Turkey (Türkiye) Travel Guide

Turkey, which has been rebranded as Türkiye, is full of delightful surprises, with its dazzling Byzantine and Ottoman Mosques and palaces, amazing ancient Roman ruins, unforgettable landscapes, and grand history. This travel guide for Turkey (Türkiye) features the top places to visit, how to get there, safety, scams, logistics and more to help you plan your visit and make it epic.

This travel guide and posts on Turkey (Türkiye) are updated as of January 2024.

Travel Guide: Top Attractions In Turkey (Türkiye)

Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s top tourist destination and full of glorious remnants from its Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman history. And its location, straddling two continents over the Bosphorus Straight, means its full of beautiful coastal views.

There’s so much to see here, from its stunning mosques, fascinating museums, opulent places, and more.

Its top sites include the impressive Hagia Sophia, which started as a 3rd century Byzantine Church and still contains christian mosaic art,

the Blue Mosque, with its stunning hand-painted tiles, sumptuous Topkapi Palace, with its opulent harems quarters and stunning halls and gardens,

and the Grand Bazaar, but there’s a lot more than just this to see and do here! See the Top things To Do In Istanbul to learn more.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s must-see landscape, once a thick layer of volcanic ash, was carved into valleys of fanciful fairy chimneys and wrinkled ravines over the millennium. There are miles and miles of stunning visual curiosities here. It’s the perfect place to explore via hot air balloon at sunrise.

Or, just explore on foot, seeing some of the thousands of dwellings and churches carved into its ‘tuff’, a seemingly never ending landscape of amazing caves and fascinating history. Some still used today, so you can even stay in a cave hotel, or airbnb, full of modern amenities of course.

Ephesus

Ephesus, considered one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, is the second most visited region in Turkey. And rightly so! I’ve actually been to Ephesus twice and am still intrigued with its ruins.

Sites like the great theater overlooking the Aegean, the classic beauty of the Celcus Library, ancient homes, fountains, and even a brothel, it’s fascinating to wander these remarkable ruins and imagine what life was like here over 2,000 years ago.

As if this isn’t enough, there’s also the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, although only one column remains, the Basilica of Saint John, and the home of the Virgin Mary, all a short distance away.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a unique stop, with its ‘Cotton Cloud’, a natural phenomenon of travertine terraces filled with thermal water lining the hillside.

And just above the thermal springs are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman spa city. It’s fascinating to spend a few hours here exploring them.

Antalya

Antalya, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is full of charming beaches and small sea-side towns surrounding the old town of Kaleici and it’s beautiful harbor.

There are also historical sites, like 130 AD Hadrian’s Gate, and the amazing Roman ruins at Perge, Aspendos, Side, and more.

Travel Guide: Best Time To Visit Turkey (Türkiye)

Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, are best when the weather is pleasant, in April and May, and again in September and October.

Antalya is similar, although the hot summers may be less of an issue beachside, and the winters, although still cool, are a little more temperate.

Ramadan: Note that Ramadan is in April and May. The specific dates change annually, so make sure to double check. It’s fine to visit during Ramadan, but realize that locals do not eat or drink during daylight hours, so many places may be closed. You may also feel uncomfortable eating in public knowing that others can’t.

Eid, however (the days following Ramadan), is a time to ‘break the fast’ and celebrate, making it a wonderful time to visit. It just may be a little crowded. The photo above is Gulhane Park during Eid, full of families celebrating after breaking their fast.

Languages

Turkish is the official language in Turkey. English, only spoken by a small percentage, is prevalent in tourist areas.

Knowing a few words in Turkish really goes a long way here, so try to learn a few phrases. Marhaba is hello. Salamu Alaykum, or ‘peace be upon you’, is a great phrase for greeting people, and Shukron means thanks. These are Arabic, but commonly used here. To say thank you in Turkish, it’s teşekkür ederim. I find that using a few of these phrases instantly makes people smile and the connection feel warmer.

Money Matters

Currency: The currency in Turkey (Türkiye) is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Conversion rates as of January 1, 2024 are as follows.

