Turkey Travel Guide
Welcome to Turkey: A Journey of Wonders Awaits You
Find Turkey, a beautiful location where East meets West with rich culture, amazing natural beauty, and ancient history mingled. From the fairy-tale scenery of Cappadocia to the vibrant streets of Istanbul, Turkey presents a distinctive trip for every visitor.
Why Turkey?
As you travel historic sites such as Hagia Sophia and Ephesus, immerse yourself in centuries of past.
Enjoy the sun on the Mediterranean and Aegean coast's clean beaches.
Enjoy world-famous Turkish food ranging from tasty kebabs to wonderful baklava.
Warm Turkish hospitality and the rich customs of its people await you.
What is awaiting you?
Turkey offers amazing experiences whether you look for cultural exploration, calm getaways, or exciting adventures. Sail along the Turquoise Coast; take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia; stroll across vivid bazaars packed with riches.
Arrange Your Ideal Trip
This book will assist you reveal Turkey's top locations, essential experiences, and useful travel advice. Start your trip right now and find out why tourists worldwide should visit Turkey.
Top Places in Turkey to See
1. Istanbul: A Contradictory City
- Average temperatures are Spring (15°C), Summer (28°C), Autumn (18°C), Winter (8°C).
- Must-See Attractions: Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia.
- Local events include a cruise on the Bosphorus, Turkish tea at a rooftop cafe, and an examination of energetic street art.
- Accommodation Options: From luxurious hotels like the Ciragan Palace Kempinski to charming boutique stays in Sultanahmet.
2. Cappadocia: A Fairy Story Terrain
- Average Temperature: Spring (13°C), Summer (23°C), Autumn (14°C), Winter (2°C).
- Must-See Attractions: Hot air balloon rides, Goreme Open-Air Museum, and underground cities.
- Local Activities: Hike through Love Valley, explore cave churches, and indulge in local pottery workshops.
- Accommodation Options: Stay in unique cave hotels like Museum Hotel or Sultan Cave Suites.
3. Antalya: Mediterranean Jewel
- Average Temperature: Spring (20°C), Summer (31°C), Autumn (24°C), Winter (15°C).
- Must-See Attractions: Kaleiçi Old Town, Düden Waterfalls, and Konyaaltı Beach.
- Local Activities: Go paragliding, enjoy a Turkish bath, or visit the ancient city of Perge.
- Accommodation Options: From all-inclusive resorts to cozy guesthouses.
Sustainable Tourism Tips
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Use public transportation or walk when possible.
- Support Local Communities: Shop at local markets, dine at family-owned restaurants, and consider hiring local guides.
- Protect Natural Sites: Avoid littering and stick to designated paths to preserve natural landscapes.
Practical Travel Tips
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY).
- Language: Turkish; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Transportation: Turkey has an extensive network of buses, domestic flights, and ferries.
- Visa Requirements: Check the official e-Visa website for entry requirements based on your nationality.
Optimize Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and layers for varying climates.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Doner kebab, manti (Turkish dumplings), baklava, and Turkish tea.
Make the Most of Your Journey
Turkey is a must-see country for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and great friendliness. Every nook of Turkey offers a distinctive trip whether you are discovering the historic ruins of Ephesus or lounging on the Bodrum beaches.
Following this guide will not only help you to have a remarkable trip but also enable you to preserve Turkey's natural and cultural riches for next generations.
Transportation in Turkey: For reliable bus or train services in Turkey, check out Turkish State Railways (TCDD) here.
Weather in Turkey: Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in Turkey by visiting Weather.com here.
Turkey Blogs
Citizens of most EU countries can enter Turkey visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. U.S. citizens must obtain an e-Visa online before traveling; the process takes only a few minutes. Check our detailed Visa & Entry Requirements for Turkey page for the latest rules.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Turkey, as required by Turkish regulations.
At Istanbul and Antalya airports, passport control usually takes 30–60 minutes outside peak times; in summer allow extra time.
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for taxis, local buses, and small shops.
Budget travelers spend about €40–60 per day, mid-range €70–110, and luxury €150+ (including accommodation, meals, and transport). See Turkey by the Numbers for updated cost benchmarks.
Not obligatory but appreciated—5–10% in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is common practice.
Yes. ATMs are common across cities and tourist towns. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before traveling.
Domestic flights connect Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Cappadocia and the coastal resorts. High-speed trains and intercity buses are efficient and affordable, and car rentals give you flexibility. See our Transportation Guide for Turkey for routes, passes and tips.
Yes—especially in summer or around public holidays, seats sell out quickly.
About 1 hour 15 minutes to Nevşehir or Kayseri airports; overnight buses take 10–12 hours.
Istanbul has metro, tram and ferries; Ankara and Izmir have metro and buses. Transport cards save money and time.
From cave hotels in Cappadocia to seaside resorts on the Aegean, boutique hotels, Airbnbs and budget hostels, Turkey offers a wide range. See Accommodation in Turkey for curated picks.
In peak summer book in advance; in low season you can often find last-minute deals.
Istanbul’s Sultanahmet or Karaköy for history and nightlife; Cappadocia’s Göreme or Uçhisar for fairy chimneys; Antalya’s Kaleiçi for old town charm.
Breakfast 7–10 AM, lunch 12–2 PM, dinner 7–9 PM. Turks love long breakfasts, especially on weekends.
Meze, kebabs, pide, simit, baklava and Turkish tea. See Food & Drinks in Turkey for a full guide.
Yes—many vegetable stews, meze and salads are naturally vegetarian. Major cities have dedicated vegan restaurants.
Bottled water is recommended throughout Turkey.
April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds—ideal for sightseeing, hiking and beaches.
Yes. Coastal areas can reach 35 °C (95 °F); central Anatolia is dry and hot. Plan sightseeing early or late in the day.
Coastal regions are mild and rainy; Cappadocia and Eastern Anatolia can be snowy—great for skiing or hot-air ballooning in winter landscapes.
In Istanbul’s traditional meyhanes, Konya’s Whirling Dervish ceremonies, or local festivals listed on our Festivals & Events in Turkey page.
The Museum Pass Turkey or Istanbul Museum Pass covers many top sites and saves money.
Generally no, but small shops in rural areas may close for short breaks or prayer times.
Ölüdeniz (Fethiye), Kaputaş (Kaş), Patara (Antalya), Cleopatra (Alanya), Iztuzu (Dalyan). Check our Beaches in Turkey guide for more.
Domestic flights to Bodrum, Dalaman, or Antalya plus ferries to Greek islands.
The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have beach weather from May through October; the southern coast stays warm even in late autumn.
Yes—most visits are trouble-free. Just take normal precautions in crowded areas. See Safety in Turkey for tips.
EU visitors should bring their European Health Insurance Card (not always valid in Turkey), and U.S. visitors should obtain private travel insurance covering medical care. Emergency number is 112.
Yes. Pharmacies (“Eczane”) are in every neighborhood. Bring prescriptions for essential medications.
In major tourist areas yes, but learning a few Turkish phrases enriches your trip.
Hotels, cafés, and many public spaces offer free Wi-Fi.
Google Translate (offline), BiTaksi (taxis), Maps.me (offline maps).
Depends on your airline—usually 20–23 kg checked and 7–10 kg carry-on.
Turkey uses 220 V and type C/F plugs (two round pins).
9 AM–9 PM in big cities; bazaars often open daily.
At least one week to see Istanbul and Cappadocia; two weeks to add the Aegean or Mediterranean coast.