If you were to choose the most photogenic countries in the world, Turkey would definitely be among the top five. Beautiful nature, magnificent architecture, and even the roads between cities are so picturesque that you can't help but stop the car to take a couple of spectacular photos. But if you want Instagram-worthy photos, here is a selection of the most popular locations. By the way, if you set a goal to visit them all, keep in mind that many tour operators offer entire toursthat include such places.
Istanbul
Galata
Galata is a historic district of the city and a very atmospheric location in the Turkish capital. There are many restaurants and shops here, and it is always crowded. One of Turkey's main attractions, the Galata Tower, stands on a hill in the middle of the district. This oldest structure in the country can be seen from almost anywhere in Istanbul. The terrace of the tower itself offers a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
And despite the fact that Galata has many photogenic places, the cobbled street leading to Galata Tower is perhaps the most popular among Instagram users.
Roofs with seagulls
To pamper their "inner goddess," girls head to panoramic rooftops overlooking the city to take photos. The venues are decorated with cushions and Turkish rugs, and seagulls circle around at arm's length.
There are two such locations in Istanbul. Until recently, the most popular was the roof of Kubbe, also known as Taht. Not only did photo shoots here become more expensive not long ago, but the main location was moved from the roof to the glass-enclosed lower level. Seagulls are offered to be added in Photoshop. On the plus side, there is professional lighting and additional photo zones — a room with lamps, an Ottoman-style throne, and a wall of roses.
Instagram users have fallen in love with another location on the "secret roof with domes." It's easier to get there with a photographer, but for a reasonable fee, locals can also take you to see the seagulls. By the way, the birds fly there for a reason. They are fed chicken skins.
On the roof, there is a wide selection of outfits, both in national style and those very satin dresses of different colors with long flowing trains. There is a fitting room. Additionally, you can take photos in a room with lamps and on a swing.
The photos are taken with a view of the Bosphorus and the Galata Tower.
Ortaköy Promenade
You can catch an incredible sunrise on the Ortaköy waterfront. Here you will find the Bosphorus, the picturesque Büyük Mecidiye Mosque (or Ortaköy Mosque), and a beautiful pier. The location attracts not only languid beauties in luxurious dresses, but is also ideal for capturing a love story. To find fewer people and perfect light on the waterfront, you will need to come here early in the morning.
Red tram
The red tram can be found on Istiklal Street, a pedestrian street in the Beyoglu district. It only became pedestrianized in 1990; before that, cars and trams used to run along it. The tram still runs on its route, but it serves more as a local attraction, and it is mainly tourists who ride it. Photos with this beautiful red tram in the background are often posted on Instagram by users who have visited Istanbul.
Lamp shops at the Grand Bazaar
This Turkish market is one of the most atmospheric places for shopping and photo shoots.
To take those coveted photos in the shop, you will have to buy something. Before buying, take a look at the prices, which can vary greatly from shop to shop, and don't be shy about bargaining. It is possible that you can negotiate with the shop owner for a couple of photos for a reasonable fee without having to buy a lamp.
The shop windows here are varied, each one more beautiful than the last, so it's worth looking at them all before choosing the one you like best. Don't take photos without the shop owner's permission. After all, this has become part of the business.
The gates of Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace has become a recognizable location in Istanbul and a popular spot for Instagram photo shoots in Turkey. It is one of the most impressive Ottoman palaces in the country, built under the influence of Baroque and Rococo styles. At one time, it served as the main residence and administration of the Ottoman emperors.
You can enter the palace from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. But even a photo taken in front of the majestic gates is enough to decorate your feed.
The vaults of Hagia Sophia
When in Istanbul, you cannot miss the Hagia Sophia, even though the queues to get inside are huge.
Most of the time in this mosque, you will have to walk with your head tilted back to appreciate the scale and beauty of the building's majestic arches. The interior lighting, even from the huge chandeliers and the light that penetrates through the relatively small semicircular windows, is insufficient, so the photos turn out rather dark. But that is precisely what gives them their charm.
To take a photo in proud solitude, it is best to queue up shortly before opening time. The ticket seller periodically walks around the crowd gathered near the entrance. Not everyone buys from him, thinking he is a fraud, but in fact, this is a chance to get into the mosque before everyone else.
