Turkey Travel

Is Turkey Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Let's look at its culture in the first place. The country has everything: ancient traditions, dance, music, art, and food. You probably know the taste of Kebab if you are German, but there's much more to delve into. On one hand, Turkish cuisine stands out by its distinct ingredients and flavors; on the other, legendary hospitality breaks the boundaries. You will be greeted with delicious tea when visiting locals; you will also love the sound of local melodies played by musicians on traditional folk instruments. In addition, you will discover natural wonders, including UNESCO Ephesus, Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Archeological Site of Troy, etc.

Do you want to combine culture and beach relaxation? No problem. Turkey boasts one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Some of the top ones to enjoy sun soaking are Kabak Beach, Mermerli Beach, Patara Bodrum Peninsula (filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, and various stores), and Kaputas Beach. Finally, Turkey has much to offer for those who love trekking soaring mountains. Beginners can try hiking the trail in the Yedigoller National Park, which is especially beautiful in winter. Intermediate mountain enthusiasts may consider the popular Cappadocia during the spring and summer seasons. There are also plenty of options for expert or advanced hikers, such as Lycian Way in Antalya or Taurus Mountains, also known as St. Paul’s Trail.

This is just a glimpse of things and activities to experience in this truly charming country.

Your Dream Vacation

Visit Ephesus, one of the best places near Izmir to immerse in ancient history.

Explore the breathtaking ruins of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in the Cleopatra Pool.

Don't miss the Archeological Site of Troy, renowned for its association with the Greek myth of the Trojan War.

Discover the lavish history of Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Sultan and his family.

Experience the magic of the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning Islamic architecture.

Explore the architectural marvel of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a testament to historical artistry.

Embark on a trekking adventure along the Lycian Way, following an ancient trade route.

Relax at the stunning sandy Kabak Beach, nestled in the mountains.

Enjoy camping in Yedigoller National Park, or visit in winter for skiing opportunities.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Turkey?

The nationals of 78 countries do not require a visa to visit Turkey (Türkiye) for tourism purposes. But this is different for US nationals. With the Turkey travel visa, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. Some citizens may need a conditional e-visa. Transit visas can be obtained online. Please note that you don’t need a Turkey transit visa if you are not leaving Turkish airports or using them for a layover.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 150 days from your arrival day in the country. Turkey also requires a full blank page for the stamps .

We encourage you to always double-check with the relevant website or consulate before booking a ticket.

Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey?

In general, Turkey is considered quite a safe country. Robberies and pickpocketing may occur in tourist areas, so you need to always stay vigilant.

Although there is no reason why you shouldn’t travel to Istanbul or Ankara, it’s important to pay attention to local government announcements. The FCDO warns from visiting places in Southern Turkey and areas bordering Syria, and the US State Turkey Travel Advisory recommends avoiding Hakkari province and its surrounding regions.

It's also highly recommended to dodge demonstrations and crowds and choose hotels providing security measures . In general, simply keep an eye on the media for updates to take necessary precautions.

The Best Way to Get Around Turkey

Once you arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), you can get around Turkey by plane, public transportation, train, or ferry/boat.

Some popular attractions have international airports, such as Sabiha Goçken Airport (SAW) and Antalya Airport (AYT), so you can directly fly there and then use other transportation means to reach desired Turkey travel places.

Flights

The most popular way of reaching Turkey is certainly the plane. Istanbul Airport (IST) is congested with flights from overseas. From there, tourists typically go by bus, car, or taxi. While IST is in the European part, SAW is in the Asian portion of the city. Antalya Airport is another busy airport, which is ideal if you plan to go to the gorgeous Turkish Riviera.

Getting Around by BiTaksi or Uber

Taxis are easy to find in Ankara, Istanbul, and most areas of Turkey tourists visit. You can choose from BiTaksi or Uber yellow and turquoise cabs outside airports, ports, and train stations. In Turkey, you should flag a taxi down. BiTaksi is a very convenient way to travel within cities. All it takes is downloading the app, registering, and looking for rides to your destination.

Public Transportation: Buses And Metro

Almost always on time, the big cities and small towns in Turkey have a frequent network of buses. Istanbul has buses in three colors - yellow, purple, and blue. Most of the time you just need to show up at the stop and wait.

Varan, Pamukkale, and Kamil Koç are companies that run long-distance or charter buses. They have comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, outlets, reclining seats with extra legroom, and even snack service.

The local way to travel between small towns and villages is minivans, also called dolmuş. These usually require longer wait times and feature a sign in the window indicating destination. Traveling by dolmuş is a real adventure because you need to tell a driver where to stop and ensure he understands you; otherwise, he may miss your stop.

Major Turkish cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa offer a metro or light rail service. This is also true for Antalya, Konya, Gaziantep, and many others.

