Travel Guide to Turkey

Turkey stands as one of the world's most fascinating travel destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of ancient history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and incredible experiences. From Istanbul's historic bridges between Europe and Asia to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, from the Turquoise Coast's stunning beaches to Pamukkale's travertine terraces, Turkey offers an incredible diversity of experiences.

Most trips to Turkey naturally revolve around several pillars: ancient history and archaeology, unique landscapes, stunning coastlines, rich culture and cuisine, and vibrant city life. The fun is in how you combine these pieces into your own itinerary.

Turkey's major cities are vibrant hubs of activity, each with its own distinct character. Istanbul feels like a bridge between Europe and Asia, while coastal cities offer Mediterranean charm.

• Istanbul – Turkey's largest city and the only city spanning two continents, with over 15 million residents. You'll find historic mosques, world-class museums, incredible food, and vibrant bazaars.
• Ankara – Turkey's capital and second-largest city, known for museums and government buildings.
• Izmir – Turkey's third-largest city, a vibrant Aegean port with excellent food and culture.
• Antalya – popular Mediterranean resort city, known for beautiful beaches and historic old town.
• Bodrum – popular resort town on the Turquoise Coast, known for beaches and nightlife.

• First-timer tip:** A classic intro itinerary is 4–5 days in Istanbul, 2–3 days in Cappadocia, and 3–4 days on the Turquoise Coast. This gives you a great mix of history, unique landscapes, and beautiful coastlines.

Turkey's historical side is incredibly rich, from ancient Greek and Roman ruins to Byzantine churches to Ottoman palaces. Here, you'll walk past ancient theaters, medieval mosques, and historic bazaars that have survived for centuries.

• Istanbul – home to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and countless historic sites.
• Ephesus – one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities.
• Pergamon – ancient Greek city with impressive ruins.
• Troy – legendary ancient city.
• Hierapolis – ancient Roman city near Pamukkale.

Just a short distance from the big cities, Turkey offers beautiful coastlines, unique rock formations, and diverse landscapes. The country has over 5,000 miles of coastline.

• Turquoise Coast – stunning Mediterranean coastline with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water.
• Cappadocia – unique region with fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides.
• Pamukkale – white travertine terraces and thermal pools.
• Black Sea Coast – lush green coastline with charming fishing villages.
• Mount Ararat – Turkey's highest peak, legendary resting place of Noah's Ark.

Many travelers find that one or two nights in a cave hotel in Cappadocia or a beach resort on the Turquoise Coast end up being some of the most memorable parts of their trip.

Turkey's cultural experiences go far beyond sightseeing. Many traditions are still part of everyday life, meaning you're not just looking at history – you're stepping into living culture.

• Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) – stunning Byzantine-turned-Ottoman mosque, one of the world's most important buildings.
• Topkapi Palace (Istanbul) – former Ottoman sultan's palace with incredible collections.
• Ephesus – one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities.
• Blue Mosque (Istanbul) – iconic Ottoman mosque.
• Göreme Open Air Museum (Cappadocia) – rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes.

These sites often include beautifully preserved architecture, world-class art collections, and cultural centers, making them ideal for slow exploration and photography.

Turkey's culinary culture is rich and diverse. Turkish cuisine is considered one of the world's finest, and experiencing it firsthand is essential.

• Regional specialties – each region has its own distinct cuisine.
• Turkish delight and baklava – famous sweets.
• Turkish coffee – traditional coffee preparation and fortune telling.
• Tea culture – Turkish tea is a daily ritual.
• Bazaars – Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar offer incredible shopping and food.

• Hammams – traditional Turkish baths are a unique cultural experience.
• Bazaars – shopping in historic bazaars is an essential Turkish experience.
• Tea culture – sitting in a tea garden, watching the world go by, is an essential Turkish experience.

Despite its image as a highly urbanized country, Turkey is remarkably rich in natural beauty. The country offers diverse landscapes from coastlines to mountains to unique rock formations.

