It’s Turkey time! Not the one you may be thinking about however... We’re talking the country of Turkey, not the one you may be sitting down to eat this week. Our Senior Communications Manager, Megan Madigan, is sharing her recent travels to Turkey and Bodrum alongside her radiant and cool mother, Ann. Prepare yourself for the hottest takes, ancient local gems, and best pizza IN THE WORLD. Onward to the Ottoman Empire!
The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are spots that absolutely cannot be missed with impressive architecture and beauty.
Vitruta Karaköy is a beautifully curated concept store.
Turkish Modern has colorful and enchanting housewares, perfect to take home to your own abode and furnish with sweet memories.
She and Ann also had a blast renting a gulet and sailing on the Aegean. There are loads of boats for charter for everything from a half day to weeks-long vacations. Megan and Ann took a smaller boat, and it was so delightful. They also took a day trip and hopped over to the Greek isle of Kos. It’s only a 45-minute ferry or boat from downtown Bodrum!
Murver is the perfect scenic dinner spot overlooking the Bosphorus. The experience was incredible.
Yeni Lokanta fulfills the craving for more delicious Turkish food. Head on over for a great tasting menu and have your mind blown.
Napoli Gourmet is serving an Italian moment with the friendliest service. Megan and Ann only once deviated from Turkish cuisine, and it was here. The food was so fresh, and the best pizza Megan HAS EVER HAD, which is really saying something.
Note: There is an obscene amount of delicious dining options with lots of Michelin stars. Megan and Ann went the Turkish route for almost every meal, which is the way to go, of course! Also, another important thing, their favorite beer was Efes, a crisp pilsner brewed with their unique, Mediterranean slow brew.
Finally, we owe Megan and Ann a huge thanks for their detailed recaps and imagery. We don’t know about you, but we are absolutely dying to go to Turkey. Let’s start saving for a flight in 2025! We’d also like to wish all our fabulous turkeys a joyful and safe Thanksgiving. Cheers to more colorful adventures ahead!

Must-sees:



Shopping moments:
The Lab Store supplies locally made and designed art with a fun POV.Vitruta Karaköy is a beautifully curated concept store.
Turkish Modern has colorful and enchanting housewares, perfect to take home to your own abode and furnish with sweet memories.
Sweet place to stay:
Tomtom Suites was the cutie hotel in the Beyoglu. This chic hotel with 10-star service had a phenomenal restaurant on the roof where breakfast was served overlooking the Bosphorus and old city every morning. There are a zillion fabulous hotels in Istanbul, so you truly cannot go wrong. Megan also considered staying at the Bank Hotel or Soho House. The city of Istanbul itself is very cosmopolitan and surprisingly European to Megan. The staff at Tomtom Suites were so nice and knowledgeable about the neighborhood which is home to tons of European consulates making the community feel like a true melting pot.For a cool side trip: BODRUM!

She and Ann also had a blast renting a gulet and sailing on the Aegean. There are loads of boats for charter for everything from a half day to weeks-long vacations. Megan and Ann took a smaller boat, and it was so delightful. They also took a day trip and hopped over to the Greek isle of Kos. It’s only a 45-minute ferry or boat from downtown Bodrum!
Divine dining:
Yeni Lokanta fulfills the craving for more delicious Turkish food. Head on over for a great tasting menu and have your mind blown.

Napoli Gourmet is serving an Italian moment with the friendliest service. Megan and Ann only once deviated from Turkish cuisine, and it was here. The food was so fresh, and the best pizza Megan HAS EVER HAD, which is really saying something.
Note: There is an obscene amount of delicious dining options with lots of Michelin stars. Megan and Ann went the Turkish route for almost every meal, which is the way to go, of course! Also, another important thing, their favorite beer was Efes, a crisp pilsner brewed with their unique, Mediterranean slow brew.
Finally, we owe Megan and Ann a huge thanks for their detailed recaps and imagery. We don’t know about you, but we are absolutely dying to go to Turkey. Let’s start saving for a flight in 2025! We’d also like to wish all our fabulous turkeys a joyful and safe Thanksgiving. Cheers to more colorful adventures ahead!
