Cheap Places to Go in Turkey That Are Actually Worth Your Time (and Money)

How Cheap is Turkey, Really? (Breaking Down Real Costs)

The idea that all of Turkey is cheap is one of the biggest myths floating around travel circles. Sure, it’s cheaper than Western Europe, but if you land in Istanbul expecting rock-bottom prices, you’re in for a rude awakening. A coffee in the touristy parts of the city can cost as much as in Paris, and a sit-down meal near the Hagia Sophia? You might as well be in London.

But here’s the good news: Turkey can still be an incredibly affordable destination—if you know where to go. The key is skipping overpriced hotspots and heading to less commercialized but equally stunning cities and towns. That’s exactly what this guide will help you do. Before we get into the best cheap places to go in Turkey, let’s talk numbers—because budgeting wrong can ruin a trip faster than a bad döner kebab.

What’s the Real Cost of Traveling in Turkey?

If you’re a budget traveler, you can expect to spend $25–$40 per day in affordable regions, while major tourist centers can easily push you over $60–$80 per day. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you’ll be spending in different types of locations:

Expense	Istanbul & Cappadocia (Touristy)	Budget-Friendly Cities
Hostel Dorm	$20–$35 per night	$8–$15 per night
Cheap Hotel	$50+ per night	$20–$30 per night
Street Food Meal	$4–$7	$2–$4
Sit-Down Meal	$10–$20	$5–$10
Public Transport	$1 per ride (Istanbul Card)	$0.50–$1 per ride
Attractions	$10–$25 per site	$3–$10 per site

As you can see, where you go matters. A budget traveler in Istanbul might have to watch every lira, but in lesser-known cities like Eskişehir or Şanlıurfa, you can live comfortably for half the cost.

Hidden Costs You Need to Watch Out For

Even in the cheapest places to visit in Turkey, you’ll run into tourist markups and unexpected expenses. Here are a few that can catch travelers off guard:

Museum and historical site entrance fees – Turkey’s history is incredible, but it’s not always cheap to see it. The Hagia Sophia might be free, but places like Topkapı Palace cost $25+, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia is $15+. These costs add up fast.
Airport taxis – Many Turkish taxi drivers love to take “the scenic route.” Unless you enjoy paying double, stick to Havaist (Istanbul) or HAVAS buses from the airport.
Overpriced food in tourist zones – A simple breakfast in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet can cost triple what it would in a local neighborhood like Kadıköy.
Cappadocia hot air balloons – Everyone wants the Instagram shot, but at $200+ per person, it’s far from budget-friendly.

The takeaway? Not everywhere in Turkey is cheap—but if you know where to go, it absolutely can be. That’s why this guide will focus on underrated, budget-friendly destinations that offer incredible experiences without draining your wallet.

Ready to explore Turkey without overpaying? Let’s get into the best places to visit.

The Best Cheap Places to Visit in Turkey (That Aren’t Overrated)

1. Eskişehir – A Student City with Ottoman Charm (and Student Prices)

I arrived in Eskişehir expecting just another small Turkish city, but within hours, I realized this place had something special. The first clue? The prices. A full breakfast spread—fresh bread, olives, cheese, honey, eggs, and unlimited tea—set me back just $3. Compare that to Istanbul, where you'd pay at least $10 for the same thing, and you start to see why Eskişehir is a budget traveler’s dream.

This city is built around the Porsuk River, lined with leafy walkways, bridges, and even Venetian-style gondolas (though at a fraction of the cost). But the real heart of Eskişehir is its student population. With two major universities, the entire economy caters to young people, meaning food, entertainment, and transport are all incredibly cheap.

One of my favorite spots was Odunpazarı, the city’s historic district. Walking through its cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time—restored Ottoman houses, local artisans selling handmade ceramics, and hardly any of the touristy gimmicks you see in bigger cities. Museums cost just a couple of dollars, and even a private room in a charming guesthouse won’t cost you more than $20 per night.

But what really sold me? The energy of the city. It’s lively without being overwhelming, modern without losing its authenticity, and affordable without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a place to experience real Turkish culture without Istanbul’s price tags, Eskişehir is the answer.

