turkey travel hacks

Turkey Travel Tips: 21 Things to Know Before you Go

Turkey which officially changed its name to Türkiye (pronounced Tur -kee-aa) is a dream destination.  Whether you’re on the hunt for an exotic adventure or a history buff searching for ancient ruins and remains of the Ottoman Empire, there is something for everyone in this fascinating country.  With that being said, there are a few Turkey travel tips to know before you start packing your bags.

In this article, I’ll go over 21 things to know before going to Turkey that will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.  Plus at the end of the post, I’ll link any useful guides that will aid you in planning the best trip possible.

For the purpose of this article I will continue to call Türkiye, Turkey as that’s how most still refer to the country as and how this post will get found on google.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Turkey Travel Tips Quick List

• Credit Cards are widely accepted.
• ATM’s
• The okay sign 👌 is offensive and means f* you.
• People greet each other with kissing twice on the cheek.
• Tea is a sign of hospitality.
• Remove your shoes before entering a home.
• Pack a Universal Adapter
• You will probably need a Visa  before you can enter the country.
• Turkey does not have lay down seats for overnight buses which make for a miserable trip.
• Flights within Turkey  are affordable and efficient.
• Book tickets for riding a hot air balloon in Cappadocia in advance.
• It cost to use the public restrooms.
• Renting a car is cheap and roads are well maintained and easy to drive on.
• Cappadocia is best explored with your own set of wheels.
• The food is delicious!
• Women must wear hijab’s on their heads when entering mosques.
• Budget – it’s extremely reasonable and cheap to travel Turkey.
• Purchase Travel insurance  before you go
• Professional taxis always have meters running in the rear view mirror.
• Uber is available in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir only.
• There’s more to turkey than Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Useful Apps for Turkey

I’d like to mention that the Turkish language is difficult to understand as a foreigner.  Not many people speak English so you’ll be relying on google translate a lot.  A few Turkish phrases go a long way.  These apps below will help you a lot as you travel through Turkey.

Google Translate: Translate English to Turkish. BiTaksi: The Uber  of  Turkey. City Mapper Istanbul:  An app to help you navigate public transportation in Istanbul. Whatsapp:  Talk/text to friends and family anytime you are connected to the internet for free. Metro Turizm: Bus company in Turkey that offers a handy app that translates into English and displays all routes, time schedules and allows you to buy tickets online. Yemeksepeti:  Food delivery app similar to Uber eats. Trail Wallet: Easy to keep track on your expenses if you are traveling Turkey on a budget.

Turkey Travel Tips

1. Credit Cards

Starting off with our first Turkey travel tip is that credit cards are widely accepted .  Turkey has become increasingly accepting of credit cards in the recent years.  Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB and Diners Club are widely accepted at most stores, restaurants and hotels throughout the country.

In the bigger cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir we paid most things with credit cards and had no problems.  It is important to note that credit card companies also charge a foreign transaction fee when you use a credit card, which differs by company.

For the smaller towns however, we had a mix of paying with credit cards and cash.  Therefore it is important to carry some cash with you when traveling around Turkey.

For example we rented a car in Cappadocia and they only accepted cash for payment.  I’m not complaining though, that was a sweet deal and I was stoked to have to only pay cash.  There are plenty of ATM’s around which I will talk about in the next point.  All in all, the increased acceptance of credit cards in Turkey makes it easier and more convenient for travelers to make purchases while traveling the country.

2. ATM’s

ATM’s are always clustered together inside towns and cities.  In the United States, you can find an ATM everywhere…on the street, inside a gas station, etc.  In Turkey all the ATM’s can be found in the same place.  In larger cities there will be multiple clusters but this makes it easy to find an ATM.

ATM’s in Turkey can be accessed by most debit or credit cards.  Withdrawal limits are typically between 500 and 1000 Turkish Lira per day.  Again, this may vary depending on your issuing bank.

3. The okay sign 👌 is Offensive 

This Turkey travel tip is a pretty important one because if you didn’t realize, it might get your into some trouble.  The okay sign 👌, which has been universally accepted as a symbol of approval, is considered a sign on offense in Turkey and other countries in the region for that matter.

The sign in Turkey is now interpreted as a crude way of saying F*ck you.  This is because in Turkey the sign resembles an insult which is directed at the forehead,  As a result, it is important to be aware of this cultural difference of traveling to Turkey and to be careful and avoid using the sign in order to bypass any misunderstandings.

4. People Greet Each Other with Kissing Twice on the Cheek

In Turkey, kissing twice on the cheek is a traditional way of greeting someone.  This is especially popular among family and friends, as it is viewed as a sign of respect, warmth and affection.  The kiss is not meant to be a romantic one, but rather it is a sign of respect and friendship.

5. Tea is a Sign of Hospitality

Tea is a sign of hospitality in Turkey.  It is an essential part of the culture and is seen as an offering of friendship and respect.  To show hospitality in Turkey, it is customary to offer tea as soon as a person enters the home or office.  It is seen as a gesture of welcome and is often accompanied by other treats such as Turkish Delight or fresh fruit.

Tea itself is usually served in small, tulip-shaped glasses known as fincan and is brewed from loose black tea leaves.  It is sweetened with sugar cubes or a combination of sugar and honey.

We were offered tea many times upon entering hotels and stores.  In fact when we landed in Turkey, our first store we entered in Ankara when we were searching for a a hijab for me to wear (more on hijabs later in the post), the father of the family who ran the store offered us tea.  It was a great introduction to the Turkish culture and started our Turkey travels off on a high note.

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6. remove your shoes before entering a home.

In Turkey, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home.  This is to ensure that dirt and debris is not tracked into the home.  This practice has been a part of the culture for centuries and is still widely practiced today.  This is also a common practice in Hawaii where I live when I’m not traveling the world.

7. Pack a Universal Adaptor

Okay so this Turkey travel tip only applies to us Americans (and various other countries) out there.  As a traveler not from Europe visiting Turkey, packing a Universal Adapter is an important part of your travel prep.

You will need to ensure that you have the  right adaptors to charge your electronic devices in the country.  Turkey uses European-style two-pin plugs, with the electricity supply coming in at 220 volts.  This is different from the 110 volts you normally use in the United States.

A universal adapter will enable you to use your devices in Turkey without having to purchase a less than par one outside of the country.  This is one of the best travel accessories for any jet setter as you never know when it will come in handy.

📚 You May Also Enjoy:   30 Useful & Unique Travel Accessories  Best Travel Gadgets for Backpackers Best Gifts for Travel Lovers

8. Turkey Travel Visa

Top Turkey travel tips alert!  If you are from the United States, will need to obtain a visa before arriving in the country.  Most other nationalities can get a visa on arrival.  

Visas can be obtained online, through the Turkish embassy or consulate.  Online visas are the quickest and most-effective way to obtain a visa.   Visas obtained online are only valid for stays of up to 90 days.

I booked our trip to Turkey very last minute…like I was booking our flight to Turkey from London as I was sitting in the airport in Dallas waiting for my flight to Heathrow last minute.

Thus when Joe and I had an 8 hour layover in London before boarding our flight to Ankara, I was applying for our Turkish e-visa.  I honestly didn’t think we were going to get the visas on time without having to pay a fortune.  I applied for our visas, took a 2 hour lounge nap and woke up to a glorious email saying we were approved.  Whew…Don’t stress out like me and apply for an e-visa at the last minute.

Get your Turkey e-visa →

9. Turkey DOES NOT have Lay Down Seats for Overnight Buses

Okay so I had to learn this Turkey travel tip the hard way.  Turkey does not have lay down seats if you book an overnight bus!  Woof.  Traveling by bus overnight in Turkey can be a great way to save money.

However, travelers should be aware that if they book a bus, they will not have the opportunity to recline the seat very far and lay down to rest.  Turkey does not have lay down seats, instead, you will have to make do with regular bus seats that recline only a few inches.

This can make for a long, uncomfortable journey.  If you watch the video posted above, you’ll be able to see the pain and agony during our first and ONLY overnight bus trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.  

Turkey has a train system and flights within the country are extremely affordable so if I were you, I’d look into other modes of transportation before committing to an overnight bus journey.  This brings us to our next Turkey travel advice.

🎥 Watch our Turkey Series on YouTube

10. Flights within Turkey are Cheap and Efficient

With its vast network of airports, domestic flights within Turkey are an efficient and affordable way to get around.  The airfare is generally quite low and the flight duration is usually short.

Booking a ticket from let’s say Izmir to Istanbul is the best bang for your buck if you take into consideration time, money and comfotablitiy. Travelers can fly from Istanbul to popular cities like Izmir, Ankara and Antalya in under two hours.

The airports in Turkey are also well-equipped with modern amenities and services.  I’m looking at you #LoungLife travelers.  With low fares, and convenient flight times, domestic flights within Turkey are an excellent way to explore the country.

✈️ Travel Tip:   If you have long layovers and fly often, investing in a Priority Pass will be a life savor.   With the Priority Pass you have access to over 1300 airport experiences worldwide. 

The lounges are quiet, connected spaces to relax or work in, with pre-flight bites, drinks and other added perks that help keep you refreshed and revived.

11. Book Tickets for your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia in Advance

Chances are if you are traveling to Turkey, you probably are planning a visit to the magical region of Cappadocia.  If this applies to you, do yourself a favor and book tickets for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia in advance.  This is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this bucket list experience.

Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning rocky landscape, fairy chimneys and underground cities.  A hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to take it all in.  Booking tickets in advance also will aid you in finding the best deals.  I wrote an entire post about everything you need to know about riding a hot air balloon in Cappadocia including tips which you can check out below.

🪂 Read Next:   5 things to know before you book a Cappadocia Balloon Tour

12. You Have to Pay to Use Public Restrooms

Public bathrooms in Turkey can be found in most public places, such as train stations, shopping centers and parks.  However, there is usually a fee to use them.

The fee is usually a few Turkish Liras, which is equivalent to a few cents in US dollars.  Although it may seem like a nuisance, the fee is necessary to ensure that the public bathrooms are kept clean and in good condition.  A small price to pay for a much needed service.

13. Renting a Car in Turkey

Renting a car in Turkey offers a great way to explore the country’s many unique, beautiful and remote locations.  The cost of renting a car in Turkey is quite reasonable and you can find great deals on cars from reputable rental companies.  If you are in a small town, you can just ask your reception and things will probably work out for you.

Roads in Turkey are generally well maintained and easy to drive on, making it a great option for those looking for an easy and safe way to explore the country.  The main roads are paved and maintained by the government, while smaller roads may be dirt or gravel but are still usually in good condition.

In Turkey, you drive on the right side of the road as you would in the United States, but crossing intersections on highways felt a bit confusing.  If you are trying to cross the highway, you could accidentally get in the wrong lane of incoming traffic but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

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14. Cappadocia is Best Explored with your Own Set of Wheels

Just to piggyback off of the above Turkey travel advice, let me tell you that Cappadocia is best explored with your own set of wheels.  The unique rock formations and other attractions in Cappadocia are spread out over a vast area and unless you visit them on a scheduled tour, public transportation doesn’t work in this part of the country.

Rent a car and explore the countryside of Cappadocia.  There are many hidden gems to discover while driving which you otherwise would not experience on a tour.  With your own set of wheels, you will be able to explore Cappadocia to your heart’s content.

🪂 Cappadocia Travel Guides:   Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia  Where to Stay in Cappadocia  Best Things to do in Cappadocia 

15. The food is delicious!

Let’s talk about the food.  Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it is also incredibly diverse.  From succulent kebabs to flavorful mezzos, Turkish cuisine is sure to please any palate.

