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
$71
2 travelers
Flight to Türkiye (Turkey)
3 nights at hotel
Türkiye (Turkey) in March
Estimated package price
$71
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)

Lufthansa
Good (8,174 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,555 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,155 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,480 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,035 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,500 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,262 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,640 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (949 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,739 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,103 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,649 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,940 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,214 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,460 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,502 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (430 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,428 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,445 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,360 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)

The Land of Legends Kingdom
5 stars
Excellent (9.4, 1750 reviews)
$513+
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, 6188 reviews)
$185+
The Marmara Bodrum - Adult Only
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, 1152 reviews)
$267+
Holiday Inn Bursa - City Centre By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, 2413 reviews)
$65+
Izmir Marriott Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, 1416 reviews)
$154+
Ramira Joy Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1264 reviews)
$85+

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)