Türkiye travel guide
Türkiye Tourism | Türkiye Guide
You're Going to Love Türkiye
Located between Asia and Europe, Turkey is a country with a rich history, fantastic hospitality, tasty food and breathtaking sights.
What to do in Türkiye
1. Explore Istanbul
A trip to Istanbul will take you through important sites, such as the Hagia Sophia church and the Blue Mosque. Don't forget to visit the Bazar for a bit of shopping.
2. Stay in a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia
This underground city is the largest in Turkey and has a fascinating story. While there, attend a traditional Turkish night and go on a hot air balloon ride for spectacular views.
3. Swim in the Thermal Pools of Pamukkale
The town of Pamukkale is mainly known for its thermal water and pools, but visitors shouldn't miss the Pamukkale castle and the ruins of Hierapolis.
4. Admire Mount Ararat
A dormant volcano with snow topped peaks, this is the place where Noah's Ark is supposed to have landed following the flood. If you plan on doing the climb, you will need to hire a local guide.
5. Visit the Gallipoli Memorial Sites
Over 140,000 men died in the battle of Gallipoli in World War I and today, memorial sites and cemeteries can be visited along the peninsula.
When to visit Türkiye
The weather gets really hot in summer, making spring the best time to visit, from April to May, or early autumn, from September to October.
How to Get to Türkiye
Entry Requirements
Citizens of over 75 countries can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days, and citizens from another 40 countries, including the US, can apply for an eVisa online. Citizens from non-exempt countries will need to apply for a visa at a consulate before arriving.
Plane
The national airline in the country is Turkish Airlines and it connects Turkey to over 122 countries. You can also find international flights with Pegasus and low-cost airline easyJet.
Train
It is possible to arrive in Turkey by train, from Greece, Bulgaria, Austria, and Serbia during the summer. The TransBalkan train also travels through Turkey and passes by Budapest, in Hungary, and Bucharest, in Romania.
Car
You can easily drive to Turkey from Eastern Europe through Greece and Bulgaria, and from the Middle East through Syria, Iraq and Iran. You'll need to purchase international insurance for your car.
Bus
Buses to and from Turkey are limited; however, you can get there from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Iran. Expect long journey times.
Boat
Regular ferry boats are available from Greece, departing from several islands. There are also connections from Northern Cyprus reaching multiple Turkish destinations on the Mediterranean, and a ferry that leaves from Sochi in Russia.
Popular airports in Türkiye
Popular airlines serving Türkiye
Where to stay in Türkiye
Hotels are the most common mode of accommodation around Turkey, with hostels being the most economic option. If you are looking to explore the countryside, you can stay in an Agritourism at a farmhouse.
Where to stay in popular areas of Türkiye
Most booked hotels in Türkiye
How to Get Around Türkiye
Public Transportation
Turkey is well-serviced by public transport, with buses and minibuses covering regional travel, while most big cities have trams or metro systems.
Trains
Trains only travel to a limited number of cities in Turkey. High speed trains do exist and travel mainly between Ankara and Istanbul, and Ankara and Konya.
Bus
Buses are the best form of long-distance transport in Turkey, with multiple companies offering this service, such as Metro Bus, Kamil Koc, Suha Turzim and Varan.
Car
If you are planning to rent a car and drive, you will need to have an International Driver's Permit alongside your valid full driver's license, which should be over 2 years old.
Plane
Plane travel is very convenient when long distances are involved, and Turkey is serviced by many airlines large and small. Connections to the main cities are frequent, and if you are traveling to a regional airport, you can then catch a bus to the city center.
The Cost of Living in Türkiye
An inexpensive meal will cost around 25 TRY (4.50 USD), and groceries will be around 350 TRY (60 USD) per week. Credit and debit cards are accepted in all major establishments; however, you will need to have some cash to pay for services, such as public transport, and for purchases from street vendors.