If you want to travel for less, choosing the most affordable countries is by far the simplest and most effortless tip! Sadly, so many people don’t even know how cheap it can be! I’m continuing this series of posts to talk to you about Türkiye. It’s another of the most affordable places, but most importantly, it’s squarely one of my favorite countries in the world!
Here are nice and cheap accommodation options in 16 destinations in Türkiye to show you just how affordable a trip to an amazing spot can be!
(We’ve also done this for Colombia, a country that can be cheaper overall for shorter trips, thanks to affordable deals for flights at $400 from some Canadian cities! We’ve done it for Egypt and we’ve also done it for 3 even cheaper countries in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia!)
Basics of traveling to Türkiye for less
Surely you’ve heard about Türkiye, formerly known as Turkey. It’s an amazing country. It’s the world’s 6th-most visited country in fact, but sadly so many North Americans still miss out on it.
I really enjoyed my many trips there and even after visiting 80+ countries, it’s still one of my favorites. The same thing is true for Andrew, Flytrippers’ other co-founder, who has visited almost as many and loves Türkiye more than almost all of them.
Türkiye is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
There’s really something for everyone in Türkiye. And the people are so friendly. This country is really the best example of how ridiculous it is to think that there’s nothing interesting to see just because it’s affordable.
It’s also the perfect first destination for travelers who want to finally start exploring something a bit different than the typical North American and Western European destinations. The infrastructure is great, arguably among the best of all the affordable countries.
As mentioned, it’s also one of the most affordable countries in the world. It’s obviously a little more expensive than Southeast Asian countries in general, but still very, very affordable.
Basics of cheap accommodation in Türkiye
For each of the 16 destinations in Türkiye, we tried to find you 3 examples of cheap accommodation.
An example for those who:
- Travel solo
- Travel with a companion
- Travel for free with Marriott Bonvoy points
We limit ourselves to nice accommodations that are highly rated.
So if you want it to be cheaper, there are obviously cheaper ones than our examples. The exception: there aren’t any cheaper Marriott hotels, as the world’s largest hotel chain has no options in the low-end segment.
And if you prefer luxury, of course, luxury is also much cheaper in Türkiye than in the places where everyone always travels to! For example, The St. Regis Hotel (one of the most luxurious brands in the world) costs $550 per night in İstanbul versus $1500 per night in Rome. The amount of points required is lower too obviously, and if you like luxury, you should really never pay with anything other than points!
So here are the examples of nice and affordable accommodations in 16 destinations in Türkiye.
İstanbul
İstanbul is Türkiye’s most populous city and in fact one of the most populous cities on the planet, with 16 million inhabitants (more than twice Toronto)! It has the unique distinction of being located on 2 continents — Europe and Asia — and this is reflected in its incredibly rich cultural heritage and diverse population.
It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, no less. There are so many reasons to visit İstanbul, from the delicious Turkish cuisine to the unique experience of the Grand Bazaar, as well as remarkable sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Just cross the Bosphorus Strait by ferry or metro and explore 2 continents in one day!
Here are some examples of accommodation in İstanbul, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Hush Hostel Lounge
- $4 per night per person
- Rated: 8.5/10
- Well-rated hotel: Ahmet Efendi Evi
- $41 per night
- $22 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 9.0/10
- Nice free hotel: Four Points Express by Sheraton Istanbul Taksim Square
- 8,000 points per night (40,000 points for 5 nights)
- 4,000 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hostel for $4
See all the hostels in İstanbul.
Well-rated hotel for $41
See all the hotels in İstanbul.
Nice free hotel for 8,000 pts
Four Points Express by Sheraton Istanbul Taksim Square
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s beautiful landscapes seem to be straight out of a dream. You may have seen these photos of a sky of multicolored hot-air balloons floating above a town carved out of the rock. It’s a must-see in the heart of Türkiye and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can admire the breathtaking rocky scenery and take a tour of the Gorëme open-air museum, where you can visit houses carved out in the caves. You can even stay in a cave, which is why our accommodation examples are a little more expensive; it’s worth it! You can also go hiking to explore the beautiful valleys and plateaus.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Cappadocia, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Kamelya Cave Hostel
- $37 per night per person
- Rated: 8.6/10
- Well-rated hotel: Atilla’s Cave Hotel
- $54 per night
- $27 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 9.2/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hostel for $37
See all the hostels in Cappadocia.
