Turkey is a country located in the eastern Mediterranean, surrounded by Greece, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is home to a rich culture and history and has a varied landscape including rugged mountains, lush valleys, rivers, and beaches. The capital, Istanbul, is home to over 13million people, making it the largest city in Europe.
1. Turkey Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
One great first date idea for those in Turkey is a walk in one of the country’s many sunny parks. One of the most popular is Gokturk Park, located in the city of Istanbul. This park is known for its stunning views of the Bosphorus and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Other parks that can be explored include Terkos Lake in the north of the country and Ataturk Ormani in the south.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Turkey
A coffee date is always a great option for a first date. There are a variety of coffee shops and cafes in Turkey where couples can enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat. For example, the Şişhane Cafe & Lounge, located in Istanbul, provides an intimate and cosy setting for a coffee date. Other options include the Cherry Lounge in Ankara, the Tea Garden in Bursa, and the Saman Cafe in Izmir.
3. Turkey Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Couples looking to spend a first date exploring culture and history can visit some of Turkey’s many galleries, museums and exhibitions. A few of the must-see spots include the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, the Rahmi M. Koç Industrial Museum, and the Pera Museum. There is also the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations located in Ankara which dates back to the Hittite period. Alternatively, Hagia Sophia, the iconic former Byzantine church, is an iconic building that is open for sightseeing.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Turkey
There is no shortage of live music and entertainment venues in Turkey to enjoy a first date. Istanbul is particularly known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of music bars, clubs, and live performances. A few of the more famous spots include Nardis Jazz Club, Siyah Kalem Bar and Club, and Babylon. Alternatively, couples can also visit one of the many music festivals in the country, such as the Istanbul Jazz Festival, Bodrum Beach Festival and the Fuzul Music and Arts Festival.
5. Turkey Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
Turkey is a great destination for those looking to enjoy a good drink or bite to eat on a first date. There are plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from, such as the popular 360 Istanbul Bar in Beyoglu and the historic Galata Tower in Istanbul. Alternatively, there are also some traditional Turkish restaurants and bars, such as Lokanta Maya in Istanbul and Yeşil Ev in Ankara.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Turkey
Turkey also has plenty of other activities to enjoy on a first date. Couples can choose to go on a boat ride along the Bosphorus, explore the colourful Grand Bazaar, take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, or visit one of the many Turkish baths. For something more romantic, couples can enjoy a candlelight dinner at the Ottoman Palace in Istanbul or take a romantic cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.