Trains

Regional trains in Turkey are limited, and, in most cases, it is faster to go by bus. The sole alternative to this is the high-speed line operating between Istanbul, Eskisehir, and Ankara. We recommend buying tickets in advance, particularly if you seek to take the overnight trip on the Eastern Express, a spectacular scenery journey between Ankara and Kars. Turkish State Railway operates all rail lines, including rail services within the Izmir region and trains to Adana and Konya.

Boats

Surprisingly, Turkey lacks boats. Only a handful of companies serve ferries from Istanbul that crisscross the Marmara Sea to Yalova and Mudanya adjacent to Bursa. There are regular ferries to popular tourist destinations, Bodrum and Datça.

Car Rentals

Cars and car rentals are the most convenient and secure way to get around in Turkey. Rental agencies are found in all major towns and at the airports in Istanbul and Antalya. Local rates start at about $30 per and the cheapest options are at just $18. The minimum age for rental is 21.

Enterprise, Budget, First, Hertz, and Goldcar are among the best companies to hire a car. They promise a reliable ride for your business or personal vacation.

Cycling And Electric Scooters

Cycling infrastructure in Turkey is not any better than in other countries. Bike lanes are scarce, and you need to be wary of speeding cars driven by locals.

E-scooters are common in most tourist cities, including Antalya and Kemer, and they are available for anyone at least 16 years old. Hiring a scooter is straightforward. You'll need a smartphone with internet access to download an app from providers Beam and BinBin on iOS and Android mobile devices.

Driving habits in Turkey may differ from what foreign nationals are used to. Some drivers may not always strictly follow the rules, so it’s important to exercise caution when cycling or using e-scooters.

Best Time to Travel to Turkey

Travelers flock to Turkey year-round, yet some months are better than others if you want to avoid crowds. There are three main tourist seasons:

• High season: June to August
• Shoulder Season: April to May, September to October
• Low Season: November to March

Visit Cappadocia in Spring or Autumn
The ideal months to experience the stunning beauty of Cappadocia landscapes, especially sunset, are April, May, and September. Hot air ballooning is one of the popular activities, offering ascent at varying heights for different perspectives of the landscape.

Visit Istanbul’s Aya Sofya in Autumn or Winter
The best season to travel through Istanbul is in the fall or winter months. The weather in winter is mild, making it easy for tourists to roam the city streets and explore the beautiful Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace with fewer tourists around.

Take a Bosphorus Cruise in Spring or Fall
Spring and fall months are perfect for taking a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul. The same is true for shopping in the Spice Bazaar or Grand Bazaar of this cultural capital of Turkey. The end of April and the beginning of May are perfect for Turkey tours. The moderate weather during that period allows for going to the Pamukkale travertines, Gallipoli, and Troy.

• Important: Avoid visiting mosques on Fridays and during prayer times.

Holidays and Festivals in Turkey

One of the best things about traveling is an opportunity to learn about other cultures, see how people live, and learn about their customs, what food they eat, and how they celebrate life.

If you are visiting Turkey, you should immerse yourself in several Turkish events that are huge tourist attractions. Below, we list the top festivals to attend.

Istanbul Tulip Festival

Turkish migrators from Central Asia first brought tulips to Anatolia in the 12th century. However, the cultivation of this flower began in the 16th century mainly in Constantinople, now Istanbul, reaching its zenith in the 18th century. The Ottoman sultans and elites fell in love with tulips and even made them a symbol of their power. The Orientation to Europe marked the next 12 years in the empire.

You need to visit Turkey from April to May to enjoy the beautiful festival with flowers across every corner of Istanbul during this tulip blossom time. Moreover, you will enjoy performances, exhibitions, and concerts in the city parks.

Cappadox

The natural landscape of Cappadocia allowed for the beginning of the Cappadox festival. It took place in 2015, and today, the holiday features loads of music events with delicious local food and contemporary art displays that continue for several days annually.

Oil Wrestling or Kirkpinar Festival

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Oil Wrestling Festival, occurring each year in the western city of Turkey, Edirne , between late June and early July. The winner, “Champion of Turkey, the strongest and bravest man, will be awarded the Kirkpinar Golden Belt and a $100,000 bonus.

This folk wrestling is one of the oldest continuously running sports events in the world, dating back to the 14th century.

Air Balloon Festival

Another festival linked to Cappadocia is the Air Balloon Festival, taking place in the first week of July. During that time, a few dozen hot air balloons from different countries soar high into the sky, creating stunning and colorful scenery. In addition, visitors can enjoy traditional or exotic dances and a glow show throughout the night.

Rock’n Coke Festival

If you love rock music, you should attend the Rock’n Coke festival on September 2 and 3. It's an exciting feast that hosts many musicians and brands every year.

We have just listed the most popular festivals for tourists, but there are many other local celebrations and main holidays in almost every major city and its surrounding regions.