The flavors of the region are a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, with a hint of European influence.  The most popular dishes include manti (Turkish ravioli) and kofte (meatballs) as well as many different types of flatbreads.

Let us not forget about the vegetarian options of imam bayidi (stuffed eggplant) and ezme (spicy tomato salad).  Alas, the desserts, such as baklava and kunefe.  Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the awesome food!

16. Women’s (and Mens) Wardrobe When Entering Mosques

Women must wear hijab’s on their heads before entering mosques as to demonstrate their respect for the sanctity of the mosque.  Hijab is an Arabic term for a head covering and is a form of modest dress.

As part of the dress code, women must also keep their arms and legs covered.  The purpose of this dress code is to maintain a spiritual and respectful environment within the mosque.

If you are not dressed appropriately before entering the mosque a hijab and wrap skirt will be provided for you.  At some mosques, these items cost money, at others, they are free to use.

Men should also dress modestly when entering mosques and other religious sites, regardless of religion, this is part of the Turkish culture.

17. Turkey Travel Tips Budget

One of the best Turkey travel tips to know before you visit is to have an idea of what you’ll be spending.  Turkey is a great destination for budget travelers.  It offers many attractions and experiences at an extremely reasonable price.  For instance, when I was exploring Istanbul all of its major tourist attractions were free.  This included the Spice Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the Grand Bazaar, just to name a few.

Food is also extremely affordable.  Turkish tea will cost about .50 cents and a basic meal at a cafe will cost you less than $5.  Plus if you book a hotel with free breakfast, you’re in for a treat because Turkish breakfast is the best.

Transportation as I mentioned earlier is also extremely affordable.  This includes renting a car, bus tickets, plane fares and taxi rides.  Accommodations will be your biggest expense.  Budget hotels will run you around $30-50 a night.  You can also splurge on hight end resorts for a fraction of the price compared to Western Europe or the United States.

18. Travel Insurance

I know you probably hear travel bloggers preaching about getting travel insurance before you go travel, but there’s a reason.   Travel insurance is an important part of planning any trip!

It is an essential way to protect your finances and provide peace of mind while you are away from home.  Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage and even airfare to get you back home in case of an emergency.

I had a friend who unfortunately broke her back snowboarding in Australia.  Fortunately for travel insurance, she was able to have her medical bills taken care of and flown back home to the United States with only having to pay the deductible out of pocket.  I use SafetyWing.  It includes medical and trip coverage even for my brief visits back home to Hawaii for up to 30 days.

It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind when traveling in foreign territory.  Check them out and see if there’s a plan for you.

Buy Travel Insurance →

It’s nice to know before you jump in a cab that, professional taxis will always have meters running in the rear view mirror.  This is a great safety measure for both the driver and the customer, ensuring that the fare is fair and that you as the passenger is not overcharged for their journey.

Customers know exactly how much they will be charged and peace of mind knowing that the driver is not trying to take advantage of you by inflating the fare.  A smoother journey for everyone involved.

Now let’s talk about Uber.  Uber is available in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir only.  I tired using Uber in Izmir and Ankara and had no luck.  I was able to use it in Istanbul and it was actually yellow taxi.  Meaning I used that app and got a ride but it was a yellow taxi that showed up.

Uber wasn’t very convenient as I traveled Turkey but they have BiTaksi  which is the local  Uber  of  Turkey.  Other than that I’d opt for public transportation in the bigger cities such as Istanbul and Ankara (both convenient, easy and affordable) and having your own car for the smaller towns.  Also taxis as I mentioned earlier are safe and reliable.

21. There’s more to Turkey than Istanbul and Cappadocia

Alas, we’ve come to the end of our Turkey travel tips.  Turkey is often known for its vibrant cities, such as Istanbul and stunning landscapes of Cappadocia.  However, these two destinations are only a small part of Turkey’s beauty.

Don’t get me wrong, Istanbul and Cappadocia are amazing destinations and were the highlights of my month long travels through Turkey.  I’m just saying, there is so much more to explore in Turkey.  From ancient ruins and beaches to picturesque villages and natural wanders, the country’s landscape is truly diverse.  Do yourself a favor and explore as much of the country as you can.

Here are a few other highlights to visit in Turkey:

• The Ancient City of Ephesus.
• Coastal city of Antalya for its stunning beaches.
• The Travertines of Pamukkale
• Pergamon Acropolis
• Monastery of Sumela – a monastery built into a side of a cliff.
• Lake Van – Turkey’s largest lake.

☕️ Read More: 16 Epic Places to Visit in Türkiye

In conclusion, those are the best Turkey travel tips to prepare you for a trip of a lifetime.  Check out the guides below for more inspiration and trip planning for your trip to Turkey.

📍Plan your Trip The Ultimate Guide to Turkey 16 Epic Places to Visit in Turkey 21 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Turkey 🗺 How long to travel Turkey?   2 Weeks to hit the highlights, 4 Weeks to really immerce yourself. 🛂 Visas: Get your E-Visa ☔️ Best Time to Visit:  April, May, September and October are the best months to travel Turkey. 💰 Average Daily Budget:  Expect to pay 30-50 USD’s a day for basic accommodations, sit down meals at a cafe and entrance fees. ⛺️ Turkey accommodation Guides Where to Stay in Ankara Where to Stay in Cappadocia 17 Cave Hotels in Cappadocia Where to Stay in Izmir 🪂 Highlights Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia Exploring Ephesus Uchisar Castle Discovering Istanbul Pamukkale Cotton Castle Pergamon Ruins Magical Cappadocia  The Coastal City of Izmir Wander the Capital of Ankara Antalya 🧳 What to Pack : What to Pack for Türkiye 🎥 Watch our Turkey Series on YouTube 📧 Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!

 More Turkey Travel Guides ↓

Best Things to do in Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Beypazari – Ankara’s Best Day Trip

Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia

Urla – A Charming Seaside Town

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hi. mosques are mosques – not temples. the words are not interchangeable, which may have been what you were trying to do with one of your subject headlines. think of it this way – if you are describing buddhist temples in Thailand… the headline wouldn’t be “women’ wardrobe for entering mosques.”

also – guys – you should dress modestly when entering mosques and other religious sites, regardless of religion. that is part of turkish culture.

Thanks for your comment. I’ve corrected my article. I appreciate you taking the time to teach instead of spew hate.

Your article provided a lot of food for thought. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

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Turkey Travel Hacks

From Antalya, the world’s record holder for the highest number of Blue Flag beaches, through the terraces of Pamukkale and the hot air balloons in Cappadocia to the charming Uludağ Mountains, Turkey has a lot to offer. Personally, I fell in love with Turkey at the first sight, as soon as I walked out of the Istanbul Airport. If you’re visiting this amazing country soon, check out our Turkey travel hacks to get some useful information before you visit.

Basic Information About Turkey

Turkey is home to 83 million people. The ethnic groups are Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Laz, Circassians, Bosnians and others. 

Official Language

The official language is Turkish. 

Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish lira (currency code TRY). One Euro/USD is equal to roughly 7.3 – 6.6 TRY.

With a territory of 783,356 square kilometers, Turkey is the 37th largest country in the world. Turkey is a transcontinental Eurasian country located between western Asia and Eastern Europe. Turkey borders the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and  the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria.

Turkey’s costal side which borders the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas has a temperate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Turkey’s coastal areas which borders the Black Sea have a temperate Oceanic climate with warm, wet summers to cold, wet winters.

Economy & Budget

Turkey is an upper-middle income country with a free market economy. Backpackers can survive with around $30 per day, while mid-range travelers spend between $60 and $80 per day on average.

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey with total population of 5 million.

Books to read before traveling to Turkey

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Turkey Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Welcome to the Crossroads of Civilizations: Your Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey stands as a sentinel at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, a mosaic of cultures, histories, and landscapes that beckon travelers from around the globe. This guide is your key to unlocking the treasures of Turkey, from the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, the azure waters of the Aegean to the rugged peaks of the Taurus Mountains.

One Nation Travel specializes in Turkey tours , featuring trips to Istanbul, Cappadocia tours , Pamukkale, and Antalya for cultural and scenic experiences.

Exploring Turkey’s Diverse Landscapes and Climate Zones

Turkey’s geography is as varied as its history, with each region offering a distinct climate and terrain. The Black Sea region boasts lush greenery and a mild climate, while the central Anatolian plateau challenges visitors with its steppe climate and hot summers. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning your travel wardrobe and activities.

Journey Through Time: Turkey’s Rich Tapestry of History

The Hittites, Byzantines, Ottomans, and many others have left their indelible marks on Turkey. Each city is a living museum, with layers of history waiting to be discovered. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the iconic Hagia Sophia, Turkey’s historical sites are not just attractions; they are portals to the past.

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Turkish culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the many civilizations that have thrived here. This section delves into the customs, traditions, and daily life that create the country’s unique cultural identity. Learn about the importance of hospitality, the nuances of Turkish tea culture, and the significance of family in Turkish society.

Essential Pre-Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Turkish Adventure

Before you embark on your Turkish journey, there are practicalities to consider. This section covers everything from packing essentials to cultural dos and don’ts, ensuring you are fully prepared for your adventure.

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Understanding Turkey’s visa requirements is essential for a smooth travel experience. This section provides up-to-date information on visa processes, fees, and exemptions, helping you to plan your entry into Turkey with confidence.

Prioritizing Health and Safety While Traveling in Turkey

Your well-being is paramount when traveling. Here, we discuss health precautions, insurance, and safety tips for various Turkish locales, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

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Managing Your Liras: A Guide to Turkish Currency and Budgeting

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Celebrating with the Locals: Turkey’s Festivals and Events Calendar

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Embracing the Great Outdoors: Turkey’s Natural Wonders

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After Dark: Experiencing Turkey’s Vibrant Nightlife Scene

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Understanding local laws and etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable visit. This section covers the essentials of Turkish customs and legalities.

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Sustainable travel is more important than ever. Learn how to minimize your footprint and contribute positively to the communities you visit in Turkey.

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This section addresses common queries travelers have about visiting Turkey, providing clear, concise answers to help with trip planning.

Reflecting on Your Turkish Odyssey: The Journey Continues

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Turkey Travel Tips (from a local): 15 Things to Know About Turkey

by Drifter Planet | Jan 26, 2020 | Turkey

Turkey travel tips post has been written by our Europe content specialist – Alara Benlier, who is originally from Turkey. This post has been further expanded by the editor. 

Turkey is historical, vibrant, and insanely beautiful. This country that’s twice the size of California offers an exhaustive selection of places to visit and travel experiences to its visitors.

While in Turkey, you can find pretty much every kind of landscape (and even more) if you know where to go.

You can enjoy thermal springs with crystal clear waters , relax on the inviting beaches, see the ruins of ancient empires, float on a hot air balloon over unique formations , party on a yacht like a millionaire, enjoy delicious cuisine , and even go skiing.

Turkey’s unique location attracts millions of tourists each year. No matter the season, you can do many fun activities here. Moreover, you can experience countless cultural trips, including wandering around ancient ruins that are also listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. 

So, whether you are a passionate photographer, a gourmet, an adventure lover, or just a professional sunbather, you can have the holiday of your dreams in Turkey. If you are interested, here is everything you need to know before visiting Turkey from a born and raised Turkish expat. Here are my top Turkey travel tips for you.

Travel Tips for Turkey

Table of contents, turkey weather and when to visit.

No, Turkey isn’t just a summer destination like many places in Europe. Depending on what you want to do, you can visit Turkey during every season.

Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara region gets very warmer in summer and it can sometimes rain too. This area gets colder than many other parts of Turkey during winter and it can snow too (but not often).

Most of the coast of Turkey has typical warm Mediterranean weather (think of Italy, Greece, etc.) with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The middle part of the country (like Central Anatolia) gets warmer summer days but chilly nights and mornings. 

During spring, summer, and winter, not only you can enjoy many breathtakingly beautiful beaches, but also you can do lounging, parasailing, paragliding, and even canoeing in the ancient lands of Turkey. And starting from Winter, here is a winter wonderland.

Over the years, Turkey has become a hot spot for ski lovers with its excellent ski resorts, splendid hotels, and amazing nature.

Visa for Turkey

Some nationalities do not need a visa to enter Turkey, that includes some European countries a few Asian countries, and also a few South American countries. They can enter visa-free for 90 days.

Many other nationalities can enter with an eVisa and some with a conditional eVisa. Passport holders in Australia, the UK, USA need to apply for an Electronic Visa (e-Visa). Indian travelers can get a conditional e-Visa if they already have an active visa from the US, UK, Ireland, or the Schengen countries.

As the name suggests, the e-Visa Application System allows travelers to apply their e-Visas online. You just have to fill out the online form and pay the visa fee, and within 3 minutes, you will receive your visa! Just don’t forget to apply for your visa between three months to 48 hours before your travel date.

What is the capital city of Turkey?

Most people get this wrong. The capital of Turkey is not Istanbul, it is Ankara.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

The answer to this question is yes, but just like anywhere in the world, you should be cautious about your surroundings. Thankfully, Turkey’s name is coming clean after several terror attacks that happened in the past, and today, it is declared safe by many governments. 

Just be careful around the crowds, and if you are too anxious, try not to visit Turkey around religious and public holidays. Keep in mind that the coasts are safe, and big cities like Istanbul are always surrounded by policemen. Unless you are visiting the cities close to the Syrian border, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

In any case, you should make it a point to read the travel advisory before you plan your trip and once again before you visit. 

Currency in Turkey and Managing Money

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira . Although most places would prefer cash, you can also pay with VISA and Mastercard. 

Try to carry a smaller amount of money for smaller purchases. Turkey has banknotes for 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira. So carrying two 50 liras instead of one 100 lira might be better. Haggling is also very common in local shops. You might get up to 50% off from bigger purchases.

Which SIM Card to get?

Due to the legal restrictions, it might be complicated to get a local SIM Card if you’re traveling here for a longer period of time. Generally, you can get a SIM card by showing your passport at one of the shops in the airport or in a store in the city. 

There are three network operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. They have official stores everywhere around the country. 

Turkcell is known for its good connection, but it is the most expensive one. Vodafone is also fairly good and Türk Telekom is the cheapest one. Although Türk Telekom is good, if you are planning to visit locations with high altitudes, I would stick with Vodafone or Turkcell according to my budget. 

Also, all mobile devices purchased outside Turkey that use a Turkish SIM must be registered with the government after 120 days. If not, you will end up with a phone that doesn’t work.  

Scams in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in Turkey due to its historic beauty. And just like every other tourist city, here also has typical tourist scams.

Although the Turkish people are very helpful, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to scams. The most known ones are taxi scams, pickpockets, and paying more because you are a tourist. 

Taxis usually take a longer road to get you to your final destination to make you pay more money. To prevent that you can use public transportation, or if you have to use a taxi, you can ask the reception of your hotel or hostel to call a cab for you. 

To avoid pickpockets, you have to be careful about your belongings. If you are around a crowd, keep your bag in front of you or somewhere you can see it. 

Last but not least, sellers might charge you more money because they think that you don’t know the actual price of their products or services. To prevent that, do your research! Thanks to the internet, you are one click away from knowing all the best and the worst shops all around the World. 

Overall Istanbul is a majestic city, but keep in mind that Turkey offers more incredible cities. So, if you have enough time, try to spend less time in Istanbul, and explore other cities in Turkey.

Getting around in Turkey

You can get around in Turkey by internal flights, renting a car, using a coach, and depending on the location – even a ferry.  

With its bunch of airlines that fit your budget, Turkey can be easily explored by plane. Due to the competition, you can book a cheap flight and fly to almost every city in Turkey.

One of the low-cost carriers in Turkey is Pegasus Airlines, that’s what the Drifter Planet team used in Turkey twice. Although it is not the most environmentally friendly option, if you have a tight schedule, you can always get to your destination very quickly via plane.

Although renting a car is always an option, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you are aiming for a heart attack, then renting a car might be the one for you. Having one of the most expensive gas in the entire World, constant traffic, and of course, so many angry drivers that ignore most of the traffic signs, you can easily rent a car in Turkey with your passport or driver’s license. Just make sure to rent your car from a reliable agency, like Europcar, or Avis, and get insurance for the car. 

Most Turkish people use the coach, especially the night coach, as a more budget-friendly option. The buses in Turkey for longer destinations are very luxurious and shockingly affordable. Every Turkish town and city has a bus station, called Otogar . From there you can buy your bus ticket, which is called bilet in Turkish. 

If you are a solo traveler, depending on your gender, you can book a seat next to your own gender to ensure safety as well. During your trip, you will be served a cake or sandwich, and a bottle of water for free. Most of the bus companies also provide wireless Internet, and a film to watch. Buses will stop in many resting places for you to use the toilet, stretch your legs, and eat in restaurants.

It isn’t easy to prebook the buses online without a Turkish card or phone number but it can be done if you really try your best. We were able to book a bus with “ MetroTurizm “, but only after translating the entire website into English. Somehow their English version of the website wasn’t allowing bus bookings at that time.

Ferries are also a great option for traveling in and around Istanbul, Izmir, and from incredible cities like Bodrum and Marmaris to the Greek islands.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Turkey

The most beautiful place on earth where you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride is right here in Turkey . It is in a mystical fairy land called Cappadocia , which looks like it belongs on another planet. Cappadocia’s landscape looks surreal, and it looks it is out of a science fiction movie like Star Wars.

There are fairy chimneys and caves everywhere in Cappadocia. People still live in these caves and many have been transformed into spectacular hotels. Right here, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride to experience the most magical sunrise.

Cappadocia is massive and has around 10 villages that are all unique in their own way. One can get a little confused about where to go. The most popular place in Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride is Göreme. Be sure to read about Cappadocia on our website – Hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia , staying in a cave hotel in Göreme , and Cappadocia’s Instagram-worthy spots .

Recommended Itinerary for Turkey

It is no secret that there are lots of places to visit, lots of things to do, and lots of things to eat in Turkey!  If you want to visit this glorious country, but don’t know where to start, there is a great 10-day itinerary on this website, which covers the most attractive places you can visit in Turkey. However, if you want to spend more time in Turkey to understand the culture better and explore all around it quickly, here is a two-week itinerary of Turkey!

Day 1 and 2 – Istanbul

Istanbul is mostly famous for its bridge that brings together Asia and Europe, mosques, tulips, seagulls, and Turkish bagels. But the city also has a great history dating back to 660 before Christ, the Roman empire, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empire. If you want to check out the historical monuments on your first day, you can start exploring Istanbul from Sultanahmet Square, where you can find Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. 

On your second day, you can shop at the Spice Bazaar aka Mısır Çarşısı, which is one of the largest bazaars in Istanbul. Here, you can buy spices, Turkish delights, jewelry, souvenirs, dried fruits, and nuts. The Grand Bazaar, on the other hand, is the oldest and largest bazaar in the world with 4,000 shops and 350,000 visitors a day! 

Day 3 and 4 – Bursa

Bursa was the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. But here is not only known for its history, but also its silk, ski resorts, and thermal baths made here a must-visit city. Due to its location near an extinct volcano called Uludağ mountain, Bursa has thermal baths with mineral-rich waters.

If you are visiting Bursa, you should experience the traditional thermal Turkish bath, since it is one of a kind! The mineral water boils up from below to comfort you and nurture your skin! As a tradition, you should get the best rubdown (kese) to get rid of the dead skin cells and a massage just to relax your muscles.

Day 5 – Izmir and Ephesus (Efes)

Izmir is blessed with amazing beaches, gorgeous nature, and of course, ancient places like Unesco World Heritage Site listed Efes! 

While in Ephesus, you can check out many historic gates and temples, but the most impressive ones are definitely the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus. But if you enter Ephesus from the south entrance, you will see its world-famous theatre. This theatre not only witnessed history but also hosted many amazing performances by Elton John, Ray Charles, Jethro Tull, and many more!

Day 6 and 7 – Bodrum

With its pure white buildings with Saxon blue doors, its amazing seacoast, and gorgeous bougainvillea flowers, Bodrum is definitely a must-visit city! This old fishing town is located on the coast of the astoundingly clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea and also hosts the ancient city of Halicarnassus, which is said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus has an ancient tomb, which was built between 353 and 350 BC! Here, you can also check out the Myndos Gate, which was built under the reign of King Mausolus. This gate witnessed the greatest battles during the siege of the city by Alexander the Great.

Day 8 and 9 – Fethiye

With its breathtaking marina, amazing nightlife , and otherworldly sea, Fethiye is the only city in the world, where you’ll find sarcophaguses on the streets!  Here, you can swim in the Dead Sea/Blue Lagoon, and also do lounging, parasailing, paragliding, canoeing, and many more! The world-famous beach of Fethiye and its blue lagoon, Ölüdeniz, is known for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine, and it is officially awarded as a Blue Flag beach.  

On your second day, you can hike the ancient Lycian Way to check out the amazing views of the sea and the mountains. You also have to check out the gorgeous Butterfly Valley! This valley’s name comes from the endemic butterflies that live near the waterfalls on the canyon wall. From the top of this valley, the view of the bay is just breathtaking.

Day 10 and 11 – Antalya

When you first hear Antalya, you might think of beautiful beaches, a bright sun, and 5-star hotels. But Antalya also offers gorgeous ancient cities and sights! On your first day, you have to check out Aspendos, which is an ancient Greco-Roman city in Serik. Aspendos has huge fame with its breathtaking Roman theatre, the best-preserved theatre in Turkey. The theater has a seating capacity of 20,000 people, and it is still used for concerts. 

For your second day, you can visit the Konyaaltı, which has a pebble beach with amazing turquoise waters. Here you can also paraglide and enjoy many water sports. Or around 60 km away, you can visit the sandy Lara Beach, which is known for its curative sands for the ones with rheumatism problems!

Day 12 and 13 – Pamukkale

With its mineral-rich hot springs and its ancient Greco-Roman city, Pamukkale is a natural site, located in Denizli. Pamukkale literally means cotton castle in Turkish, which suits its amazing calcium-rich springs that shaped its snow-white limestones over the centuries perfectly. But this Unesco World Heritage site is not only popular for its natural pools but also its holy ancient city of Hierapolis!

On your second day, you have to check out this Greco-Roman city. Hierapolis was founded as a thermal spa early in the 2nd century BCE. After the archeological diggings, many significant structures like gorgeous Byzantine gates, a theatre, temples, thermal baths, and an extensive necropolis came to light.

Day 14 and 15 – Cappadocia

With its fairy chimneys, amazing nature, and fun hot air balloon activities, Cappadocia offers a great time for its visitors. Being on the Unesco World Heritage List, with its fairytale-looking landscapes with fairy chimneys, pigeon houses, orchards, and vineyards, it is surreal to fly over the beautiful valley and have the most romantic time while gazing at the sunset!

