Turkey Travel Guide

Experience the fusion of Eastern and Western culture in Turkey, a country that effortlessly blends the modern and the ancient, with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey has something to offer for every kind of traveller. Explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, savour delicious Turkish cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals.

Pick a destination

Antalya

Cappadocia

Ephesus

Fethiye

Istanbul

Izmir

Oludeniz

The perfect 3 days in Istanbul

When to Travel to Turkey

Turkey has a diverse climate due to its varied topography and location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The Mediterranean side has hot dry summers and milder winters, whereas the side on the Black Sea has warmer winters and cooler summers. The hottest months are July to August with temperatures of up to 40°C, and the coldest months are December to February with lows of just 10°C.

For those interested in sunbathing on the glorious beaches and relaxing by the coast, the best time to go is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the peak tourist season, however, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are popular destinations during this time.

If you’d rather explore the cultural and historical sites of Turkey, the best time to go is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November. During these months, the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller, making it a great time to visit places like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus.

Winter months from December to March can be cold and snowy in some regions of Turkey, but this can also be a great time for skiing and winter sports in places like Uludag and Palandoken.

Where to travel in Turkey

Western Turkey is home to some of the country’s most popular destinations, including Istanbul, Izmir, and the Aegean Coast. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a must-see destination with its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. The Aegean Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastline, while the city of Izmir offers a mix of historic sites and modern amenities.

Central Turkey is home to some of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks, including the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient city of Ankara, and the stunning Salt Lake. Other must-visit destinations include Konya, the birthplace of the Sufi poet Rumi, and the historic city of Kayseri.

Eastern Turkey is less travelled by tourists due to safety concerns, so you’ll need to be extra careful if planning to travel to this region. Nonetheless, it’s home to some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery, including Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain, and the beautiful Lake Van. The region also boasts a rich history, with ancient ruins and traditional villages.

Southern Turkey is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and ancient ruins. Must-visit destinations include the vibrant city of Antalya, the beautiful beaches of Olympos, the historic city of Side, and the stunning Dalaman coastline.

Common Questions for Turkey Travel

Currency: The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira.
Language: The most common language in Turkey is Turkish.
Time Zones: The time zone in Turkey is GMT+3.
Entry Requirements: UK and European citizens can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 150 days. However, if you’re from the US, you will need to apply for an e-visa to enter.
Plug: The plugs are type F with a typical voltage of 220 V and frequency of 50Hz. If you’re not from Turkey, this adaptor will come in pretty handy.
Must-try cuisine: Turkish Meze, Turkish coffee, baklava, manti (Turkish ravioli), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), gözleme (pastry with fillings).

Average daily budget – Between £40-£60 per person per day. This is around $60/€57pp (Note: This is an estimated budget assuming you’re staying in a mid-range double room hotel with another person, eating at averagely priced restaurants, and using public transportation. Using budget tips you can definitely lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation and eat at posh restaurants, expect to pay more than this.)

Typical Travel Costs

Accommodation: Accommodation in Turkey is inexpensive and you can usually snag a good deal by using HotelsCombined (my secret weapon for all Asia Travel). You can find some pretty amazing cave hotels with incredible views or hotels tucked away in secret coves with stunning private beaches. You can also get expensive luxury resorts in popular destinations along the coast.

For budget accommodation, expect to pay between £25-£50 per night. For mid-range accommodation, expect between £50-£100 per night. If you want luxury accommodation, you can easily spend £150+ per night.

Click here to search for accommodation in Turkey.

Eating Out: Another wonderful thing about Turkey is how affordable the food is. In local restaurants, you can expect to pay around 80-100 TRY for a main course. This is approximately £3.5 or $4. In more upscale restaurants, or tourist areas (such as along a beachfront) prices can be higher, but still relatively reasonable compared to many other countries.

Transportation: You won’t need to worry about spending much money getting around Turkey either. The metro and trams in Istanbul are about 50p per ride. A few other cities like Izmir and Ankara, also have metro systems. If you’ll be spending time in Istanbul, you could also save money with the Istanbul Pass or a bus tour which takes you to the top attractions.

For a lot of the smaller towns and cities, the best way to get around is by minibus or dolmuş. These are roughly the same price for small journeys and only a touch more for longer ones. Another option is to hire a car which is certainly more convenient. A quick word of warning, however – Turkish drivers can be a little erratic so be sure to have your wits about you!

bucket list experiences In Turkey

the Blue Mosque

Cappadocia

Oludeniz

Ephesus

Fun facts about Turkey

One of the only countries in the world to span two continents, the largest city in Turkey is also divided between the two. Istanbul is huge. Divided by the Bosphorus, you’ll find Europe on one side and Asia on the other. Despite this divide, only 3% of Turkey is in Europe – the majority is in Asia.

Istanbul, although the largest city, isn’t actually the capital of the country. The capital is called Ankara and is located in the center of Turkey.

Turkey also has so much history. The fascinating city of Ephesus is located in Turkey. So is Patara, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas – the man behind Santa Claus. Antalya’s Museum is also overflowing with cultural and historical gems.