2. Amasra – A Seaside Escape Without the Tourist Traps

Most travelers chasing Turkey’s famous coastline head straight to Bodrum, Marmaris, or Çeşme. Big mistake—unless you enjoy overpriced drinks, packed beaches, and restaurants that double their prices the moment they hear an accent. If you want the same stunning sea views, fresh seafood, and a relaxed vibe without the nonsense, Amasra is the place to go.

Tucked along the Black Sea, this small town is one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets. I first arrived on a bus from Istanbul, a scenic six-hour ride that cost just $10—already a win compared to domestic flights to the Aegean coast. As soon as I stepped off the bus, I knew I was in for something different. No pushy touts, no inflated tourist prices—just locals going about their day, fishermen hauling in their catch, and a slow, peaceful rhythm that’s getting harder to find in Turkey’s more commercialized beach towns.

Accommodation? Ridiculously cheap. I found a family-run guesthouse with a sea view for $18 a night, including breakfast. And the food—this is where Amasra really wins. One evening, I sat down at a waterfront restaurant expecting the usual “tourist tax” on seafood. Instead, I got a massive plate of freshly grilled fish, local mezes, and a basket of bread for $7. In Bodrum, this same meal would’ve been at least $25.

The town itself is small but full of charm. A medieval castle sits on a rocky peninsula, offering panoramic views over the sea. The beaches are clean and uncrowded, with no private clubs charging $20 just to sit down—everything is public and free, the way it should be.

Amasra feels like a throwback to what Turkey’s coast used to be before it was overrun with luxury resorts and VIP sections. If you want an affordable, authentic seaside escape, forget Bodrum—come here instead.

3. Mardin – A Mesopotamian Dream Without the Crowds

Some places in Turkey feel like they belong to a completely different era, and Mardin is one of them. Sitting high on a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, this city is nothing like the beach towns or chaotic metropolises most tourists visit. Instead, Mardin is a maze of honey-colored stone houses, ancient monasteries, and winding alleyways filled with the scent of fresh-baked bread and roasted coffee.

I first came to Mardin out of curiosity—why did so few international travelers visit this place when it looked like something straight out of an Ottoman fairytale? The moment I arrived, I realized why: Mardin isn’t for casual tourists. There are no flashy resorts, no grand tour buses clogging the streets. It’s a city where people still live their lives in much the same way they have for centuries, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Unlike Cappadocia, where you’ll be paying $100+ per night for a “cave hotel,” Mardin offers beautiful historic guesthouses for $20–$30 per night. And the food? This is one of the best places in Turkey to experience regional cuisine influenced by Kurdish, Arabic, and Assyrian cultures—spiced meat dishes, lamb-stuffed flatbreads, and the legendary Mardin coffee, served strong with cardamom. A full meal at a local eatery will cost you no more than $5–$7.

But Mardin isn’t just about atmosphere—it’s a historical goldmine. You can visit the stunning Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a 1,600-year-old Syriac Christian site, or wander through the Ulu Mosque, with its distinctive minaret that dominates the skyline. And unlike Istanbul, where entrance fees to major landmarks keep climbing, most of Mardin’s sites cost next to nothing or are completely free.

As the sun sets over the plains stretching toward Syria, the city turns golden, the call to prayer echoes through the narrow streets, and you realize you’ve stepped into a place that still holds onto its past. And the best part? You’re experiencing it for a fraction of what you’d spend in Cappadocia or Istanbul.

4. Lake Eğirdir – A Hidden Alternative to Overpriced Beach Towns

Most people coming to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast want one thing: beaches. But here’s the problem—places like Antalya, Kaş, and Bodrum have become so commercialized that you’ll spend half your time dodging overpriced restaurants, tourist-trap boat tours, and private beach fees. If you want a more peaceful, budget-friendly alternative, head inland to Lake Eğirdir.

I stumbled upon this place while looking for a break from Turkey’s crowded coastal cities, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing, affordable destinations in the country. Instead of loud nightclubs and overpriced cocktails, Eğirdir offers calm waters, stunning mountain views, and small family-run guesthouses where you feel like part of the community.

The first surprise? The price of accommodation. I found a lakeside pension for $15 per night, including breakfast—something you’d never find in Antalya or Bodrum. The second surprise? The water. Crystal clear, warm in the summer, and perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just sitting by the shore with a book. And since it’s a freshwater lake, there’s no salt, no jellyfish, and no overpriced beach clubs trying to charge you $20 for a sunbed.