On your second day, you should visit the Ihlara Valley, which is a 16 km long valley that is home for 105 ancient churches! This unique valley’s honeycombed churches were built by Cappadocian Greeks. It is truly a magical place to wander around while listening to the peaceful river sounds.

What to Eat in Turkey?

Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse and famous cuisines in the entire World. You may have eaten Turkish dishes before, but there are some must-taste dishes that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Turkey!

• As the main dish, you can have Iskender Kebab , Şiş (Shish) Kebab , Mantı , Etli Ekmek , or if you are vegetarian, you can have Meze or street food like Kumpir . 
• Iskender Kebab is a traditional Döner kebab that is served with yogurt a warm tomato sauce and melted butter over pieces of thinly sliced lamb meat and pide. 

• Şiş (Shish) Kebab , on the other hand, is grilled chicken, beef, or lamb on a skewer, served with rice, salad, and fries. 
• If you crave carbs, you should try Mantı aka Turkish Ravioli! Mantı is little a handmade dumplings filled with ground lamb or beef, topped with creamy yogurt and melted butter tomato paste sauce. Or Etli Ekmek, which is a long and thin piece of flatbread, topped with meat and cheese. 
• If you are a vegetarian, you will love Etli Ekme because you can choose your own toppings to “vegan-ize” it. 
• As a lighter dinner option, you can have Meze , which actually consists of a small selection of dishes commonly served with drinks or before a meal. You can either just eat Meze, or you can also order a main dish with them. Turkish people love eating Meze while drinking Rakı , which is a traditional alcoholic beverage. 
• Traditional Turkish Mezes are Cacık, which is yogurt with herbs and cucumber, hummus, and butter, and Dolma, which is rice-stuffed vine leaves, eggplant salad, Feta cheese and all served with a warm pide. Pide is a flatbread which is kind of like a pizza, but is much better. It is a typical Turkish comfort food.  

• Lastly , Kumpir is actually a giant baked potato, which is cut down the middle and served with butter, cheese, and various toppings that you choose. As a dessert, you can have World-famous Baklava, and of course Turkish delight.
• Turkish cuisine is very flavourful and best complemented with local alcoholic beverages. You can have some Turkish wines including Kavaklidere Yakut (Bogazkere – Okuzgozu), Merlot, and Vinkara. 

The national drink, Rakı, is a must if you want to have an authentic Turkish food experience. It is a spirit, distilled from grapes and made with aniseed. When Rakı is mixed with water and ice, its color changes from transparent to white, which is why it is also called lion’s milk.

Ramadan in Turkey

Ramadan is called Ramazan in Turkey. It is important to know about this because it is a month-long fasting time, that ends with Eid ul-Fitr. During this time, the locals do not eat or even drink anything from the time the sun rises to the time it sets; they only eat after the sunset.

If you’re in a smaller part of Turkey during Ramadan, you should know that some restaurants will be shut during the day, and it is considered inappropriate you eat in front of those who are fasting. Although in touristy places like Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square, you will easily find a bite to eat. 

The dates for Ramazan for the next year are the Evening of Sun, Mar 10, 2024 – Tue, Apr 9, 2024. 

What to Wear in Turkey?

No, all Turkish people don’t dress conservatively. Somehow the country is split where one-half of the people wear conservative attire while the other half wear whatever they want and don’t mind showing some skin. Don’t stand out as a tourist, but try to blend in.

You can wear pretty much anything you want in Turkey, depending on the weather. During summer, light cotton pants, T-shirts, and flip-flops are the most common clothes to wear. Depending on the location, you can also wear shorts.

During Spring and Fall, you should bring a warm jacket/windbreaker because the weather is rainy, and it is chilly at night. And during winter, you better pack your sweaters because it snows almost everywhere in Turkey. For the beach, you can basically wear anything you want. Most Turkish women love sunbathing in their bikinis. 

If you are planning to visit mosques and churches, you should not wear any shorts or sleeveless tops. Women should also cover their hair. And don’t forget to bring socks since most of the mosques have carpet floors, and walking with your shoes on a carpet (or inside the house) is not acceptable for Turkish people. Overall, modesty is very appreciated in Turkey. If you want to avoid some looks while walking in the city, try to dress up on the conservative side.

About Turkish Hamams

Turkey might be known for its amazing beaches, and historical places, but this country is also blessed with more than 1,000 thermal springs. These mineral-rich springs have also healing properties, which is the reason why they attract many tourists throughout the year. 

You will find lots of Traditional Turkish Bath places which are called Hamam anywhere you visit in Turkey. If you want to get rid of all the dead skin cells from your body, you can visit the Hamam of your choice. But there are a couple of things to know! 

For example, every Hamam has two sections, one for women and one for men. This means that at most of the Hamams, you can’t get scrubbed down with your significant other. 

Keep in mind that, Hamams are HOT. If you have any lung or heart problems, ask your doctors for permission beforehand.

If you are visiting a Hamam, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and some clean sandals. 

When you enter the Hamam, you will see an amazing interior and five to six taps of water with beautiful sinks underneath. In the middle, there will be a big stone which is called göbektaşı. 

If you want to be rubbed down by a professional, he or she (depending on your gender) will come and rub you there. Before the rubbing, you need to be inside the Hamam for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, they will first soak your body with warm water, otherwise, the dirt won’t come off. 

After washing up, you will receive a massage, and later you will get rubbed with an oriental washcloth, which is called kese. Finally, you will receive another soapy wash, followed by a rinsing session with cold water. 

After the whole experience, don’t forget to tip your attendant. PS. You need to wash your private parts yourself. Most of the Hamams, people inside are butt naked, but it doesn’t mean that you also have to be. Also, bring your own soap and shampoo if you are allergic, and don’t forget to remove your makeup because it will get ruined.

Etiquette for Visiting Mosques

One of the most beautiful experiences in Turkey is listening to the unmissable call of prayer 5 times a day from a nearby mosque. There’s something calming and soothing about this sound. Of course, you should try to expand this experience by visiting a mosque. Please don’t be stupid enough to mimic this sound of prayer, even if you’re in a hostel and are sitting with backpackers. 

Dress conservatively if you’re visiting a mosque. Cover your legs, arms, and shoulders – this is for both men and women. In most of the mosques, you will be able to pick up a scarf to cover your head on your way in. Photograph the architecture by all means, but look out for “photography allowed” signs before you do. Do not take the liberty of photographing the locals in prayer without their permission.

Just like many places of worship all over the world, you will need to remove your shoes at the entry point so wear something that can be easily removed. 

Quick Tips for Solo Women Travelers

Traveling to any new country as a solo woman traveler can be overwhelming but at the same time, liberating. Turkey is an amazing country and is an excellent destination for a solo woman traveler.

We have mentioned this before in this article, but it is time to reiterate – try to blend in. Dress like locals and don’t let your outfit or actions scream “tourist”. Be careful of your surroundings at all times and listen to your gut. If a place or a situation doesn’t feel safe for any reason, then get out. Make friends with other women travelers that you meet, share stories, and stay connected. 

Did follow our travel tips for Turkey?

Tag  @drifterplanet  on Instagram and hashtag it  #drifterplanet . We will be happy to share your journey with our audience.

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

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Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Drifter Planet

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• 9 Handy Turkey Travel Tips To Make Your Vacation Memorable And Hassle-free

26 Oct 2021

Boasting an outstanding combination of magnificent mountain ranges, alluring plains, shimmering beaches, and expansive deserts, Turkey is a magical destination which attracts tourists from all over the world. In addition to natural beauty, Turkey incorporates world famous marvels like Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque and has beautiful towns like Istanbul and Antalya that leave people in awe. Pulsating with elegance and beauty, this paradise will have you hooked with balloon packed skies, paragliding on turquoise coasts, tasty kebabs, lovely beaches, salt pools, and wonderful historical sites. But before you plan your vacation, take a look at these few useful Turkey travel tips to make sure your journey is as comfortable and hassle-free as it can be.

10 Best Turkey Travel Tips

Make sure you follow these handy tips for visiting Turkey so that you can enjoy a comfortable vacation without landing into an unpleasant situation.

1. Research Well Before You Make Your Itinerary

Before heading to Turkey, make sure you make a checklist of all the places to visit. Proper research will help you to list the most popular and noteworthy places in Turkey. To travel around Turkey without proper knowledge is like driving around without GPS. This is one of the best Turkey travel tips to start your journey to your dream destination.

Must Read: 82 Best Places To Visit In Turkey That Must Be On Your Itinerary

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2. Learn Few Common Turkish Words

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In the exteriors of the cities, not many people are familiar with the English language. Learning a little Turkish language is like among the best tips for traveling to Turkey for the first time and will will get you a long way. In fact, Turkish language is not that difficult, as the letters are similar to Roman alphabet and words are spelled as per the pronunciation.

If you learn a few phrases in Turkish then you can have a decent conversation with the locals. Even at the bookstores, you are likely to find books for Turkish-to-English translation. This is one of the essential Turkey travel advice that we can give you. Below are some common Turkish phrases that will help you on your tour.

Good morning – Günaydın No – Hayir Yes – Evet Thank you – Tesekkür ederim Goodbye – Hoşçakal! (HOSH-CHA-KAL)

Suggested Read: This Is How You Can Impress Your Soulmate On Valentine’s Day In Turkey!

3. Pick An Appropriate Accommodation

From budgeted hotels to luxurious apartments, everything is available in Turkey. You can choose a suitable accommodation as per your convenience and budget. Choose a place that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet. Travelling within Turkey is as expensive as a Euro trip, unless you plan a proper budget. One of the most important tips for traveling in Turkey for the first time is that you opt for apartments to stay like a local. There are quaint houses available for a comfortable stay offering good value for money.

Suggested Read: Turkey In September: The Ultimate Guide For Exploring The Land Of The Legends!

4. Dress Decently

Being most liberal of West Asian countries, the women in Turkey dress in an elegant and fashionable manner. As Turkey gives you the freedom of dressing as per you desire, you can see both women dressed in Burqas as well as western attires. However, you must make sure to dress decently and not enrage the social customs regarding clothing.

If you happen to visit a conservative area or a mosque, then you need to cover your head. Hence, it highly recommended keeping a scarf or shawl in your bag at all times. Other than this, you’ll find most travel guides asking you to wear hats and sunscreen at all times to avoid getting tanned, which are also some of the best tips for visiting Turkey.

Suggested Read: Celebrate Christmas In Turkey And Make It Merry With These Fantastic Experiences

5. Respect The Culture

Turkey is a secular state where people are open minded and have the freedom to practice Islam the way they wish to. You are bound to have a terrific experience during your tour as people here are quite welcoming, especially to new people from different parts of the world. However, you need to do your bit by respecting the Turkish culture, traditions, customs, and religious practices at all times. Make sure of how you conduct yourself in public areas and how you treat the locals, which is one of the foremost Turkey travel tips to keep in mind.

Also, be careful when you are debating on matters regarding the politics with the locals, as one wrong word may land you in trouble. People here have great respect for the Founding Father of the Turkish Republic, so one is not allowed to speak ill or crack jokes on any matter concerning him, either intentionally or unintentionally. Keeping this essential Turkey travel advice may save you from a lot of embarrassment on your trip to Turkey.

Suggested Read: Turkey In October: Witness The Land Of Aladdin At Its Best!

6. Carry An International Adapter

Imagine yourself stuck in the city with your mobile phone alerting low battery. This is one of the worst things that can happen to any tourist. Make sure you carry the international charger adaptor so that you can plug it anywhere in your hotel and charge your mobile phones before leaving. While many safety tips for Turkey tour will suggest you to buy one from Turkey itself, we’d suggest you carry one from your home country.