What You Need to Know About Religious Holidays

Some activities are less vibrant during religious holidays in Turkey. For example, on Ramadan, the most important festival in the country, restaurants, although mostly open, are less busy at lunchtime. Traveling during the Seker & Kurban (Sugar Holiday) festival could be challenging. Besides, various shops and public places like museums and banks will be closed during the holiday.

What to Eat in Turkey

Foreign visitors with hungry stomachs have many dishes to choose from. Gaziantep is often touted as the culinary capital of the country and offers everything from the famous Kebab to less-known delicacies like Kisir and Lamb Guvec; the town of Siirt is where Perdi Pilav originated, while pretty much every Turkish city will claim to offer the best dish. Yet what should you stick your fork into when you visit the best of Turkey cities?

Doner Kebab – Istanbul

Doner Kebab is a meat dish that consists of bread stuffed with meat shavings, sliced tomatoes, and onions, including a mayo-yogurt sauce and sauce blanche. This is an increasingly common street food in Istanbul.

Alanya Bohçasi – Antalya

Alanya Bohçasi is a featured dish in the Alanya region. Therefore, when you visit Antalya, taste this most loved meal made with lamb's inner fillings, cheese, and potatoes wrapped in a dough that looks like a bundle.

Ezogelin çorbasi – Gaziantep

Originated in a small village near Gaziantep, this soup consists of sweet or hot tomato paste, red lentils, grated fresh tomatoes, and onions, served with chili flakes and dried mint.

Manti – Cappadocia

Cappadocia is considered a home to Manti, resembling a Turkish ravioli. The dish features small dumplings filled with meat, ground lamb, or beef.

Iskender Kebab – Ankara

Iskender Kebab is popular in Bursa, where it originated. The main ingredients are thinly sliced grilled lamb, tomato sauce, pita bread, melted sheep butter, and yogurt.

Çebiç – Konya

Do you want to experience the traditional taste of Konya? Then this should be çebiç - a mouth-watering dish of bulgur pilaf with cooked lamb meat.

Sigara Borek – Bodrum

Borek is very popular at parties because they are convenient for dipping in the sauce. The most common fillings of this Turkish pastry are meat, cheese, and spinach.

Grilled fish – Kusadasi

Kusadasi highlights include lots of seafood. Hence, when you visit the town, don’t miss out on the local restaurants to taste their grilled fish.

Desserts – Dondurma

It’s hard to resist trying Dondurma because it's a fun ice cream that never melts. Street vendors often perform tricks before serving them to excited buyers.

Turkish Tea and Coffee Culture

Today, tea and coffee are an indispensable part of Turkish culture. Whether riding across the Bosphorus or shopping in the Grand Bazaar and the shopping malls, you will see tea servers shouting “cay” (chai).

Coffee is another very famous beverage in Turkey. According to 2021 statistical records, one out of 10 people said that they drank more than five cups of coffee daily.

Dos and Don’ts in Turkey

If your travel plans hold Turkey on the horizon, buying tickets and making reservations aside, learning about local culture and etiquette comes first! Giving credit to these rules requires humbleness, but since they come from Turkey's cultural norms, it's of great importance to your host country. Here are the tips all tourists in Turkey are supposed to follow.

Speak the Language: Turkish Phrases for Travelers

Did You Know That…

• Turkey is now Türkiye
  The country is now called by its Turkish name Türkiye and not the Republic of Turkey.
• Part of Turkey is in Europe
  Turkey is a transcontinental country. One side of Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait is in Europe (3%) and the other, in Asia (97%).
• Turkey allowed women to vote and participate in elections before many countries.
  The country granted women the right to vote and be elected in 1934 much earlier than other countries. For example, France recognized women’s rights in 1945. Only eleven years after Turkey!
• Turks believe in Evil Eye
  Turks predominantly are superstitious towards an Evil Eye. They even hang up or wear the symbol that can ward off evil energies. Hence, don’t be surprised to see evil eyes hung up almost everywhere.
• Bring a gift
  Don't forget to bring a present with you when invited to a Turkish home. It can be a souvenir from your country. Turkish desserts like Baklava and Lokum are also widespread gifts in Turkey.
• Istanbul - Center of Several Empires
  Today’s Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, was the capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, spanning over 1500 years.
• Noah’s Ark might be in Turkey
  Although not universally accepted, archeologists believe they may have discovered the final location of Noah's Ark on Turkey's Mount Ararat.
• Sabina Gokçen – The famous Turk female
  Sabina Gokçen was the first woman pilot in the world. The Istanbul Ataturk Airport (currently operating only private flights) bears her name.
• The land of beautiful horses
  “The land of beautiful horses” – katpatukya - that is how Cappadocia is translated from the Old Persian language. Once large herds of horses used to graze in this ancient region.