Turkey questions
 

I'd love some advice for what to pack for Turkey in April. I'm a middle aged female. Beach/walking sandals? Walking shoes? I wish I could blend in and not look like a tourist, but that will never happen. Any suggestions will be most appreciated! Thanks in advance.

It depends on where you will be visiting, along the coast, the weather shall be quite pleasant, but in the inland, such as cappodocia, it could be still a bit chilly. However, good walking shoes are essential.

If you're sightseeing, you should wear only footwear in which you feel comfortable even after a long day.

If you are visiting historic sights you are a tourist. you cannor get away from that.

When you are out in the evening in Istanbul at places where locals go, try to dress like how you would dress in Manhattan or Paris, and depending on how upscale or bohemian the area and the location is perceived to be.

Jeans, sneakers and sweats are fine at Nevizade street but you will feel more comfortable in them if they are designer at Asmalimescit street. If you go to a good restaurant, you should have a nice cocktail outfit with high heels.

Visiting Cappadocia and Ephesus, definitely comfortable walking shoes (not boots unless you are into hiking and trekking) Shorts can be chilly in the evenings even on the coast. Cotton pants will be fine. Jeans for cappadocia (few Turks wear capris, possibly because of shorter and thicker legs)

Light rain-proof hoody windbreaker will always be a good idea.

Thanks. This info is most helpful! It's always that dilemma of traveling light, yet needing a jacket and more than two pairs of shoes!

otherchelebi, I think everyone on Fodors really values your generous advice and insight!

I am concerned about the weather in April in Selcuk, Pamukkale and Istanbul. I have to pack a very small bag. Will be casual with no upscale evenings out this time...but I don't want to pack a fleece jacket if I don't need it, and hope that cotton will be ok in mid-April.

Cabovacation - Can you pack a few light layers?

I am in Selcuk now and the weather is low- to mid-60's. Yesterday and today I wore a light silk long-sleeve top under light cotton top under a cotton cardigan. In the evening as the sun went down yesterday, I just wrapped my scarf around my shoulders. I found that with the layers, I didn't need a jacket, and an added benefit is that I can wash/dry them very quickly in the sink, so it reduced the amount of separates I needed to pack.

The silk undershirt and the cardigan are both from Land's End:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/StylePage...-55688-_-55690

http://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSleev...&origin=search

Cabovacation, if you're not going to Cappadocia, there is absolutely no reson to have any fleece or polar wear with you.

However, April (although not the cruelest month in Turkey) will be rather wet most regions. Evernings can be as low as low 50s or even high 40s and daytime as high as mid or even high 70s. Expect up to 10 rainy days. (that's why the hoody is usefull and can be better if it is microfiber rather than typical nylon so that you do not sweat in it.)

Thanks, NinaSearching! What are you doing there - I mean, how do you spend your days and where do you eat? OtherChelebi - thanks for the weather update. All very helpful! Now I have to book a hotel in the Beyoglu! Can't wait!

Cabovacation -- apologies for the delayed reply. I am still traveling and haven't always been near a computer :(

I hope to write up a trip report, but my time in Selcuk was fairly short -- basically Friday, Saturday, Sunday were my "on the ground" days:

Friday - walked to Tomb of St. John / Basilica of St. John. it was raining so only 2 tour buses in the time i was there; this is compared to 7 buses i counted on Monday morning when i was leaving town. the fortress (i think some people called it a castle) nearby was closed for renovations. also walked to the Ephesus Museum, which is where they have taken a lot of the statues and artifacts recovered from the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus.

Saturday - walked from Selcuk to Ephesus to the Virgin Mary's House. long story. amazing, amazing trip. do not necessarily recommend anyone else do that. (take a taksi or dolmus)

Sunday - dolmus to Şirince, which is a cute little wine town (i don't know how else to describe it) about 7km from Selcuk. would have walked except i was dead tired from the day before.

I have to admit, i'm not much of a foodie, so i don't really register the places i ate. There were a number of inexpensive spots around the hotel where i was staying (the Urkmez). Othercelebi recommended a great hotel, Bella, that has a restaurant (you can call or stop by and ask for a reservation for dinner). It is located literally right across the street from the Tomb of St. John.

Nina! Thanks again! I hope you are having a wonderful, wonderful trip! I can't wait!