• USD (1) = 29.63 TRY
• Euro (1) = 32.66 TRY
• CNY (1) = 4.26 TRY

Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in a Turkey (Türkiye), with Visa and MasterCard being the most common. It’s best to use one that does not charge foreign fees. Most machines utilize the ‘tap’ method of payment, but I did find one that required my credit card pin. As I don’t carry usually use pins for my card card, I had to use cash in this instance (In fact, the owner drove me to an ATM machine!).

ATMs: ATMs are in airports, next to banks, and free standing near tourist attractions. The free standing ones have been sometimes noted to be tampered with though, so best to avoid. Try to find one inside a bank. Also note that if your pin # is longer than 4 digits, you need to change it to 4 digits before arriving. Also, if asked to, select the local currency over your home currency (Turkish Lira here) for the best rate. My favorite debit card is Charles Schwab, as they rebate you all your ATM fees and have no transaction fees.

Tipping: 5-10% for restaurants and bars is a general rule. Tip in cash. Hotel staff may expect between 5-20 Turkish Lira for services. Tour guides don’t generally expect tips, but it’s appreciated. For taxis, just round up to the nearest dollar.

Safety Concerns In Turkey (Türkiye)

Although Turkey (Türkiye) is relatively safe, civil unrest, due to the political situation, and terrorism can occur at any time. Stay attentive to the news, avoid demonstrations, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Check the latest situation on your government website. It’s also a good idea to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar in your country, to be updated if an issue does arise.

As in any touristy location, pick-pocketing and purse snatching also occur. Especially in crowded areas. Don’t carry much cash with you and alway be vigilant.

Trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right, evaluate alternatives. And if a situation appears too good to be true, it likely is.

Dress is more conservative here. If you respect this, you will find yourself respected more by the people of Turkey. It’s best to cover your arms, chest, and legs with loose fitting clothing.

There are laws here against criticizing the government, so avoid any political discussions and don’t make any slights in public or on social media.

My personal experience here is that it is safe, people are very nice, and they’re happy to help if you need it. You will find many people conversing freely with you. I even had locals help me buy a metro card and find my way when I was lost.

Scams In Turkey (Türkiye)

Invited For A Drink

A known scam is for a Turkish local to approach, start a conversation, and invite you for a drink. They will generally pay for the first one, then suggest moving to a different location, where several others will join and rack up a large bill. You will not only be expected to pay it all, staff will escort you to an ATM to get more cash if you don’t have enough! If using a credit card, I have read of people adding a note to the bill that you are being forced to pay, but cannot vouch this will work. It’s better to avoid anything resembling this scenario.

Spiked Drinks

Always watch your drink to make sure no one has an opportunity to add a sedative or drug to it.

Carpet Salesmen

The carpet salesmen here are relentless. I’ve had them try to strike up conversations at tourist sights and encourage me to visit their shop, which may be quite a walk away! And it sometime happens every day! While most are honest, make sure you do your research well in advance if you plan to buy a carpet. You should know how to tell if a rug is genuine and understand a good price for different qualities. Also, some suggest that you always arrange your own shipping, as sometimes items are known to never arrive.

Tampered ATM Machines

Try to only use ATMs inside, or connected to banks, and check that there are no hidden cameras to see you enter your pin, the card scanner has not been tampered with, and that fake key pad covers have not been installed.

Scam Tour Operators

Never purchase a tour or package from someone on the street. Make sure the agency you buy from has a legitimate website and that the phone numbers actually work. It’s best to talk to someone in your hotel about operators or buy from respected sites like Viator or Trip Advisor.

Scam ‘Skip the Queue’ Guides

Likewise, someone may approach you standing in line at the Hagia Sophia, or other landmark offering to be your quide and skip the queue. Often overpriced, they usually are not official guides and end up taking you somewhere for a commission, like a carpet store, after the ‘brief’ tour. And, by the way, the Hagia Sophia is free. You just need to be patient to get in.

Romance Scams

Some locals will use their good looks to charm women into thinking they are in a relationship. Inevitably, they will fall on hard times after you leave the country and ask for money. It’s ok to flirt and enjoy attention, but beware…and never send money.

