobbing in the water.
Fish Market Dinner
Visit the Fethiye Fish Market where you can buy fresh fish and have a nearby restaurant cook it for a small fee.
Day 12: Fethiye, Turkey - History & Heights
Amyntas Rock Tombs
Climb the steps to these massive Lycian tombs carved into the mountainside. The view over Fethiye bay is incredible.
Fethiye Tuesday Market
If your timing is right, the local market is a must for cheap fruit, olives, and local cheese for a picnic lunch.
Kayaköy Ghost Village
Take a local dolmuş to this abandoned Greek village. It's a hauntingly beautiful site that is very affordable to enter.
Sövalye Island View
Enjoy the evening breeze from the promenade looking out towards the islands in the bay.
Day 13: Fethiye, Turkey - The Blue Lagoon
Dolmuş to Ölüdeniz
Take the cheap local minibus to the famous Blue Lagoon. Use the public beach area to avoid high private club fees.
Lycian Way Trail Start
Walk a small portion of the famous long-distance Lycian Way trail for free, offering stunning aerial views of Ölüdeniz.
Belcekız Beach
Watch the paragliders land on the shore at the main beach in Ölüdeniz, a free and entertaining spectacle.
Sunset in Hisarönü
Head to the hilltop town of Hisarönü for a cheaper dinner than the seaside restaurants.
Day 14: Fethiye to Selçuk - Heading North
Bus to Selçuk
Depart for the gateway to Ephesus. The bus journey usually involves a transfer in the city of Aydın.
Selçuk Town Center
Explore this charming town, which is far more laid back and cheaper than the nearby coastal resorts.
Saint John’s Basilica
Visit the ruins of this 6th-century basilica, located just a short walk from the town center.
Local Çöp Şiş Dinner
Selçuk is famous for its small skewers of grilled meat called 'Çöp Şiş.' Eat where the locals do!
Day 15: Selçuk, Turkey - Ancient Ephesus
Ephesus Ancient City
Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat. This is the main expense of the trip, but it is worth every lira.
Temple of Artemis
Visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It's free to visit and located near the town center.
Isa Bey Mosque
An architectural masterpiece from the 14th century, this mosque is free to enter and still in use.
Ayasuluk Hill
Walk up the hill for a commanding view of the surrounding plains and the historic sites of Selçuk.
Day 16: Selçuk to Izmir - Village Life & The City
Şirince Village
Take a cheap local dolmuş to this beautiful hilltop village famous for its traditional houses and fruit wines.
Train to Izmir
Take the regional train from Selçuk station to Izmir (Basmane). It's one of the cheapest and most scenic train rides.
Kemeraltı Bazaar
Dive into Izmir's massive historic market. It's more authentic and much cheaper than Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
Kordon Promenade
Join thousands of locals sitting on the grass along the waterfront to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Day 17: Izmir, Turkey - Final Farewells
Konak Square & Clock Tower
Visit the symbol of Izmir, the elegant Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower), in the city's main square.
Asansör (Historical Elevator)
Take a ride on this historic public elevator for free to reach a terrace with spectacular views of the Izmir Gulf.
Kızlarağası Hanı
Enjoy a final Turkish coffee in this 18th-century caravanserai located within the bazaar.
Departure from Adnan Menderes Airport
Take the IZBAN suburban train directly to the airport for the cheapest transfer option.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
The best time for this backpacking route is during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant for hiking in Cappadocia and walking through ancient ruins, and the extreme summer crowds (and prices) have subsided. Winter can be quite cold, especially in Central Anatolia, while summer temperatures on the coast can exceed 35°C.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in big cities, you will need cash for local buses (dolmuş), small street food stalls, and markets. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill at local eateries is common practice. Be aware of the high inflation; prices may change rapidly, so always check latest menus.
Getting Around Turkey
Turkey has one of the best intercity bus systems in the world. Companies like Metro, Pamukkale, and Kamil Koç offer frequent, comfortable, and affordable connections between all major cities. For longer distances, overnight buses are a great way to save on accommodation. In cities like Istanbul and Izmir, the public transport network (metro, ferry, and tram) is extensive and very budget-friendly with a local transit card.