• Turquoise Coast** is Turkey's most famous coastline, offering:
• Beautiful beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water
• Charming coastal towns
• Excellent seafood and local cuisine
• Water sports and boat trips

• Black Sea Coast** offers:
• Lush green landscapes
• Charming fishing villages
• Unique culture and cuisine
• Beautiful beaches

• Cappadocia** offers:
• Fairy chimneys – unique rock formations
• Cave dwellings and hotels
• Hot air balloon rides
• Underground cities
• Rock-cut churches

• Pamukkale** offers:
• White travertine terraces
• Thermal pools
• Ancient Roman ruins nearby
• Unique natural wonder

• Mount Ararat – Turkey's highest peak
• Kaçkar Mountains – excellent hiking and mountaineering
• National parks – diverse landscapes and wildlife

Turkey's climate varies by region, but generally offers pleasant weather year-round. When you visit dramatically shapes what you see – and what you pay.

Spring (March–May) brings mild weather and beautiful blooms: - Pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring - Lower crowds before summer peak - Beautiful flowers and gardens - Ideal for sightseeing

Summer brings beach weather, festivals, and peak tourism: - Turkish coastlines are packed - Long days perfect for sightseeing - Highest prices and largest crowds - Many festivals and events

Autumn (September–November) brings cooler temperatures and pleasant weather: - Grape harvest in wine regions - Beautiful fall foliage - Pleasant weather for exploring - Lower crowds after summer

Winter (December–February) is prime time for skiing and lower prices: - Skiing in eastern Turkey - Lower prices (except ski resorts) - Mild weather in coastal regions - Christmas markets and festivals

Turkey is excellent for active travelers, with options in every season.

• Hot air ballooning – spectacular sunrise flights in Cappadocia
• Hiking – excellent trails throughout the country
• Skiing – skiing in eastern Turkey
• Water sports – sailing, diving, and water activities on the coast
• Rock climbing – excellent climbing in various areas

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and the only city spanning two continents, with around 15 million residents.

• Key districts include:
• Sultanahmet** – historic district with major attractions
• Beyoğlu** – modern district with great nightlife
• Kadıköy** – Asian side with great food scene
• Grand Bazaar** – one of the world's largest covered markets
• Spice Bazaar** – colorful spice and food market

Istanbul also has one of the world's best food scenes, with everything from street food to fine dining.

Cappadocia is a unique region known for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides.

• Hot air balloon rides – spectacular sunrise flights
• Göreme Open Air Museum – rock-cut churches
• Underground cities – ancient multi-level cities
• Fairy chimneys – unique rock formations
• Cave hotels – unique accommodation

Cappadocia offers excellent local cuisine and wine.

Antalya is a popular Mediterranean resort city, known for its beautiful beaches, historic old town, and excellent weather.

• Old Town (Kaleiçi) – historic quarter with Ottoman architecture
• Antalya Museum – excellent archaeological museum
• Düden Waterfalls – beautiful waterfalls
• Beaches – beautiful Mediterranean coastline
• Ancient ruins – nearby Perge and Aspendos

Antalya offers excellent Mediterranean cuisine, especially fresh seafood.

Accommodation prices vary by season, city, and type of property, but the ranges below offer a solid starting point for budgeting.

• Hostel dorm beds: ₺150–₺300 per night (roughly US$5–10)
• Private rooms in hostels: ₺300–₺600 per night (US$10–20)
• Budget hotels: ₺400–₺800 per night (US$13–27)
• Guesthouses: ₺500–₺1,000 per night (US$17–33)

• Standard hotels: Single rooms around ₺1,000–₺2,000 per night (US$33–67); double rooms around ₺1,200–₺2,500 (US$40–83)
• Boutique hotels: Well-appointed rooms with character, often include breakfast
• Mid-range apartments: ₺1,200–₺2,500 per night (US$40–83) for self-catering options