Selling Fake Coins

You may be approached in the Grand Bazaar, or other location tourists frequent, and told they will sell you ancient coins, or artifacts. It’s illegal to take real artifacts out of the country and they’re probably fake anyway. I’ve never had this happen here, but it did happen to me in Jordan.

Misquoted Fees

Sometimes you will be quoted a fee without the seller noting the currency. You may think it’s in Turkish Lira, but then find out it’s US Dollars or Euros.

Travel Guide: Getting Around Turkey (Türkiye)

Distances between cities with key sites are vast, but there are many options. Check the individual city posts on Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale for more details.

Fly

Flying is usually the fastest option with regular flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir (for Ephesus and Pamukkale), and Antalya, as well as in between. Internal flights are amazingly affordable, but if you’re on a tight budget, choose the train or bus.

Train

The train is a great resource with departures between Istanbul and Izmir (for Ephesus), Denizli (for Pamukkale), and Antalya. The rides can be very long, however. From Izmir, you will need to take another train to Selçuk (for Ephesus) or Denizli (for Pamukkale). There is no train from Istanbul to Cappadocia, but you can take the train to Ankara, and then a bus from there. Note that if Pamukkale is your final destination, you will also need a mini bus from Denizli. Click here for a great detailed overview of train travel in Turkey.

Bus

Bus is the most inexpensive way to get around, with multiple options between all cities noted above. Know, however, that rides can take a long time as distances are long. For example, Istanbul to Cappadocia is 10-12 hours, while the bus to Antalya can take over 14. Smaller minibus, or dolmus, are available within cities to get to some of the sites.

Taxis

Uber operates in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. There are three types of taxis on the Uber app, standard yellow, turquoise, and black. The standard yellow taxis are that same as the standard yellow taxis you flag down in the street. These are the least expensive option on Uber, yet they are noted to be even less if you simply hail them on the street. Of course, then you have to wonder if you are taken the long route or not. It’s always best to ask at your accommodation first how much a taxi ride will be (approximately).

The turquoise taxis are only Uber taxis and are noted to be a little nicer. They’re also more expensive.

The black taxis are a premium Uber rides in an 8-seater vehicle. This is best for large groups or families to share.

Prices can vary by time of year, time of day, and by demand. I just checked Uber for a ride from my room in Sultanahmet to Taksim Square and Uber Turquoise is 50% more than the standard yellow options and the Uber Black is 130% more than standard yellow.

Alternatives to Uber include Bitaksi and Itaksi. These are usually less expensive than Uber as they are local ride hailing apps.

Also note that not all taxis in Turkiye have card payment options, so it’s best to have cash with you if you do not pay by card in advance. It’s preferable to pay in Turkish Lira, so you don’t have to worry about being scammed on the exchange rate, and carry small bills, just in case the driver does not have change.

Self-Driving

Renting a car is an option for the truly adventurous, but not recommended due to congestion and safety practices. If you do, do not drive at night as sometimes local motorists drive with their lights off. I’ve asked why and the response is so other motorists can tell when you hit your break lights…but I find this confusing.

Visa Information for Turkey (Türkiye)

Turkey’s eVisa system is easy to use and only takes a couple of minutes to get your visa. Although visas are also available upon arrival, the eVisa system is faster, and offered at a better price.

• US citizens can get an eVisa up to 90 days
• Chinese citizens can get an eVisa up to 30 days
• EU Citizens are visa free for 90 days (except Cyprus and Latvia)

See the Turkey Visa Policy for more information and details on other countries.

Other Travel Guide Information For Turkey (Türkiye)

Turkish citizens are required to always carry an ID with them, and you should always carry a photo ID with your permanent residence noted with you.

Turkey (Türkiye) Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs & Stories

Click the icons, or copy below, for more detailed information on the key sites in Turkey (Türkiye).

Summary

If this travel guide has been useful in planning, or you’re just dreaming about visiting Turkey and have a question, add a comment below.

Safe Travels!

Julie

Note: All efforts are made to ensure the details in this travel guide to Turkey (Türkiye) are accurate, but sometimes things change. Please contact me if you see an issue.

To read more about me and my philosophy on travel, see my about me page. And to see my top travel tips, designed to help make your trip go as smoothly as possible, read the post on my Best Travel Tips.