Unlocking The Magic of Events In Istanbul

Turkey – Something for Everyone!

By meptur | Genel | Comments are Closed | 27 October, 2025 | 0

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Turkey – Something for Everyone!

Guest Blog Writer: Ian Cummings, CEO at Nteractive lived and worked in Turkey for 10 years during the 90’s and remains a passionate frequent visitor – still discovering all it has to offer

In full disclosure I am biased! I lived in Turkey for 10 years of my life, longer than any other country outside of the UK. I learned the language, immersed myself in the culture, toured, explored while having some of the best and scariest moments of my life there. So you might say, I know a little more than the average holidaymaker or occasional event professional visitor. But I guess you can never know enough about Turkey with its rich and colourful history, its beauty or its geo-location straddling the two continents of Europe and Asia. With its incredible foodie culture, wine making abilities, mountains, coastlines and neighbours, the list for exploration is endless…………

For as long as I can remember Turkey has ALWAYS been a destination – like a Grand Dame. I feel like it’s a country that everyone wants to visit at least once in their lives that often ends up in multiple returns. Afterall, there is so much to see and do! Friends often contact me and ask: “You lived there didn’t you? What should we do?” – That’s the million dollar question. I always respond with questions: where are they going? How long for? What interests you? What have you done so far?

I guess I have a few standard ideas I use as an ex-resident. Go and do the most famous attractions such as the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Spice Bazaar for example. However, set a day or two maximum to do those things then get into the heart and soul of real Istanbul. Think about what real Istanbulites might do. Take a stroll along the Bosphorus between Arnavutkoy and Bebek, watch the fishermen on the edge, buy corn on the cob off a local street seller, look in awe as a major tanker sails through the Bosphorus right next to you as it makes it’s way into or out of the Black Sea. Find out local restaurants to enjoy a Sunday lunch of exquisite mezzes with either fish or kebabs as the mains before sampling some dessert specialities like kunefe! As evening approaches, head for sundowners in Ortakoy or one of the beautiful hotels on the side of the Bosphorus such as the Four Seasons, Ciragan Palace or Soho House. Istanbul has always had a happening night life, so for those that enjoy a vibrant bar or an open air club in the summer – make sure you do your research or speak to a cool local like Eda from MEP TUR who will be only too pleased to give you a few suggestions of what’s hot at the moment! Istanbul is full of amazing restaurants but again try and get away from the tourist traps and ask locals or a concierge for recommendations to find the “real” Istanbul. The people are so warm and happy to share their insider tips for “best places”.

Do get one of the Istanbul ferries up the Bosphorus. It’s super cheap and great way to see the city from the water. I believe there is still a hop on hop off ticket that allows to explore somewhere like Polonezkoy (Polish village) on the Asia side of the strait. My recommendation – be adventurous, go exploring, pick some great places to visits, eat and even just pass the time watching this busy city in motion……I love it.

As far as the rest of the country is concerned – its similar advice – go exploring! From golfing in Antalya, to sailing and boating around Kas, Kalkan and Gokec, to enjoying a busy Bodrum or perhaps visiting ancient ruins in Ephesus – there is just so much to take in. I took my family back to Kas and Kalkan this year and we loved every minute. The kids want to come back every year! We made friends with local restaurant owners, rented a gulet for the day, went fishing with a local grandad who knew everything about the sea and the local area – befriended local dogs and cats and of course ate wonderful food! One of my still to do bucket list moments is to hot air balloon one morning or evening in Cappadocia. A truly unique area of incredible landscape with hotels built into the rocks like luxury caves.

I’ll finish as I started this blog, I’m biased, I love Türkiye (its proper name and spelling) but I truly believe that the more time you spend there the more you fall in love with this magical country. It would also be a miss of me not to highlight you can deliver some of the most amazing event and incentives experiences the world has to offer right here on our European, or perhaps even Asian side doorstep!