Suggested Read: 6 Iconic Bridges In Turkey That Are A Paragon Of Beauty & Magnificence!

7. Get Vaccinated Before Travelling

One of the most common one safety tips for Turkey tour include vaccination and proper medication. Before initiating your tour, it is highly recommended to vaccinate yourself as a precautionary step. Consult your family doctor to be more precise and take vaccinations under his/her guidance. Most general vaccinations include tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and diphtheria. Also, make sure you’re carrying the proper medications on your tour with their prescriptions.

Suggested Read: 5 Historical Caves In Turkey Which Will Give You Some Serious Adventure Goals!

8. Use Public Transport

Hassle-free commuting is possible as Istanbul is well connected by train, bus, and metro to other cities. If there is no public transport during midnight, then cabs are available. Ulusoy and Safran are the best bus services and are equipped with Wi-Fi facility. During long journeys, passengers are treated to snacks and beverages onboard. You can book these buses online. When traveling by cabs, always make sure to check the logo at the taxi stand so that you do not fall in the trap of money scamming taxi drivers. This is one of the important Turkey travel tips to be considered when commuting within Turkey.

Suggested Read: 7 Therapeutic Hot Springs In Turkey Everyone Who Searches For Tranquility

9. Carry Cash

Of all the Turkey travel tips, this is the most important and essential suggestion. You should have cash with you all the time as you cannot rely on cards. One of the prime reasons for carrying cash is that ATM centers are not available in rural towns. So to avoid any complications, it is highly advised to have local currency of Turkey. Although credit cards are accepted, most service providers and vendors prefer paper money over cards. In addition, Turkish ATM machines are unpredictable and may reject your card without any valid reason.

Further Read: Turkey In November: Take A Quick Rundown At This Guide For An Enthralling Vacation!

Planning to take a trip to Turkey anytime soon? Don’t forget to consider these Turkey travel tips before your book a vacation. And if you know of anymore travel tips, hacks, and suggestions for visiting Turkey the right way, let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Travel Tips

How should a woman tourist dress in Turkey?

You can wear shorts, crop tops, short skirts, and summer dresses in all places except mosques and other religious places. The Turks are known for wearing smart casuals. Men should also avoid wearing shorts in such places. They can wear long trousers and short-sleeved shirts.

Is it safe to travel around in Turkey?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel around in Turkey. Istanbul and Ankara are considered to be the most secure cities of Turkey.

Is it safe to walk in Istanbul at night?

Yes, it is completely safe to stroll around the streets of Istanbul at night. However, avoid narrow lanes and stay on well lit lanes as much as possible.

Is there Uber in Istanbul?

Uber is the most downloaded app in Turkey and it widely operates in Istanbul and towns of Cesme and Bodrum. To locate the customers, drivers of turquoise and yellow cabs also use Uber app.

What should I avoid in Istanbul?

Revealing clothes or short dresses should be completely avoided in the holy places of Istanbul. Eating close to touristic places, shopping without bargaining, wearing shoes in places of worship and ill-talking about the culture is not encouraged. Don’t book logo-less cabs to avoid getting scammed.

What do you wear in Turkey in the winter?

If you are travelling to Turkey in winter, you must carry the following clothes: 1. Light waterproof rain jacket 2. Winter coat or outdoor jacket 3. Long sleeved shirts 4. Skirts paired with thick stockings 5. Leggings or trousers 6. Ankle boots

Is Turkey safe for female Travelers?

Unlike many other countries, Turkey is safe for females. All the solo female travelers out there need not be afraid to explore this place.

Is tap water drinkable in Turkey?

Yes, tap water is completely safe to drink here. But in many places the water does not taste good, especially in the European part of Istanbul, so one is recommended to drink bottled water.

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Ultimate Turkey Itinerary for 14 Days for First Timers

After visiting Turkey more than 20 times over the last couple years I decided to go wild on my Turkey trip and travel to off the beaten path places and some of the top sights in Turkey. This way I created the ultimate road trip itinerary to visit the best places to see in Turkey in 14 days. How to travel around Turkey? Don't book a tour, do it yourself! Rent a car and follow this 2 week itinerary for Turkey and easily plan your trip yourself.

Trust me, traveling to Turkey does not need to be done in a group trip or with a tour operator. Let me convince you that you can do this on your own and I am sure you are going to have the time of your life.

I called this blog the ultimate Turkey itinerary for 2 weeks because I squeezed in most of the best places to visit in Turkey  into 14 days. I would suggest to pick your favorites from this itinerary and skip some places if you only have 7 or 10 days for your Turkey trip.

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Turkey road trip

I would highly recommend you to rent a car upon arrival and take a road trip around Turkey. Afraid of driving in Turkey? Don’t you worry, I drove almost 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) through the country and not a single time I got stuck in traffic. As soon as you leave Istanbul, the days on the road are very relaxed and road conditions are extremely good. Actually impressively good, like unexpected good! :)

Fuelling up your car is very cheap in Turkey as 1L of gas costs around 20 - 25 TL, less than $1 USD. Car rental cost for 14 days? Less than $250 USD! So what are you waiting for? For me a road trip around Turkey is the best way to visit Turkey! An absolutely amazing trip.

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Turkey Itinerary Map

Below you can find a map of the ultimate Turkey itinerary for 14 days with all the stops included. There are more than 14 stops, but you can do some of them in 1 day.

Places to see in Turkey:

• Amasra, Safranbulo
• Sumela Monastery
• Mount Nemrut
• Egirdir LAke
• Sirince, Ephesus
• Pergamon, Bergama

For any Turkey road trip I strongly recommend you to buy a prepaid sim card for Turkey . It is cheap and super useful to be connected and there is 4G almost everywhere, check out the link to find the best network and best mobile operator. You can also buy a sim card at Istanbul Airport or SAW Airport , although the exact same prepaid sim cards for Turkey are more expensive at the airports.

Public transport in Turkey

I totally understand that not everyone is in the position to rent a car when visiting Turkey. But don't worry I have traveled to Turkey multiple times and only 1 time rented a car. I took busses around the whole country, for example from Istanbul to Cappadocia. But I also took an uncountable number of domestic flights. Overnight busses in Turkey are actually pretty damn comfortable!

To find the best connection, up to date time schedules, shortest route, or cheapest bus, ferry and even domestic flights I recommend you using the service of 12GoAsia. Their search engine gives you all the options and you choose your preferred way of travel. Try them out yourself below.

Turkey Itinerary for 14 days

If you let me help you plan your Turkey trip you see that I am sending you all over the country. From East to West and from North to South. For a reason of course, because there are so many more cool things to do in Turkey than just Cappadocia, Istanbul, Bodrum and Pamukkale.

It is best to plan your Turkey trip counter clockwise around the country. That way you do most of the long driving days in the beginning and they get shorter day by day. Plus you have the beaches towards the end of your Turkey trip.

Day 1: Amasra and Safranbolu - Charming Fishing Village on the Black Sea

Let’s not start with Istanbul, but straight away jump in your rental car when arriving at Istanbul Airport and drive Northeast towards Amasra. This is also where you are going to spend your first night.

Amasra once was a sleeping fishing village, but now turned into a popular Turkey tourist destination. The narrow streets, an abundance of restaurants, ice cream shops and souvenir stalls will make you feel like on a holiday on your first day. Roaming the lively streets at night is the perfect way to experience Amasra to its fullest.

Try to reach Amasra, which is a 4 hour drive from Istanbul, before sunset. If you won’t make that get up early in the morning for sunrise. They are magical, a short hike up will get you to an amazing viewpoint.

Click on the link to find out the Google Maps location of the best sunset spot in Amasra .

If you have enough time stop on day 1 stop in Safranbolu, a village listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This old traditional village is worth a stop, as you drive past it anyway, either on day 1 or on day 2 of this Turkey itinerary.

Where to stay in Amasra

The Northdoor Amasra Hotel is a great Amasra hotel with the best reviews in town and costs only around $50 per night.

Day 2: Uzungol - Switzerland of Turkey

Be prepared for a long drive of more than 10 hours, but the next morning you will wake up in the Switzerland of Turkey: Uzungol. On day 2 you basically drive all day long along the Black Sea coast. You will also pass Trabzon, the biggest city on the Black Sea, but I recommend you to continue to Uzungol and you will thank me for mentioning this amazing Turkey tourist destination in this itinerary.

Looking for that iconic Uzungol Instagram picture? Check these list of the best things to do in Uzungol and find the swing with the breathtaking view over the valley.

The reason I recommend you to tour this Turkey itinerary counterclockwise around the country is that the first couple days are long days on the road. Better to have them in the beginning than in the end. Don't see this as a wasted day! You are driving along the Black Sea, a great introduction to this ultimate Turkey road trip. Take a break in the city of Samsun.

Where to stay in Uzungol

The Nova Uzungol has great reviews, a good view and is only $40 per night.

Day 3: Sumela Monastery - a Hidden Gem in Turkey

Wake up breathing in the fresh air of the mountains in Uzungol and sip a Turkish tea overlooking the fabulous Valley with the Uzungol Lake. No need to tell you that hiking around the Uzungol Lake is the best thing to do here. Spend the morning surrounded by mountain peaks and green landscapes.

Get back on the road and drive back to Trabzon, if you have time you can check out the city, but it wasn’t my favorite. I suggest you continue onwards to the next Turkey tourist destination: Sumela Monastery. From Uzungol to Sumela Monastery takes about 2 hours.

The Sumela Monastery was under construction when I visited and it was raining. At first I wasn’t convinced, but when I saw the paintings of the rock church I realized this should be included in every Turkey itinerary.

It is easy to get to the Sumela Monastery, which is hidden deep into the forest of the Altindere National Park. From the main parking lot you have to a shuttle up a steep mountain road that brings you to the entrance of the monastery. Sumela monastery entrance fee is 20 TL.

After you visited the Sumela Monastery and get back on the road, driving south to the next place to visit in Turkey: Mount Nemrut. Break the long trip by staying overnight in the city of Erzincan (3h drive) or Elazig (6h drive).

Day 4: Mount Nemrut - surprisingly fabulous UNESCO site on 2,100m

To me Mount Nemrut turned out to be on of the most surprising places to visit in Turkey . It is located off hte beaten path in Turkey and you won’t find many tourists here. Also because this UNESCO World Heritage site is located on 2,134 meter (7,000 ft) altitude.

Mount Nemrut are actually two tombs dating back to 70 BC with on top statues that used to be 8-9 meters (29 ft) high. Unfortunately the heads are broken off, but they placed them in front of the statues. An absolutely must see in Turkey! Mount Nemrut entrance fee is 20 TL.

To get to Mount Nemrut is fairly easy as you drive up to the parking lot and from there it is only a 10 minute hike. My secret Turkey travel tip would be to visit Mount Nemrut for either sunset or sunrise, but you gotta play a little around with your Turkey itinerary to make this happen.

Where to stay in Mount Nemrut

Continue the drive for today until you reach Gaziantep (3 hours drive). This big city in the South of Turkey is renowned for its outstanding gastronomy. In Gaziantep you can find 5-star hotels for as less as $50 per night. I stayed in the  Sirehan Hotel  which I would totally recommend you to stay as well.

Day 5: Gaziantep and Adana

One of the must visit places in Turkey if you are a food lover is Gaziantep. Indulge on the local delicacies here a city that is UNESCO listed for its gastronomy. More than 50% of all business are directly related to gastronomy.

