Experience in Isparta, Turkey by Bilge

What is it like to live in Isparta? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Isparta is a really small city and there're not a lot of things to do. But even thoug it is small, the city's lovely. There are lots of natural and archeological places to visit like Yazılı Kanyon or Pisidya Antiocheia. There are lots of lakes around the city, so you can visit anytime. The city is famuous of roses. So you may happen upon roses at any corner. Also you can find lots of rose productions. Life is cheap considering the other European cities and it's also easy, so you wouldn't have any trouble. I definitely recommend it. Isparta is a easy, cheap and lovely city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Isparta?

Good question. Being a student in Isparta is a bit boring. Because there're not so many things to do. But some departments prepare different activities, mine never did FYI, so you can have good times with your friends. It's cheap and the transportation is easy. You just take a bus in the city center and after 15 minutes, you'll be at the campus. There're lots of cafes in Isparta. There's also a street named as 'The Cafes Street. And there is a few bars but people are mostly pleased.

How much does it cost to live in Isparta?

It does not cost a lot. Rents are a bit expensive if you're living in Turkey but the life is mostly cheap.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Isparta? Is there any advice you can give?

I don't think so. I think it's quite the opposite. You can find lots of accommodation but the rents are a bit expensive for us. But I guess you wouldn't have any problem about the prices, because euro is higher than turkish lira. 

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

If you like Turkish cousine, then you'd be pleased in this city. There are lots of doner shops, pita restaurants and the other kind of restaurants. You can also find lots of cafes that has breakfast and brunch services. You can also go to a regular Burger King or McDonald's.

What places would you recommend visiting in Isparta?

There are lots of places that you should go if you visit Isparta. First of all, you can visit the museums. An ethnography museum, a democracy museum and an archeological museum in the city. Also Isparta has Eğirdir lake, which is really lovely, Gölcük lake and Kovada national park. In Kovada, you can see nearly any plant you want. There's an archeological city that's called Pisidya Antiocheia. You can visit Yazılı Kanyon, which is an amazing natural place. You can also check the internet to have more information about Isparta's famous places.

Is it good to eat out in Isparta? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It's normal. I like eating outside time to time. My favorite place is Iyaş Park. It's a mall and you can find lots of restaurants for every kind of meal. In addition I like eating at Pasaport Pizza. It's the best pizza that is made in the Isparta. If you like Turkish meals and kebabs, then you should eat at Ferah Kebap Salonu. IT IS THE BEST PLACE OF ALL ISPARTA! Try their ayran. I highly recommend it.

Is the nightlife good in Isparta? Where is good to go?

I don't usually go outside but I know that there're a few good places to go. People mostly talk about Barcelona or a place called Bnzn Company. You can find places but I'm not the right person to ask this.

What advice would you give future students heading to Isparta?

Give it a try. The city is lovely and easy to live in. But it's not that much active. If you are looking for a nightlife, maybe it's not your place. But if you are looking for new places to visit and you like small cities, then you'll totally love it.