Turkey Travel Blog

Turkey is a beautiful country located in Southwest Asia (Istanbul is partly in Europe). Turkey is one of the most popular destinations in Asia since it’s so close to Europe. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.

Turkey offers several experiences – from traditional bathhouses to trekking in national parks, from mountain tops to vineyards, from busy bazaars to relaxing holidays, from mosques to food tours – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.

If you’re planning your first trip to Turkey, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Turkey, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.

Information Turkey
Language Turkish
English-friendly Yes
Currency TRY (Turkish lira)
Internet reliability Good

 

Best Time to Visit Turkey

Turkey is a versatile country and depending on when you travel, you may be facing different types of seasons. Weather in these seasons can vary depending on where you are. Temperatures tend to get a bit lower when you move towards the northeastern parts of Turkey and higher towards the southern and western parts. We decided to split this section into four sections to help you understand the seasons:

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

 

Seasons Weather Conditions Months

Spring

(Ramadan 24th April until 23rd May)

Temperatures start rising, average temperature in April is around 20°C

Lots of blossoms

March to May

Summer

(Eid al Adha 30th July until 3rd August)

Temperatures around 30°C

June to August

Autumn

Shorter days, some rain

Temperatures start cooling down

September to November

Winter

Lots of snow in the mountains

December to February

Top Destinations in Turkey

Istanbul

Cappadocia

Pamukkale

Antalya

Izmir

Göreme

Turkey Travel Tips & Costs

 

In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.

 

Accommodation

 

In Turkey, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty finding options. You can find dorms starting at $5 per night.

 

Food

 

When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than TRY 25. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants and at the markets.

 

Activities

 

Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting mosques, cruising the Mediterranean, going on a hot-air balloon ride or attending a street food tour, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Turkey here to have an idea of the costs.

 

Transportation

In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Turkey since the public transport network is efficient. You can either fly or take a bus to reach your destinations.

To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO.

 

 

Travel Cost Budget travel Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation $5-15 per night $20-70 per night $70+
Meal $4-10 per meal $10-20 per meal $20+
Activities Focus on free activities Mixing free activities & mid-range $30+ per day
Transport By bus By bus Car rental

Safety in Turkey

 

Overall, traveling around Turkey is okay, but you should know that it’s not the safest country out there. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.

It’s a big country so naturally, some places are safer than others. Big cities, like Istanbul and Ankara, and the popular beach holiday destinations like Antalya are considered to be quite safe. In these places, scams are however more common and it’s good to be cautious when dealing with people you don’t know. They can try to attract you in shops or to their homes – but be careful with this.

It’s also good to be aware of the cultural differences. Afterall, Turkey is quite conservative, so women should try to dress up in conservative ways to avoid unwanted attention especially in the more conservative parts of the country. 

I heard many horror stories while I was in Turkey in hostels, so female travelers should avoid walking alone at night (even in pairs – I heard girls being followed). I also had my own horror story in Istanbul in 2013. I had to leave the country by emergency since I had stalkers on Facebook who knew exactly in which hostel I was – they even contacted the hostel owner.

Although, I revisited Turkey a few years later and my second experience in Turkey was much better.

 

What to Pack for Turkey

 

Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Turkey. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.

Visa for Turkey

 

Usually, you can apply for your visa online. The process is quite quick.

You can verify your visa requirements here.

 

Preparing Your Trip to Turkey

Skyscanner

Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.

Go To Skyscanner

SafetyWing

Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.

Go To SafetyWing

Booking.com

Find accommodation anywhere in the world.

Go To Booking.com

iVisa

Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.

Go To iVisa

Worldpackers

Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.

Go To Worldpackers

Viator

Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.

Go To Viator

Turkey eSIM Plans

It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.

And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.

eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Turkey, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.

 

Airalo

$3 OFF with promo code: MELISS2943

190+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Holafly

5% OFF with promo code: ABROKENBACKPACK

130+ countries and regions

Go To Site

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Nomad

No offer

100+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Turkey Blog Posts

Is Cappadocia Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Is Cappadocia Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

You've most likely seen the popular Instagram photo of hot air balloons floating over a historic city in Turkey. This famous tourist destination is Cappadocia, a rugged plateau with distinctive rock formations and a fascinating historical heritage. If you've added...

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Is Antalya Worth Visiting?

Is Antalya Worth Visiting?

Antalya is a stunning seaside city in Turkey. It is well known for its glorious beaches, charming old town, and ancient ruins. Millions of tourists travel here every year to experience the beauty of the area with the Taurus Mountains on one side of the city and the...

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Turkish Coast: The Best Beach Towns In Turkey

Turkish Coast: The Best Beach Towns In Turkey

Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful beach towns in the world. With over 7,200 kilometers of coastline, the country offers a plethora of seaside destinations for beach lovers. From popular tourist hotspots to hidden gems, Turkey has something for everyone. In...

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Is Bodrum Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Is Bodrum Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

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How Many Days In Cappadocia Is Enough?

How Many Days In Cappadocia Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Turkey soon? You might be wondering how many days in Cappadocia is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're in the city. If you're interested in exploring the city, we suggest spending at least two or three...

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Is Antalya Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Is Antalya Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

As with any destination, there are always safety concerns to consider before planning a trip. But let's clear one thing up right off the bat: Antalya is safe for travelers. That being said, it's always important to practice common sense and awareness while traveling...

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Perfect 2 Days In Cappadocia Itinerary

Perfect 2 Days In Cappadocia Itinerary

There are few places in this world quite as magical as Cappadocia. Located in eastern Anatolia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a dreamlike quality, the breathtaking landscape formed by the ash from the region’s three volcanic peaks. There are many interesting...

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Perfect 2 Days In Antalya Itinerary

Perfect 2 Days In Antalya Itinerary

Fast becoming one of the most popular cities in Turkey with summer visitors, Antalya has something for everyone. Its old town is steeped in history, with many interesting landmarks to visit and lots of beautiful architecture to admire. There is much natural scenery to...

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How Many Days In Antalya Is Enough?

How Many Days In Antalya Is Enough?

If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, you might be wondering how many days in Antalya you will need to see the best of its attractions. Scenically located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is the fastest-growing city in the country. A great mix of...

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Turkey SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Turkey SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Turkey soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Turkish SIM card. In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Turkey in person and online. We'll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them....

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The 5 Best Places To Live In Turkey

The 5 Best Places To Live In Turkey

Turkey is a beautiful country with so much to offer expats and digital nomads. If you're looking for the best places to live in Turkey, in this guide, you'll find the best cities that come highly recommended. Turkey is often chosen by expats and digital nomads because...

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Best Things To Do In Istanbul At Night

Best Things To Do In Istanbul At Night

If you haven’t explored Istanbul at night, you are certainly missing out on something. After all, the city has a rocking nightlife that allows the visitors to enjoy the warmth of the Eastern pleasures. It is a completely different experience to see the vibrant and...

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