You have to try the Alinazik Kebab as it is Gaziantep’s specialty dish: pieces of kebab on top of bed of yoghurt with eggplant topped with a bit of buttery oil. Very rich and filling, but I was a fan! After dinner you of course have to try the famous pistachio Baklava. According to people from Gaziantep this is where the pistachio baklava originates.

After you indulged yourself on the great tastes of Gaziantep you could walk around the bazaar which is rather small but authentic and check out the Gaziantep castle, but that is about it.

Next on your Turkey itinerary is Adana, famous for its amazing mosque. Until lately it was the biggest mosque in Turkey and from the outside it looks absolutely majestic, but don’t forget to check it out from the inside, you will be stunned a second time. The Adana Sabanci Merkez Mosque is totally worth it adding to your Turkey itinerary.

Where to stay in Adana

Stay overnight in Adana where you can easily find a 5-star hotel for under $50 per night. Check out the Sheraton Grand Adana which has actually great views over the river and the Sabanci Merkez mosque.

Day 6: Cappadocia - Hiking in Moonlike Landscapes

The only tourist destination in Turkey where I advice you to stay more than 1 night on this itinerary. Not just because of the hot-air balloons but so far it has been an intense road trip around Turkey and Cappadocia is the perfect place to unwind and chill for a day or go hiking.

The day you arrive you will miss the hot air balloons as they start at sunrise around 6.00 am. But don’t worry if weather permits they rise every morning en mass, up to 150 at the same time. From Adana to Cappadocia is a 3 hour drive, so enough time to go hiking in the afternoon.

If you don’t feel like hiking you can arrange a taxi for about $25 for a couple hours. The best places to visit in Cappadocia are: Love Valley, Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley. Other cool things to do in Cappadocia are Uchisar Castle, the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Fairy Chimneys.

Check out this 2 & 3 day Cappadocia itinerary with the best things to do like visiting Pigeon Valley and Sunset Point in Goreme .

Where to stay in Cappadocia

My Cappadocia hotel tip is the Koza Cave Hotel . It has the highest rooftop terrace in town and balloons fly just a couple meters above the terrace. I have seen the videos on Instagram and it looks almost unreal. Click here to find the best rates for your dates in Cappadocia.

Day 7: Cappadocia - Magical Hot Air Balloon ride

On this day it is time for one of the  best things to do in Turkey : a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. I sincerely hope the weather is nice and there will be dozens of balloons taking off. It simply is a magical moment and one of those once in a lifetime experiences.

I have been a bit unlucky on the two times I visited Goreme. The first time in December 2014 it was snowing and ice cold, still I did a freezing balloon ride in cloudy skies. The second time in August 2020, there were no balloons flights because of Cøv$d. No problem, I happily visit Cappadocia over and over.

Enjoy the rest of your day by checking out the remaining places to visit in Cappadocia. Staying for 2 nights in this magical town gives you the chance to find a viewpoint for the other morning. Sit back and stare at the morning sky seeing all the balloons rise.

Day 8 : Konya, Egirdir and Fethiye - History, Lake and Sea side

After another amazing hot air balloon sunrise in Cappadocia drive east towards Konya (3h drive). Consider a detour via Meke Crater Lake, an absolutely breathtaking volcano popping out of a lake. Go off the beaten path to this very unknown place to visit in Turkey!

Konya is one of Turkey’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Obviously history can be found all around and some cool places to visit in Konya are: the green tiled mausoleum of Mevlana, the Alaeddin Mosque, the  striking facade of the İnce Minareli Madrasah dating back to 1264 and the Selimiye Mosque on the big main square in the city center.

Don’t spend too long in Konya though because lunch is waiting for you in Egirdir (2,5h drive). Right on the shores of Egirdir Lake you will find a little peninsula called Kale.

Life at Egirdir Lake is very much slow paced and not many international tourists find their way to this amazing Turkey tourist destination.

It is the perfect place for lunch. Head to the Melodi Restaurant for great views over the lake.

After lunch continue your way to Fethiye (3,5h drive), one of the most famous tourist destinations in Turkey and enjoy the beautiful beaches. For my Fethiye hotel recommendation see below.

Day 9:  Fethiye & Ölüdeniz - Butterfly Valley, Blue Lagoon & Paragliding

One of the best places to visit in Fethiye is the Butterfly Valley. It can only be reached by boat, so hop on one of the shuttle boats for 40 TL one way to get away from the tourists. A beutiful stretch of white sand beach perched between two high mountains is waiting for you.

In the afternoon go to Ölüdeniz where you will find the famous Blue Lagoon in Turkey. The beach is so white that without sunglasses you won’t survive and the sea has the deepest blue color. Absolutely spectacular.

Ölüdeniz is also popular for paragliding. Undoubtedly you will see loads of paragliders high above the Blue Lagoon. They take off from Mount Babadag, which is another cool place to visit in Fethiye. There is the Zirve restaurant on top so even if you are not one of those adventurers that wants to go paragliding in Ölüdeniz then order a drink and watch these daredevils taking off one by one.

My secret Turkey travel tip is the tiny little Greek island of Kastellorizo, only 3 kilometers from the Turkish mainland away. It is an absolutely gorgeous and picturesque island that is really high on my bucketlist of places to visit in Turkey. I know it belongs to Greece, but it is best to be visit by a 10 minute boat ride from Kas, Turkey 1,5 hour drive from Fethiye.

I know I am stuffing this Turkey itinerary with too many cool things to do right? But I am just giving you all the options. You decide which tourist destinations and activities you pick. :)

Where to stay in Fethiye

If budget allows you I would recommend you to stay in Beyaz Yunus Hotel, a charming boutique hotel , one of my favorite Fethiye hotels.

Day 10: Pamukkale & Lake Salda - A Natural World Wonder & Maldives of Turkey

On day 10 of this Turkey itinerary it is time for another Turkey top sight which is mentioned in every Turkey travel guide: Pamukkale. It was only my first time visiting lately and I encourage you to add this destination to your trip. Entrance fee 50 TL

The drive from Fethiye to Pamukkale take less than 3 hours, but first make a detour (1 hour extra) to the Maldives of Turkey: Lake Salda.

Lake Salda is an absolutely breathtaking beach destination in Turkey that is NOT on the sea. This extraordinary lakeside beach is just wow, see the picture below and decide yourself.

Pamukkale is a very unique site where carbonated minerals from thermal spring formed beautiful white terraces that are filled with water. Nowadays you are able to swim in these stunning little pools, well…

First off let me tell you that there is a shortage of water at Pamukkale so most of the pools are dry nowadays. Second, visiting Pamukkale is a very popular thing to do in Turkey so tourism is taken its toll. Therefore man-made pools are created for tourists to swim in to protect the original ones.

Completely understandable, let’s preserve this natural world wonder before we humans destroy another master piece created by mother Earth.

At first I wasn’t convinced by visiting Pamukkale, but towards sunset it was suddenly magical. My Turkey travel tip for Pamukkale is to visit this site a couple hours before sunset. First roam around the ancient Greek city of, which is connected to Pamukkale. The theater is the most amazing and best preserved theater I have visited in Turkey.

Then towards sunset pick your pool to relax and you will see that as soon as the sun is almost down, 95% of the tourists are gone and you will have this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site all for yourself.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

An affordable place to stay in Pamukkale is the Bellamaritimo  for just $30 a night you already have  a room with a big swimming pool. An affordable 5-star hotel is the Doga Thermal Health & Spa hotel for less than $150 per night.

Day 11: Bodrum - Exclusive Beach Clubs and Charming Villages

It is finally time to party on your Turkey itinerary as you are reaching one of the most popular beach destinations in Turkey. Bodrum is often called the Ibiza of Turkey. Here you will find a bustling boulevard, endless beaches, but also exclusive beach clubs.

The drive from Pamukkale to Bodrum takes 3,5 hours.

Get yourself a cabana in one of the popular beach clubs like for example Buddha Bar & Beach . A more quiet, but utterly stunning beach club is Kai Beach & Restaurant . Sit back, relax and enjoy people watching. This is where the rich and famous Turks hang out.

On top of that the Bodrum peninsula has more to offer. Some really cool places to visit in Bodrum are the charming villages of Mugla, Akyaka and Eski Doganbey.

Where to stay in Bodrum

If you feel like spoiling yourself then look up the exclusive Mandarin Oriental Bodrum , Allium Villas Resort , Caresse a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa or the Bodrum EDITION . All of them absolutely stunning Bodrum Hotels, but also expensive.

A cute little boutique hotel and much more affordable ($50 per night) is the Petra Butik Otel .

Day 12: Sirince & Ephesus - Ancient Greek city and wine tasting

Relax a little more in Bodrum as you have a chilled day ahead. Your next destination in Turkey is a quaint mountain village with traditional houses called Sirince, famous for its wines and laid-back atmosphere. The drive from Bodrum to Sirince takes only 2,5 hours.

You can either decide to first check in to your hotel in Sirince first and then go to Ephesus or the other way around. Ephesus is one of the most amazing places to visit in Turkey and just a 10 minute drive from Sirince.

The Ephesus entrance fee is 100 TL but that is a fair price as you will enter a whole ancient Greek city dating back to 1,000 BC. There is a big theater, but its main attraction is the impressive facade of the Library of Celsus. The Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World was also part of Ephesus, but as you know, only ruins remain.

When in Sirince definitely do a wine tasting in one of the wineries. For more things to do in Sirince and restaurant tips, click on the link to read my Sirince blog.

Where to stay in Sirince

A great place to stay in Sriince is the Gullu Konaklari Boutique Hotel centrally located at the end of the main street. As you enter it feels like a peaceful oasis with small fountains, ponds and hotel rooms located in traditional houses.

Day 13: Pergamon & Bursa - Ancient Greece & Ottoman Empire History

The day after visiting Ephesus another ancient Greek city will be on Turkey itinerary: Pergamon. Located on a 335 meter (1,000 ft) hill next to the city of Bergama you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pergamon, former capital of the Pergamon Kingdom around 300 BC.

The drive from Sirince to Bergama take around 2 hours.

Much smaller than Ephesus and within an hour you have seen most of this top sight in Turkey. A little off the beaten path and therefore much less crowded. On my latest Turkey trip I had Pergamon all for myself.

The Acropolis and the theater have amazing views over and are the highlights of this site. You are free to walk around wherever you want.

After visiting Pergamon you continue your Turkey road trip towards Bursa, the old Ottoman capital to see a different era in Turkish history. From Bergama to Bursa is a a 2,5 hour drive.

The main tourist attraction and place to visit in Bursa is: the Grand Mosque, once the biggest mosque in Turkey and one of the rare mosques around the world with a fountain inside.

Other cool things to do in Bursa are the Green Mosque and Mausoleum, the cable car up the Uludag Mountain (2,500 m/8,200 ft) and the 700 year old UNESCO World Heritage village of Cumalikizik. Click on the link for my blog with 25 things to do in Bursa.

Where to stay in Bursa

One of the best Bursa hotel locations is the Crown Plaza Bursa and this 5-star hotel is with $60 per night very affordable as well. Great place to stay.

Day 14: Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! You have reach the end of this ultimate Turkey itinerary for 14 days. Im sure by now you are pretty exhausted, but one of the world’s most bustling cities is waiting for you to explore. If you have enough time on your hands and you are eager to explore this incredible city some more than I suggest you this 4 day Istanbul itinerary !

There are a couple places to visit in Istanbul for first timers: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and the Galata Tower are the standard things to do in Istanbul. If you are looking for more unique things to do in Istanbul then click on the link for a list of 10 hidden gems. Definitely recommend you to visit Uskudar on the Asian side and Camlica, Turkey's biggest mosque .