Well-rated hotel for $54
See all the hotels in Cappadocia.
Antalya
Antalya is located on the Mediterranean coast and is a sun-seeker’s delight. I absolutely loved this city, with its epic landscapes of turquoise beaches and stunning mountains. In fact, the region is nicknamed the “turquoise coast”.
You can stroll through the pretty narrow streets of the historic center (Kaleiçi) before discovering the clock tower and visiting the Roman Harbor. Nearby are waterfalls and archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Termessos, the coastal ruins of Patara and Phaselis, and the tombs of Myra.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Antalya, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Hostel Vague
- $19 per night per person
- Rated: 9.6/10
- Well-rated hotel: Kalspera Hotel
- $28 per night
- $14 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.3/10
- Nice free hotel: Four Points Express by Sheraton Antalya Lara
- 15,600 points per night (78,000 points for 5 nights)
- 7,800 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hostel for $19
See all the hostels in Antalya.
Well-rated hotel for $28
See all the hotels in Antalya.
Nice free hotel for 15,600 pts
Four Points Express by Sheraton Antalya Lara
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
İzmir
İzmir is a city on the west coast, on the Aegean Sea. It is the 3rd largest city in Türkiye after İstanbul and the capital. It has had more Mediterranean influences and indeed I found the city quite different from others in the country. İzmir is known for its superb promenade (Kordon) along the coast and its lively nightlife — the city’s population is very young!
It’s also a great starting point for excursions to 3 incredible places, namely the natural hot springs of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, and the legendary site of Troy. We did the first 2 and I highly recommend them.
Here are some examples of accommodation in İzmir, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Lotus Garden Hostel Izmir
- $22 per night per person
- Rated: 9.4/10
- Well-rated hotel: Rıdvan Apart Evleri
- $44 per night
- $22 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.4/10
- Nice free hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Izmir
- 6,700 points per night (33,500 points for 5 nights)
- 3,350 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hostel for $22
See all the hostels in İzmir.
Well-rated hotel for $44
See all the hotels in İzmir.
Nice free hotel for 6,700 pts
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Muğla
The province of Muğla is a seaside region on the southwest coast, opposite the Greek islands. It’s a bit like Greece, only less expensive obviously. But because it looks like Greece, it’s more expensive than the rest of Türkiye. It’s ideal for those who love sunny climates, coastlines, dreamy beaches, and water sports.
The town of Bodrum is often seen as more trendy and party-oriented, while Marmaris has a more relaxed, family atmosphere. This region of the Türkiye has other popular spots like Datça and Ölüdeniz, each offering something unique. We did a road trip all along the coast, which was great. But I prefer Antalya if you have to choose.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Muğla, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: La Luna Hostel
- $25 per night per person
- Rated: 9.3/10
- Well-rated hotel: Canna Garden Hotel
- $31 per night
- $16 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 9.2/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hostel for $25
See all the hostels in Bodrum.
Well-rated hotel for $31
See all the hotels in Bodrum.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital and 2nd-largest city of Türkiye, in the central region of Anatolia. Here you’ll find many monuments and even archaeological remains dating back thousands of years. You’ll also find theaters, concert halls, and art galleries. It’s quite a dynamic city; it’s about as big as Toronto, after all!
If you decide to visit this city full of history, which pleasantly surprised me, you owe it to yourself to add Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s mausoleum), Ankara Castle, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to your itinerary. You can also sample the local cuisine; like everywhere else in the country, it’s delicious.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Ankara, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Deeps Hostel
- $26 per night per person
- Rated: 8.2/10
- Well-rated hotel: Best Apart
- $40 per night
- $20 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.2/10
- Nice free hotel: Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center
- 10,500 points per night (52,500 points for 5 nights)
- 5,250 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hostel for $26
See all the hostels in Ankara.