Cappadocia
Balloon Valley
In the valley between the settlements of Göreme and Çavuşin, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies almost every day when the weather is calm. Those who wish can see the Cappadocia region from a bird's eye view. And for those who are satisfied with picturesque photos against the backdrop of balloons, there are a couple of recommended places for photo shoots, or simply to observe this delightful spectacle.
One of the most popular spots is the top of Sunset Hill in Göreme. It is best to arrive here an hour before sunrise to get the best viewing spots. The cost of visiting this natural site is approximately $6 per person.
Not far from Göreme is Baglidere Valley, or, as it is popularly known due to the unusual shape of its rock formations, "Valley of Love." It can be reached by car or on foot from the village of Kavusin.
There is also a good view from the slopes of the Uchisar Fortress, carved into the rock in the town of Chuvashin. The castle consists of rooms with balconies connected by narrow passages. The entrance fee to the fortress is less than $1.
Any of these options are suitable for spectacular photos with flying balloons in the background.
Terrace with a view of hot air balloons flying
Another recognizable location against the backdrop of charliers and hot air balloons is the terrace with colorful rugs and satin pillows.
There are quite a few terraces like this in Göreme, but one of the most popular ones is located at the Sultan Cave Suites cave hotel. Although the apartments are quite expensive, staying overnight in such a natural hotel will give you an extraordinary experience and the opportunity to visit a luxurious photo zone. At the entrance to the terrace, they check for hotel room keys, so strangers cannot get in. Unfortunately, the queue for a photo session is still huge, and you will only have a couple of minutes for a photo.
Oh yes, the food in the photo zone, which looks so appetizing, is just a prop and stays there for several days. Don't even think about trying it!
Ikman Carpet Gallery
This is one of the most beautiful and unusual shops selling Turkish carpets in the country. It is located right in the center of Göreme, in the open air. It is unusual in that it is surrounded by its own rock chimney (a tall, narrow rock rising from the stony ground, with a "cap" on top).
As with the Grand Bazaar, you can take photos for free when purchasing a carpet. If not, the cost of a photo session will be approximately $15-20 for 15 minutes. In addition, the shop owner offers professional photos taken from a drone. This location is regularly included among most Instagrammable places in the world.
Pamukkale
Spectacular photos against the backdrop of snow-white rock formations with sky-blue pools — these are the travertines of Pamukkale. They were formed by thermal springs rich in calcium flowing down from the hills. This is one of the most Instagrammable places in Turkey. But it is extremely difficult to take a photo against the backdrop of all this beauty without crowds of people. The place is very popular, and tours are constantly held here. Due to human interference with natural resources, most of the Pamukkale pools have dried up. And those that remain are either off-limits to tourists or already filled with half of the tour group.
It is best to visit during the warmer months. It can be quite cool here in winter, and you can only walk on the travertines barefoot (or in socks). In addition, during the summer, the "cotton castle" is open until 11 p.m. Most tourists have already left by 7 p.m., so you can catch the moment for a great photo.
You can reach this beautiful place by taking a tour from major cities (Antalya, Bodrum) or by bus to the city of Denizli, and then by minibus or rental car.
Olu-Deniz
Blue Lagoon Beaches
When it comes to marine beauty, Turkey's most popular Instagram coastline is the Blue Lagoon in the Fethiye area. The electric blue color of the water surrounded by rocks makes this place incredibly photogenic.
Of course, the most beautiful photos in the lagoon are taken at sunrise and sunset, but you'll have to work hard to find a deserted spot here.
The area itself is popular not only for its beautiful beaches and clear water. Nearby is the unique Butterfly Valley Nature Reserve, and a large number of rock tombs have been discovered.
Random cats of Turkey
And, of course, Turkish cats occupy a special place in the hearts of bloggers, with photos of them filling the feeds of visitors to the country. Choose any location you like (fortunately, there are many of them here), start posing, and a couple of cute cats will definitely come to you. Without such a photo, it's as if you haven't been to Turkey. You'll have to come back again to correct this oversight.