Food is another win. Eğirdir is famous for its freshwater fish, and you can get a full grilled trout meal for $5 at one of the local restaurants near the shore. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike parts of the St. Paul Trail, an ancient route that winds through the Taurus Mountains. Unlike the Lycian Way near Fethiye—which has become more of an Instagram attraction than a real hiking trail—this one is still quiet, untouched, and free.

Eğirdir is the kind of place where time slows down, where you wake up to birds instead of nightclub bass, and where you can actually enjoy nature without breaking the bank. If the overpriced, crowded beaches of the Mediterranean aren’t your vibe, this is where you should be.

5. Şanlıurfa – Ancient History Without the Cappadocia Prices

Cappadocia is on every traveler’s list—and for good reason. But let’s be honest: it’s expensive. The hot air balloon ride alone costs $200+, and even basic hotels in Goreme charge more than $50 per night. If you want ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and unique local culture without the insane prices, head further southeast to Şanlıurfa.

Şanlıurfa, or just Urfa, is often called the "City of Prophets" because of its deep religious and historical significance. According to legend, this is where Abraham was born, and the city’s spiritual atmosphere is undeniable. But what makes it a must-visit is Göbekli Tepe—a prehistoric site older than the Pyramids, built over 12,000 years ago.

When I visited, I was blown away not just by the site itself, but by how few tourists were there compared to Ephesus or Cappadocia. Even better? The entrance fee was just $7—a steal compared to some of Turkey’s more commercialized ruins.

Back in the city, Urfa’s bazaar scene is one of the most authentic in the country. Unlike Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, where everything is marked up for tourists, the markets here are still local-run and incredibly affordable. I bought a handmade scarf for $3 and ate some of the best kebabs of my life for under $2.

The city’s main attraction, Balıklıgöl (the Pool of Sacred Fish), is free to visit, and walking through the old town, with its stone-carved houses and hidden courtyards, feels like stepping into another world. And the best part? You won’t be surrounded by busloads of package tourists.

Urfa is a place where history feels alive, where prices are still local, and where you can experience one of the most fascinating regions in Turkey without burning through your budget. If you’re looking for authenticity, deep history, and serious value for money, skip Cappadocia and come here instead.

What’s Overrated and Not Worth the Money? (Harsh Truths)

Let’s get one thing straight: not every famous place in Turkey is worth your time or money. A lot of what you see on Instagram—hot air balloons, infinity pools, and luxury beach clubs—looks dreamy in photos but can be outrageously overpriced, overcrowded, or just underwhelming in real life.

If you’re traveling on a budget or simply don’t want to fall for overpriced tourist traps, here’s what you might want to skip—or at least rethink before throwing your money at it.

1. Cappadocia’s Hot Air Balloons – Are They Really Worth $200+?

Cappadocia is undeniably stunning. The fairy chimneys, cave houses, and sprawling valleys are straight out of a fantasy novel. But let’s talk about the most hyped-up activity here: the sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Every travel influencer makes it seem like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but here’s the reality:

It costs between $180–$250 per person. That’s an entire week of travel in other parts of Turkey.
You’re crammed into a basket with 20+ other people. Forget those dreamy solo shots—it’s shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.
Flights get canceled often due to wind. And if yours does, good luck rescheduling—prices often go up the next day.

Now, is the view incredible? Yes. But is it $200 incredible when you can hike through Cappadocia for free and see the same landscapes from the ground? That’s up to you. If you’re on a budget, you might be better off watching the balloons from Red Valley or Love Valley at sunrise—completely free.

2. Pamukkale – The "Cotton Castle" That’s Half-Dried Up

Pamukkale looks like something from another planet in photos—gleaming white travertine terraces filled with turquoise water. What most travel guides don’t tell you? Half of the pools are either dried up or artificially filled, and mass tourism has taken its toll.

The entrance fee has skyrocketed to $25, and you’ll be herded through a designated walking path alongside hundreds of other tourists, all scrambling for the same angle. The once-pristine site is now a mix of crowds, shallow, lukewarm water, and areas that look more like dried-up limestone than a “cotton castle.”

And let’s talk about the water—those brilliant blue pools you see on Instagram? Many of them have long since lost their natural depth and color. If you’re expecting a thermal bath experience, you’ll be disappointed. The only place you can actually swim in is Cleopatra’s Pool, and guess what? That costs an extra $8.