If you still have energy on the lasts days of your Turkey trip explore the colorful houses in Balat , watch the sunset from the Maiden Tower on the Asian side, take a boat trip on the Bosporus, see the Ortaköy mosque underneath the Bosporus bridge, find a fancy rooftop bar in Bebek or roam the cost and bustling streets at night in Besiktas.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul sightseeing will take its toll for sure so I recommend you to take a nice hotel. Some Istanbul hotels I can highly recommend you are the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul , Shangri-La  or the brand new JW Marriott right on the Bosporus. Expensive but worth it!

Some more affordable 5-star hotels around $100 per night are: 10 Karakoy Istanbul , Parma Hotel & Spa Taksim .

For a complete guide on where to stay in Istanbul click on the link.

I hope all the above tips for planning your Turkey trip were useful for your upcoming adventure. It was a pleasure helping you so far. But here are some last Turkey travel tips...

Additional things to do in Turkey

In case you still have time left on your Turkey trip I can highly suggest you to visit the following places.

Edirne - Wines & Great Mosque

About 3 hours drive from Istanbul to the West and therefore a little off the beaten path. Edirne can easily be done on a day trip from Istanbul, but it take an extra day and therefore I didn’t include it in the itinerary above.

Most of the wine culture in Turkey can be found in the European side towards the border with Greece and Bulgaria. Edirne is the biggest city west from Istanbul, just a stone’s throw away from the European border. It once was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and holds a lot of history.

A must visit place is the majestic Edirne Mosque . Make sure to also check out the interior. When you are done sightseeing in Edirne head out to one of the wineries in the region around Edirne and try wine tasting and delicious food. I can recommend you to check out the  Bakucha Vineyard Hotel & Spa . You can also spend the night here and wake up overlooking the wine fields. 

Mount Ararat - Resting Place of Noah’s Ark

Unfortunately I still haven’t visit Mount Ararat myself but it is now topping my list of places to visit in Turkey. However I actually have, but different story, I didn’t climb Mt. Ararat.

This Turkey activity is only for the adventurers among us, because Mount Ararat is the highest mountain in Turkey with an elevation of 5,137 meters (16,854 ft). I was on the foot of Mount Ararat, but on the Armenian side and I can tell you this mountain peak looks damn impressive.

Haven’t even mentioned that Mount Ararat is also considered to be the resting place of the Noah’s Ark and therefore alone already a must visit place in Turkey.

Turkey’s highest peak is located on the Armenian border, far from all the other Turkey tourist attractions and therefore I also excluded Mount Ararat from my Turkey itinerary. In case you would drive there it would take you at least 8 hours from Trabzon, one way. Not recommended.

In case you want to climb Mount Ararat, then I suggest you to fly to IGD Airport and organize a climbing tour from there.

For domestic flights in Turkey and bus and ferry tickets I always use the search engine of 12Go Asia. IT is easy, fast and reliable and no need to find a bus ticket on the streets. Their flight search engine for domestic flights in Turkey is pretty damn good too.

I hope all the tips for planning your Turkey trip were helpful and you can use some parts of this itinerary for your upcoming journey. Honestly, I always miss traveling in Turkey when I am not there. Sounds cheesy from someone who is trying to visit every country in the world , but trust me Turkey is one of my favorite travel destinations.

Also when wondering how to stay connected when traveling to Turkey then check out my guide for buying a sim card for Turkey in 2023 .

May you have any more questions about this Turkey itinerary please leave me a comment below or head to my Instagram and send me a DM , I will happily help you out.

Enjoy your trip to Turkey!

• mount nemrut
• sumela monastery

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Travel hacks: turkey travel guide.

Turkey is often an overlooked gem in Europe. The gorgeous country offers travellers a unique mix of east and west, boasting incredible beaches, breathtaking mountains, eclectic cities and, of course, delicious food. 

The secular country straddles both Asia and Europe, however many confuse Turkey as part of the Middle East, and are perhaps apprehensive of visiting due to its location. Whilst you should always be cautious when travelling overseas, you definitely can't discount Turkey. 

If you're keen on exploring the country by joining a sailing tour and swimming in the crystal clear water, seeing the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, feasting on meze or getting lost in Istanbul's bazaar, we've put together a travel guide to ensure you're prepared. 

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Turkey Travel Basics

Currency - In Turkey, you'll be using the Turkish Lira . Euro's are accepted in tourist areas; however, you'll get a much better deal using Lira. You may also see a lot of prices advertised in USD . If you're joining a tour, many companies will require payment in USD, so be sure to check before you leave. 

The Lira is divided into the following denominations:

Coins - 1 lira and 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 kurus 

Notes - 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira

Turkey is primarily cash-based, so be sure to have plenty of notes on hand. With this in mind, you can still use a card in bigger shops, hotels and restaurants. There aren't many, if any, travel cards that hold the Turkish Lira. If you are opting to take a card, we recommend loading a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with either AUD or EUR to use. 

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Bartering is common practice in most market stalls, so figure out what you are willing to pay, smile and stand your ground.

Tipping is also expected though not mandatory. 10% is standard for excellent service. 

Tip - Depending on their age, both the 5 and 50 lira notes look the same. Make sure you check before paying. 

Language - The national language is Turkish. While many people speak English, it will be harder and harder to find the further afar you go from major cities.

ATMs - ATMs shouldn't be too hard to find in major cities. Be sure to use those attached to banks as they have better rates and lower fees compared to private ATMs. Not all ATMs will have English options, so it's worth having a translation app handy just in case. To avoid accumulating heaps of fees, withdraw more significant amounts at a time. 

Getting around - There are a few transport options depending on where you need to travel and how much time you have. 

• Flights are rather inexpensive and quick if you don't have time to spare. Keep an eye on discount sites for good deals. 
• Coaches are great for longer trips between towns and cities if you have less cash to splash and more time on your hands. They are clean, efficient and affordable.
• Mini-buses or 'dolmus' are great for quick trips around  cities and towns. Generally, there will be a sign at the front of the bus outlining the route and price.
• Car hire is accessible but kind of touch and go, mainly because Turkish roads are quite different from home. Traffic signs and speed limits are more of a guide rather than the law.
• Bikes are an excellent option for exploring cities. Depending on where you are, hiring one should be inexpensive and stress-free.
• In towns and cities themselves, you can choose between buses, taxis and sometimes the metro and tram to get around for a relatively low cost. For buses, metro and trams it's worth buying a smart reloadable ticket. 

Safety -  The nature of the region means Turkey is sometimes caught in conflict. We recommend staying up to date with travel warnings and advice posted by Smart Traveller, airlines and any tour companies you may be travelling with. 

Further to this, when you are in Turkey keep the following in mind:

• Don't keep all of your money in one place. Divide and conquer your cash in some creative hiding places. Stuck on ideas? We've got you covered with some tips and tricks
• In bigger cities, especially Istanbul, be vigilant against pickpockets. Bustling Bazaars are a pickpockets dream, so avoid putting cash in your pocket and opt for a travel wallet if possible.
• Should anything unsavoury happen while in Turkey, make sure you are well protected with travel insurance. You can also contact the local tourism police. 

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Must eat in Turkey

You can't visit Turkey without gobble-gobbling up these delicious delicacies. Word of warning, though, the Turkish are incredibly hospitable and will continue to feed you until you burst. Eat in moderation to ensure you have enough room to try everything. 

I tell you what, the Turkish love their cheese and for a good reason too. Cheese consumption starts at breakfast and continues throughout the day. There are options to suit every taste and complement every meal, so loosen your waistband and pray to baby cheesus you can make it through. 

There seems to be a gozleme stall at every market in Australia, so most have us have dabbled in its glory. If you've been living under a rock, gozleme is the Turkish answer to fast food and is like a crepe with different fillings. Cheese and spinach is a cracker, so try that if you're new to the gozleme game. 

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Turkish Delight

The locals call it Lokum, and it is so much better than that nasty pink addition to the Cadbury Favourite box. Lokum isn't covered in chocolate; instead, it is presented as delectable little sugary squares filled with fruit and nuts. 

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Let's be honest with ourselves, Aussie baklava isn't that great unless your Turkish mate's grandma makes it from scratch. Forget the subordinate baklava of your past and dive headfirst into the syrupy pool of goodness that is authentic baklava. 

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Iskender Kebab

A kebab meal where the bread is soaked in sauce under the meat slices. Yes, in my belly now, please.

A delicious selection of dishes that are generally served with your pre-dinner drinks. Think yoghurt, koftas (meatballs), eggplant salad, cheese (duh) and warm pide. An ah-mezze-ing way to start a meal if you ask me. 

Turkish Apple tea

You're full but thirsty. Have no fear; the Turkish apple tea is crisp, light, refreshing and ready to quench your thirst. 

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Where to visit in Turkey

Black Sea Region

The coastline is dotted with small villages and empty beaches, it is the best way to escape the world and soak up nature at its finest. Think mountains, waterfalls and crisp, clean air. Serious Hans Christian Anderson forest vibes that will make you put away your phone and soak up the glory and magic of a landscape we can't experience at home. 

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Chances are you will fly into Istanbul, the nation's capital. Stay for a while and visit the intricately beautiful Saltan Ahmen Mosque before visiting one of the worlds biggest bazaars. Boasting over 4000 shops selling gold, carpets, leather, clothing, souvenirs and everything in between, you can very quickly lose yourself in the maze of alleys and colours. Spice up your life at the nearby spice bazaar as well. 

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We've all seen the jaw dropping pics of Cappadocia's balloons at sunrise or sunset. The balloons themselves are actually for people to have a unique perspective of the 'fairy chimney rocks' that Cappadocia is famous. The village of Goreme serves as the main tourist centre for this area. 

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Located in South-Western Turkey, Pamukkale is known for its sweeping white limestone cliffs and pools of powder-blue water. These are known as the travertine terraces and offer incredible photo oppsand the chance of a swim in the mineral-rich water. Just be sure to pack your sunglasses as the white on white on white can be pretty glary under the Turkish sun. 

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All Aussie's visiting Turkey are encouraged to visit Gallipoli and pay their respects to the ANZACs. Not only are the cliffs a stunning backdrop, but they allow for some immense reflection and an insight into the conditions faced by the ANZACs. 

Turkey Travel tips 

• Learn some basic Turkish phrases. Not only will the locals appreciate the effort, but it will help in areas where there is limited English. 
• 'Put a ring on it'. A tip for the ladies, wearing a wedding ring, even if you aren't married, is a way to avoid any unwanted harassment.
• Don't drink the tap water in Istanbul. It's nasty, and you'll be seeing the toilet instead of the bazaars.
• Prepare for 'turkey time'. It's not thanksgiving, but rather Turkey's version of 'island time' where things happen at a slower pace.
• Cover up in Mosques and sacred buildings. Apart from that, Turkey is relatively cosmopolitan so, providing you're modest, you don't have to completely cover up like you would in neighbouring countries.
• Wifi isn't too bad in major cities, but it can be pretty patchy the further out you go.
• You can't tip with a card, so always have cash on hand. 

How much to budget for Turkey

While Turkey isn't crazy expensive, it certainly isn't as cheap as some of the countries that surround it. Try our budget planner to get an idea of how much you'll need for your trip. 

For reference, here is what you can expect to pay for some essentials. All prices are in Aussie dollars converted from Turkish Lira. 