Well-rated hotel for $40
See all the hotels in Ankara.
Nice free hotel for 10,500 pts
Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Mardin
Mardin is a small, historic town in the southeast, close to the border with Syria. The eastern part of Türkiye is completely different. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want the full experience, and Mardin is the most beautiful place to see; I loved it!
The old town stands out thanks to its completely unique architecture. Indeed, you can admire stone buildings built right into a hill, and the result is quite impressive. From the very top, the view over the plains of Mesopotamia is exquisite and unique.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Mardin, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: None
- Well-rated hotel: Mardian Hotel
- $52 per night
- $26 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.5/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hotel for $52
See all the hotels in Mardin.
Kurdistan
Apart from Mardin, the Turkish Kurdistan region has other gems for those who really want to get off the beaten track — which we always recommend. I’m going back in May, by the way. I loved Urfa (Şanlıurfa), another city with a history dating back to antiquity where you can visit Göbekli Tepe, a UNESCO site, and several other places considered sacred.
I also enjoyed Antep (Gaziantep), designated a “city of gastronomy” by UNESCO (and the epicenter of the major earthquake of 2023). I’ve also been to Diyarbakır, which has an impressive fortress and a UNESCO-listed castle. There are 3 other UNESCO sites scattered around the north of this vast region.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Hotel Ugur
- $17 per night per person
- Rated: 8.3/10
- Well-rated hotel: Grand Babil Hotel
- $26 per night
- $13 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.0/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hostel for $17
See all the hostels in Şanlıurfa.
Well-rated hotel for $26
See all the hotels in Şanlıurfa.
Adana
Adana is the 5th largest city in Türkiye and is located in the southern part of the center. I also loved this other less touristy region. The city is famous for its local specialty, delicious typical Turkish kebabs! You’ll be able to eat plenty of them, at low prices!
The town has the country’s 2nd-largest mosque, an iconic stone bridge (the Taşköprü), a Roman theater, and an archaeological museum. You can also discover museums and historical sites in Antakya, the Varda Viaduct, or Mersin, the most eastern large city on the entire northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Adana, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: None
- Well-rated hotel: ibis Adana
- $72 per night
- $36 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.2/10
- Nice free hotel: Sheraton Grand Adana
- 10,800 points per night (54,000 points for 5 nights)
- 5,400 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hotel for $72
See all the hotels in Adana.
Nice free hotel for 10,800 pts
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Bursa
Bursa is the 4th-largest city in the country and is famous for its many green spaces and winter sports resorts, as it’s located at the foot of Mount Uludağ. You can take the cable car to the top!
You’ll find the site of Cumalıkızık, listed by UNESCO as the birthplace of Ottoman civilization. You can also take it easy at the Çekirge Turkish baths, explore the silk market, and admire the Green Mosque.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Bursa, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Koza Hostel
- $37 per night per person
- Rated: 9.3/10
- Well-rated hotel: Araz Apart
- $45 per night
- $23 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 9.2/10
- Nice free hotel: Aloft Bursa Hotel
- 6,300 points per night (31,500 points for 5 nights)
- 3,150 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hostel for $37
See all the hostels in Bursa.
Well-rated hotel for $45
See all the hotels in Bursa.
Nice free hotel for 6,300 pts
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Trabzon
Trabzon is located on the Black Sea coast and was founded by Greek settlers and then integrated into the Ottoman Empire much later. Its geographical location on the ancient Silk Road, at the crossroads of many influences, is unique.
Dominating the city, its domes, and religious frescoes reflect its rich past. Today, the city boasts several monuments, including the Church of Saint-Sophia. After visiting the old town, set off to explore the surrounding mountain scenery and the magnificent Sumela monastery.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Trabzon, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: None
- Well-rated hotel: Tahir Ağa Konağı
- $37 per night
- $19 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.4/10
- Nice free hotel: None
- Residence Inn Trabzon opening in May 2024
Well-rated hotel for $37
See all the hotels in Trabzon.