• High-end city hotels: Deluxe rooms at roughly ₺2,500–₺6,000 per night (US$83–200); suites can run ₺6,000–₺15,000+ (US$200–500+)
• Luxury resorts (especially on coast): ₺3,000–₺10,000+ per night (US$100–333+)
• Cave hotels in Cappadocia: ₺2,000–₺8,000+ per night (US$67–267+)

• Peak seasons: Summer (July–August), spring (April–May) can push prices to 150–250% of low-season baselines
• Coastal areas spike significantly during summer
• Off-season: January–March, November–December usually offer more availability and better prices

Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa online before travel:

• Processing typically takes 24–72 hours
• Valid for 90 days for most nationalities
• Can be applied for online at the official e-visa website
• Cost varies by nationality (typically US$20–$60)

Some nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free for short stays: - Most European Union countries (up to 90 days) - Some other countries have shorter visa-free periods

For stays longer than 90 days: - Residence permit required - May require proof of financial means - Health insurance typically required - Different requirements for work, study, or retirement

Turkey has a good public healthcare system, but visitors typically need private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for medical care.

• Doctor visit: ₺500–₺1,500 (US$17–50)
• Emergency room visit: ₺1,000–₺3,000 (US$33–100)
• Hospital stay: ₺2,000–₺5,000 per day (US$67–167)
• Emergency surgery: ₺20,000–₺100,000+ (US$667–3,333+)
• Prescription medications: ₺100–₺500 (US$3–17)

• Routine cleaning: ₺300–₺800 (US$10–27)
• Filling: ₺500–₺1,500 (US$17–50)
• Root canal: ₺2,000–₺5,000 (US$67–167)
• Crown: ₺3,000–₺8,000 (US$100–267)

In serious cases, the most expensive part may not be treatment in Turkey but medical evacuation to your home country.

• Air ambulance to the US: roughly US$150,000–300,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: about US$15,000–50,000 if the patient is stable

Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya have hospitals and clinics that serve international patients. Many list English-speaking departments or provide interpretation services.

In an emergency, you can call 112 for all emergency services. Operators often have access to English support, especially in major cities.

Given the cost of medical care and the potential expense of evacuation, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for trips to Turkey – even for short, healthy vacations.

• Medical Coverage
• Recommended minimum: about US$100,000 in medical coverage
• For older travelers or those with health conditions, consider US$250,000 or more
• Confirm whether pre-existing conditions are covered

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Look for at least US$250,000 in evacuation coverage
• Ensure the policy covers evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility and repatriation to your home country

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Protects non-refundable costs like flights, hotels, and tours
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) upgrades for maximum flexibility

• Adventure & Winter Sports Coverage
• Standard policies may exclude hot air ballooning, skiing, and other higher-risk activities
• If your trip centers around adventure activities, check that these are included

• Medical: food-related issues, minor accidents, adventure activity injuries
• Trip interruption: flight disruptions, family emergencies back home
• Baggage: lost or delayed luggage on flights; occasional theft

When comparing policies, focus on: - Medical and evacuation limits - How pre-existing conditions are handled - Which activities are included versus excluded - Deductibles and co-pays - Reputation for handling claims

For most visitors focused on cities and light sightseeing, a mid-to-high tier comprehensive policy with strong medical and evacuation coverage is ideal. For adventure trips (hot air ballooning, etc.), prioritize policies specifically built for those activities.

Turkey offers an extraordinary combination of ancient history, unique landscapes, stunning coastlines, rich culture, and incredible experiences. With thoughtful planning around seasons, accommodation, visa rules, healthcare costs, and travel insurance, you can maximize enjoyment and minimize surprises.

Whether you're exploring Istanbul's historic sites, experiencing Cappadocia's hot air balloons, relaxing on the Turquoise Coast, or visiting Pamukkale's travertine terraces, Turkey is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you fly home.