If you’re dead set on visiting, go early in the morning before the day-trip buses from Antalya and Izmir arrive—otherwise, be ready for disappointment.

3. Istanbul’s Tourist Trap Restaurants – Pay Triple for the Same Food

Istanbul’s food scene is one of the best in the world—if you know where to eat. But if you sit down at a restaurant near the Blue Mosque or along Istiklal Street without checking the menu first, get ready to pay tourist tax on everything.

Some of the worst offenders:

The fish restaurants under Galata Bridge – Yes, the view is nice, but you’ll pay at least double for mediocre seafood that you could get in a local meyhane for half the price.
Sultanahmet’s “traditional” restaurants – The ones that claim to serve authentic Ottoman food? Many are just overpriced tourist traps. You’ll pay $15–$20 for a kebab that costs $5 in a real lokanta (local eatery).
Anywhere that doesn’t have prices on the menu – This is a scam. If they won’t tell you how much something costs upfront, expect a nasty surprise when the bill arrives.

Where should you eat instead? Head to Kadıköy on the Asian side, where locals actually dine. Not only is the food better, but it’s often half the price of Sultanahmet.

4. Bodrum and Çeşme’s “Exclusive” Beach Clubs – Paying to Sit on a Beach?

Bodrum and Çeşme have built a reputation as luxury beach destinations, attracting Istanbul’s elite and a fair share of international tourists. But here’s the problem: you have to pay just to sit down.

Many of the best beaches here are controlled by private beach clubs, which charge anywhere from $15 to $50 per person just for entry. That doesn’t include food, drinks, or even a sunbed in some places. And once you’re inside? Expect cocktails to cost $15+—insane for a country where you can get a great meal for less.

Compare this to Amasra, where all beaches are public and free, or even parts of the Mediterranean coast like Dalyan, where you can swim in stunning blue waters without spending a dime. If you’re traveling on a budget, Bodrum and Çeşme are money traps disguised as paradise.

5. Turkish Baths in Touristy Areas – A Luxury Price for a Basic Scrub

A traditional Turkish hammam is a must-try experience—but not if you go to the wrong one. In places like Istanbul and Cappadocia, hammams have turned into tourist-focused spas with sky-high prices. Some charge $50–$100 for a basic scrub and massage—which, for reference, is more than most Turks pay for a full month of gym membership, sauna included.

Compare that to a real, local hammam where the same treatment costs $10–$15, and you start to see the problem. The trick? Skip the fancy ones in Sultanahmet and find a neighborhood hammam. The service is the same, but you’re not paying for the Instagram-worthy marble interior.

How to Travel Cheaply in Turkey (Essential Budget Tips)

Turkey is often labeled as a budget-friendly destination, but whether it’s actually cheap depends entirely on how you travel. Stick to overpriced tourist zones, and you’ll be paying European prices. But if you know how to navigate the country like a local, you can experience incredible places—without breaking the bank.

After exploring Turkey on a budget, I’ve figured out exactly where travelers overspend and where you can cut costs without sacrificing experience. Whether you’re planning to visit Istanbul or one of the cheap places to go in Turkey, here’s how to make your money go further.

1. Eat Where the Locals Eat (Avoid the “Tourist Tax”)

Turkey has one of the best food scenes in the world—but also one of the biggest pricing gaps between local spots and tourist traps. The same dish that costs $15 in Sultanahmet can be found for $5 in a local lokanta (casual eatery).

The secret? Go where Turks actually eat.

I learned this lesson the hard way in Istanbul. My first night, I sat down at a picturesque restaurant near the Blue Mosque, only to be handed a bill that felt like it came from Paris. The next day, I crossed the Bosphorus to Kadıköy, Istanbul’s Asian side, and had an incredible meal—for a third of the price.

💡 Where to eat cheap in Turkey:

Esnaf lokantası – These are small, home-style restaurants serving hot, fresh meals to locals. A full plate of food costs $3–$6.
Street food – A döner wrap? $2–$4. A simit (Turkish bagel)? Less than $1.
Pide and lahmacun shops – These Turkish-style flatbreads are filling, delicious, and usually under $5.

The golden rule? If a restaurant has laminated menus in English and aggressive waiters trying to lure you in, keep walking.

