This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Antakya.
Antakya, Turkey, is one of the most multicultural cities in the Middle East. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity in many denominations are represented in this city in the very south of Turkey. Each of the religions has its own temples in the city. Half of the population are ethnically Turks, whereas the other half are Arab. For a long time Antakya, Turkey, was one of the main hubs for travelers around the Middle East, but the civil war in Syria has unfortunately changed this. Many overlanders used Antakya as their last stop on the way from Turkey to Syria, where Aleppo or Latakia would be their first destination. With the civil war, tourism in Syria ceased to exist, and only very few that travelled that traveled off the beaten path still had Antakya on their itinerary. But now that Syria is slowly starting to welcome travelers again and the region is becoming more stable, Antakya is getting back on travelers' maps, although at a tortoise-like pace.
If you are the adventurer that wants to visit Antakya, Turkey, you will surely enjoy it. Locals are even friendlier than before, since they are not used to seeing foreign travelers much. There is a vibrant atmosphere in the city and you should not be surprised if you get invited for a coffee or tea. There are some interesting historical landmarks in the city, but the distances may be too big to cover it all on foot.
The location of your Antakya, Turkey hostel may make a difference, but still you will need to use taxis or public transport to see all landmarks. The amount of hostels in Antakya, Turkey, is limited, but what exists is in the centre with one of the highest standards in the entire Middle East. The price is slightly higher than elsewhere in Turkey, but still very affordable and surely worth the money. Alternatively to a Antakya, Turkey hostel, you can book private accommodation, of which there are more options.
Written by local enthusiast for Antakya hostels
Martin Straatman
