Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Türkiye (Turkey) travel guide

Türkiye (Turkey) Tourism | Türkiye (Turkey) Guide

You're Going to Love Türkiye (Turkey)

Located between Asia and Europe, Turkey is a country with a rich history, fantastic hospitality, tasty food and breathtaking sights.

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What to do in Türkiye (Turkey)

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.

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 (Turkey)

Türkiye (Turkey) in March
Estimated package price
$73
2 travelers
Flight to Türkiye (Turkey)
3 nights at hotel
Türkiye (Turkey) in March
Estimated package price
$73
2 travelers
Flight to Türkiye (Turkey)
3 nights at hotel

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 (Turkey)

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.

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 airlines serving Türkiye (Turkey)

KLM
Good (1,595 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (8,290 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,286 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,467 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,116 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,230 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,700 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,647 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,703 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,695 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (982 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,473 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,555 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (2,028 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,880 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,542 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,191 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,413 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,633 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (437 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Türkiye (Turkey)

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 (Turkey)

Most booked hotels in Türkiye (Turkey)

Titanic Port Bakirkoy
5 stars
Excellent (9.4, 2929 reviews)
$98+
The Land of Legends Kingdom
5 stars
Excellent (9.4, 1759 reviews)
$260+
The Marmara Bodrum - Adult Only
5 stars
Excellent (9.4, 1190 reviews)
$146+
Akra Antalya
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, 5681 reviews)
$128+
Barut Hemera
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, 800 reviews)
$179+
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Center
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, 5209 reviews)
$104+

How to Get Around Türkiye (Turkey)

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.

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 (Turkey)

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.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Türkiye (Turkey)