Rize
Rize is another town on the Black Sea coast, the most eastern, almost on the Georgian border. It’s famous for its large tea plantations and you can visit during the tea festival to discover all the fascinating culture surrounding this iconic beverage adored by Turks.
You can also visit its beautiful castle and the Palovit waterfalls. If you love nature, Rize is a great destination. Mount Kaçkar is relatively close by and offers excellent hiking opportunities.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Rize, Turkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: None
Well-rated hotel: Keles Hotel- $49 per night
- $25 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 7.7/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hotel for $49
See all the hotels in Rize.
Samsun
Samsun is another port city on the shores of the Black Sea. It’s perfect for those who want to explore an authentic Turkish town rarely visited by tourists. You can do as we did and relax in a beautiful luxury hotel with your Marriott points.
The city offers beautiful sandy beaches where you can admire incredible sunsets. Apart from the port of Samsun, you can see the statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This former leader of the Turkish revolution marked the beginning of Türkiye’s fight for independence and is revered throughout the country. Samsun is also a 2-hour drive from beautiful Şahinkaya Canyon.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Samsun, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: None
- Well-rated hotel: Hotel Necmi
- $40 per night
- $20 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.3/10
- Nice free hotel: Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel
- 7,200 points per night (36,000 points for 5 nights)
- 3,600 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Well-rated hotel for $40
See all the hotels in Samsun.
Nice free hotel for 7,200 pts
Get 53,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Kars
Kars is a small mountain town in the northeast of the country with a strong Soviet influence, as it is close to the border with Armenia. Nearby, you’ll find the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Ani, an ancient Armenian capital. Other nearby attractions include Lake Çıldır and Allahuekber National Park.
Kars is situated at an average altitude of around 1750 meters (5740 feet) above sea level, making it one of the coldest cities in Türkiye. Here you can visit Kars Castle, the Armenian Cathedral, Georgian churches, and much more.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Kars, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: None
- Well-rated hotel: Konak Hotel 2
- $30 per night
- $15 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.4/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hotel for $30
See all the hotels in Kars.
Safranbolu
Safranbolu is quite accessible from İstanbul and I’m a little embarrassed not to have been there yet. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its cute traditional wooden houses, a superb example of Ottoman architecture.
It looks very pretty. If this lesser-known destination catches your eye, you can also explore the traditional bazaar or relax in a hammam once you’re there.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Safranbolu, Türkiye:
- Well-rated hostel: Paphlagonia Yoruk Konak
- $29 per night per person
- Rated: 9.0/10
- Well-rated hotel: Efe Guest House
- $40 per night
- $20 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 9.7/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hostel for $29
See all the hostels in Safranbolu.
Well-rated hotel for $40
See all the hotels in Safranbolu.
Northern Cyprus
I’m cheating a bit because it’s not part of Türkiye itself. Northern Cyprus is the northern part of the island of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a de facto country, because the ethnically Turk population controls the territory, and there’s a border and customs.
But Türkiye is the only country that recognizes it: the international community considers the territory part of Cyprus. Andrew enjoyed his short roadtrip around Cyprus and can’t wait to return. You can visit the divided old town of Nicosia, sunbathe on the beach, explore archaeological sites, and go hiking.
Here are some examples of accommodation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:
- Well-rated hostel: None
- Well-rated hotel: Rix Studio Park Famagusta
- $47 per night
- $24 per night per person with a companion
- Rated: 8.7/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Well-rated hotel for $47
See all the hotels in Famagusta.
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Summary
A less expensive country is almost never less interesting… it’s just less expensive! These examples of well-rated affordable accommodation show you that you can enjoy your time in Türkiye without breaking the bank. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world, and the country has so many places you shouldn’t miss!
What would you like to know about cheap accommodation in Türkiye? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: Cappadocia, Türkiye (photo credit: Unma Desai)
Valuation ≈ $357
