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 |
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:
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
Usually, you can apply for your visa online. The process is quite quick.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
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.
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