2. Use Public Transport (Skip the Taxis and Private Tours)

Taxis in Turkey are notorious for overcharging tourists, taking longer routes, or refusing to use the meter. Instead of handing over your cash to a driver who’s pretending not to understand you, take public transport—it’s faster, cheaper, and actually reliable.

In Istanbul, the public transport system is one of the cheapest in Europe. A single metro or tram ride costs $0.50 with an Istanbulkart (the city’s transport card), while a taxi ride across the same distance could set you back $10–$15.

For intercity travel, buses and trains are a budget traveler’s best friend. A six-hour bus ride from Istanbul to Eskişehir? $10. A night bus from Cappadocia to Antalya? $20–$30—saving you a night of accommodation.

🚆 Budget-friendly ways to get around Turkey:

Istanbulkart: Works on metro, trams, buses, and ferries in Istanbul. Buy it at the airport to avoid overpriced taxis.
Dolmuş (shared minivans): Dirt cheap and run almost everywhere.
Intercity buses: Metro Turizm and Pamukkale Turizm offer comfy buses with WiFi for a fraction of flight costs.
Trains: The Ankara-Eskişehir high-speed train is a great, budget-friendly option.

3. Stay in Budget Accommodations (But Avoid Tourist Zones)

Turkey has affordable accommodations—but only if you know where to book. In cities like Istanbul or Cappadocia, hotels near major attractions charge triple what you’d pay just a few streets away. The trick is staying slightly outside tourist hotspots where locals actually live.

When I visited Cappadocia, I found a family-run guesthouse in Uçhisar for $25 per night—half the price of hotels in Göreme, yet with the same stunning views. In Eskişehir, I booked a cozy boutique hotel for $20 per night, while a similar place in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet would’ve cost me $50+.

🏡 Best budget accommodation options:

Guesthouses and pensions – These small, family-run hotels are often cheaper than hostels and come with home-cooked breakfasts.
Airbnb (in smaller cities) – In tourist-heavy areas, Airbnb prices can be inflated, but in places like Mardin or Şanlıurfa, you can find entire apartments for $25–$30 per night.
Couchsurfing – Turkey has an active Couchsurfing community, especially in smaller towns where locals love hosting travelers.

4. Skip the Overpriced Tours (Do It Yourself for Cheap)

One of the biggest money traps in Turkey is organized day tours. Travel agencies in Istanbul and Cappadocia love to sell “all-inclusive” packages for $50–$100 per person, but most of these places can be explored on your own for a fraction of the cost.

For example, tour operators in Cappadocia sell the famous "Green Tour" for $50–$70 per person. But if you take a local bus, you can visit the same places—Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery—on your own for under $15.

Another overpriced scam? The Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul. They charge $50–$100 per person for a mediocre buffet and a boat ride. Instead, just take a public ferry from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı for $2, enjoy the same views, and eat fresh seafood at a fraction of the cost.

5. Visit the Right Places (Some Cities Are Simply Cheaper)

At the end of the day, where you go in Turkey matters as much as how you travel. While Istanbul and Cappadocia drain wallets fast, some cities are naturally budget-friendly—with lower accommodation, food, and transport costs.

If you want to stretch your budget, prioritize cheap places to go in Turkey, like:

Eskişehir: Low-cost student city with historic charm.
Mardin: Stunning Mesopotamian town where you can live well for $20–$30 a day.
Amasra: A budget-friendly beach town without Bodrum’s price tags.
Şanlıurfa: Ancient ruins and local markets at half the price of Cappadocia.
Lake Eğirdir: Affordable lakeside escape, much cheaper than Antalya’s coast.

By choosing the right destinations, you can cut your travel costs by half—without missing out on incredible experiences.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Turkey can be expensive—if you fall into the tourist trap cycle. But by choosing the right cities, eating where locals eat, using public transport, and skipping overpriced tours, you can travel comfortably on a budget of $25–$40 per day.

The key takeaway? Cheap places to go in Turkey still exist. If you avoid Istanbul’s tourist zones, Bodrum’s private beaches, and Cappadocia’s overpriced tours, you’ll discover a side of Turkey that’s not only cheaper, but also far more authentic.

So, where will you go? The expensive, mainstream route—or the smarter, budget-friendly path?