Bottle of water - $0.40 Domestic beer - $4.50 Coffee - $3 Meal at a cheap restaurant - $8

For more Turkish budget advice and travel tips, or to purchase some Turkish Lira, be sure to visit your local Travel Money Oz store . Not only are they foreign currency experts, but the team will quite happily discuss the ins and outs of Aussie baklava and Turkish delight compared to their authentic Turkish counterparts. Oh, and they've got a Best Price Guarantee * too, so you can ensure you're always taking off with more. 

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This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. *Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee. Visit travelmoneyoz.com/best-price-guarantee for more details. 

Abbie Taylor

Abbie has three loves: travel, the tiny bread rolls on planes and corgis. She has visited 23 countries and collected an embarrassing tan line in each. When she isn't travelling, carb-loading or corgi spotting, you can find her writing about everything and anything (so she can afford to travel more). @abbieisabelle13

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Ready to enjoy the best tasting turkey you’ve ever had this Thanksgiving? These Must-Know Turkey Cooking Hacks will make hosting Thanksgiving a cinch! 

The turkey is the most important part of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

It is at the center of the meal and the family table. Cooking the Thanksgiving turkey can be a seriously stressful task. 

One small error can mean disaster, and you and your family will have to deal with a dry, overcooked bird for the holiday.  

If you are nervous about hosting this Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place! 

These Ingenious Turkey Cooking Hacks will help you put a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving turkey on the table this holiday with minimal fuss! 

More helpful Thanksgiving tips and tricks:

Early Thanksgiving Prep Ideas to Make Your Holiday So Much Easier

10 Free and Low Cost Thanksgiving Supplies You Need for a Seamless Turkey Day

21 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Your Holiday Super Simple

40 Greatest Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Pin for Later!

Super Simple Turkey Cooking Hacks for the Best Turkey Ever!

1. should i get one bird or two.

If you’re expecting a lot of guests this year, your first instinct may be to buy the largest turkey you can find. A better idea is to buy two smaller birds.  

Large turkeys take a lot longer to cook and tend to dry out easily and cook unevenly.  

You can cook two smaller birds side by side at the same time, or cook one bird the day before for two perfectly cooked birds. 

Need help knowing which turkey to buy? Check out this article .

2. How to thaw your turkey.

If you buy a frozen turkey, you want to make sure to remove it from the freezer in time, so it’s ready for the oven on Turkey Day. The best way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. 

Leave the bird in its original packaging and store it breast up on the bottom shelf of your fridge, which is the coldest, safest area for thawing. 

Turkey thaws in the refrigerator at a rate of 4 pounds per day, so a 16 pound turkey would take around 4 days to be fully thawed and ready for cooking. 

You definitely want to plan ahead to ensure you’re not stressing about the turkey thawing in time.

Did you forget to plan ahead? Check out this article , which details other methods to thaw a frozen turkey more quickly while still following proper food handling guidelines to keep you and your guests safe.

3. Try a dry brine.

Dry brining your turkey before roasting is a brilliant method to ensure a moist, tender, and flavorful bird with an irresistible crispy skin!  

This Maple Orange Dry Brine Recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving with loads of traditional fall flavors.  

The only issue with dry brining is, since this method draws moisture back into the bird, you may not get enough pan drippings to make a lot of gravy.  

To remedy this problem, add 1-2 cups of chicken or turkey broth to the pan before cooking your turkey, or check out this Make Ahead Gravy Recipe .

GET THE RECIPE

4. Try a buttermilk brine for a moist and flavorful bird.

This brine recipe is the best of both worlds and what my family has been using for the last couple years.

In this recipe, saltwater brine produces tender, juicy meat, and the addition of buttermilk adds flavor and makes the meat incredibly moist.

5. Use a wet brine without the mess.

Wet brining is a messy job. 

Make it so much easier by brining your turkey in a clean garbage bag in your cooler. This also frees up precious refrigerator space! 

See the Two-Hour Turkey recipe below for wonderful wet brining instructions from Cook’s Illustrated.

6. You may not need to brine.

Some turkey brands come already brined! Butterball turkeys “contain up to 8% of a solution of water, salt, spices, and natural flavor.” 

This means that Butterball has essentially already brined the bird for you to add flavor and ensure a longer shelf life. 

This is done with Kosher turkeys, as well, so don’t brine a turkey that has already been injected with salt. 

7. Prep the turkey.

This article claims icing down turkey breast before cooking results in a moister bird! We will definitely be trying this incredibly easy hack this year! 

GET THE TUTORIAL

8. Season well.

If you don’t brine your turkey, you need to season it well with salt and pepper both inside the cavity and all over the top of the bird to ensure optimal flavor.

9. Don’t stuff your turkey.

Stuffing cooked in the turkey is nice and flavorful, but that stuffing comes at a price. 

Cooking your stuffing in the bird will more than likely cause your turkey to be overcooked and dried out. 

This is because you have to cook the turkey longer to ensure your stuffing is fully cooked to prevent cross contamination and food borne illness. 

Cook your stuffing (stuffing not cooked in the bird is actually called dressing) separately in a casserole dish with the other sides while the turkey is resting, or bake your dressing in muffin cups for more crispy edges.

10. Truss your turkey.

It’s important to truss your turkey before roasting because tying it in place this way will ensure your bird is roasted evenly so that the whole bird is juicy and properly cooked. 

Trussing also helps your turkey look prettier, giving it that classic, round roasted turkey look, and it helps the stuffing stay inside the bird if you stuff your turkey.

To properly truss your bird, you’ll need some kitchen twine, which should be readily available at your grocery store, butcher shop, or online here . 

I like to rinse and pat the turkey dry before trussing. Then, I let the turkey warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes.  

This also allows the skin to dry further, ensuring a nice, crispy skin. I also prefer to season the cavity with salt before tying, since it’s harder to access the cavity after. 

Check out this video to learn how to properly truss your turkey.

11. Use a roasting rack.

If you don’t use a roasting rack, the meat on the bottom of your turkey will come out dry and overcooked. 

Don’t want to buy a roasting rack this year? That’s no problem with this easy hack! 

Just about everyone has foil, especially on Turkey Day. Check out the simple tutorial at the link below.  

If you prefer not to use up your foil, you can also roast your turkey on a bed of vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots cut into large chunks, which will also add flavor to your pan drippings and gravy.

12. Change the oven temperature.

Unless you follow one of the recipes below, follow this cooking procedure for a moist bird with that flavorful, crispy skin you love.  

Start cooking your turkey at 475 degree Fahrenheit for the first 30 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 350 degrees to finish cooking the turkey. 

Starting the bird at a higher temperature will quickly render fat from the turkey, resulting in the super crispy, golden skin you want.

13. Don’t baste.

You may think basting the turkey will make the meat nice and moist and the skin crispy, but that’s not really the case. 

In fact, you’re actually doing more harm than good by basting because every time you open the oven door, your oven loses heat. 

This means your turkey will take longer to cook, which will cause the meat to dry out. Plus, the pan drippings used in basting aren’t only made up of good, flavorful fat. 

Drippings actually consist of a mixture of fat and liquid that may make your turkey skin soggy and will certainly prevent the skin from becoming as crispy and delicious as it could be.

So what should you do? Cover the skin liberally in butter to lock in moisture before baking. 

Then, leave the bird alone, and let it cook. Just be sure to keep an eye on your turkey while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t burn.  You can also use one of the amazing cooking methods below!

14. Slow roast your turkey while you sleep!

Now, this is a strange idea, but The Splendid Table insists that slow roasting your turkey overnight is the easiest way to cook a perfect, moist, delicious turkey every time.  

Plus, you won’t have to wake up super early on Thanksgiving to get the turkey in the oven on time, and this method frees oven space for other dishes like yams and green bean casserole. 

The only downside to this method seems to be that you can’t cook your stuffing in the bird. If you don’t mind cooking your stuffing separately, give this turkey cooking method a try!

15. Wrap in cheesecloth.

Wrap your turkey in a butter and herb soaked cheesecloth the entire time it bakes for perfect skin and flavorful meat and pan drippings for an out-of-this-world gravy.

16. Wrap in bacon.

Bacon is another turkey cooking method that protects the skin. The bacon creates a barrier of salt, fat, and moisture that keeps the turkey moist and seasons with yummy bacon flavor as it cooks.

17. Cook your turkey in just two hours!

This recipe yields a fully cooked, juicy bird with crispy skin in just two hours! 

Just place the turkey in a liquid brine for 6-12 hours, and roast for a moist and flavorful bird you will love.

You can’t stuff the bird because the stuffing won’t be finished in two hours. In order to fully cook stuffing, you almost always end up overcooking the bird anyway.

18. Prevent burning.

Covering your turkey with cheesecloth or bacon will prevent burning, but if you don’t want to follow this method, here’s another hack to ensure turkey perfection. 

If you check on your turkey and notice the skin is getting too brown, don’t reduce the oven temperature. 

Just loosely cover the top of the turkey with foil. This method blocks direct heat on the skin without trapping extra heat, thus preventing an overcooked and dried out turkey.  Genius!

19. Cook to temp.

Sure, the package on your turkey provides those helpful roasting times, but ovens vary so these times aren’t set in stone. 

You really want to check the temperature of your bird to ensure your turkey is done cooking while preventing overcooking. 

The U.S. government recommends cooking to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, but check out this article that states cooking your turkey to 150 degrees will yield a far juicier bird and is perfectly safe for consumption.

20. How to check the temperature.

The best way to check turkey temp is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. 

Since the meatiest part of the legs is the slowest part of the turkey to fully cook, you can be sure that if this area is done, the rest of the turkey will be done, too.

21. Moisten dry turkey.

Even the best cook can dry out a turkey – it’s so easy to do! 

If this happens to you, don’t worry. 

Simply pour chicken broth over the turkey to moisten and add flavor to overcooked meat. You can also do this to warm turkey pieces that have cooled to room temperature.

22. Cook white and dark meats separately.

If you’re really nervous about roasting a whole turkey, check out this video that shows you how to cut up a turkey, or just buy turkey breasts and legs.  

Then, cook the white and dark meats separately with recipes like Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breasts and White Wine Braised Turkey Legs .

If you would like to avoid the oven altogether, check out  Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast  with  a “killer gravy” recipe and  Slow Cooker Turkey Leg with Honey Glaze and Garlic !

Photo Credit & Inspiration (from left):  RecipeTin Eats and Food Republic

23. Let your turkey rest.

Sure, you’ll be hungry and super excited to cut into that turkey as soon as it comes out of the oven, but you really need to resist that urge. Let your turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. 

Doing so will result in a much juicier, tastier bird, since cutting meat immediately after cooking results in tons of lost moisture and juicy goodness. 

I recommend allowing your turkey to rest while you heat your side dishes in the oven – a large bird should stay warm for up to an hour after it’s removed from the oven. 

Just don’t “tent” your turkey (cover your turkey loosely) with foil while it’s resting. This will cause the skin to get soggy.

24. Carve correctly.

Check out this video to see if you’ve been carving your Thanksgiving turkey the right way.

25. Enjoy leftovers.

The best way to reheat turkey leftovers is to slice the turkey and simmer it in a skillet with gravy and some broth or water.

For more turkey day leftover tips, check out 40 Greatest Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes .

Hosting the holidays can be super stressful. These Must-Try Turkey Cooking Hacks will help you get Thanksgiving dinner on the table without a hitch!

Do you host Thanksgiving dinner?  Please let me know in the comments below what you think of these helpful Turkey Cooking Hacks and if you will be using any of these tips, tricks, and recipes this year!

More Thanksgiving Hacks:

Early Thanksgiving Prep Ideas to Make the Holiday So Much Easier

25 DIY Thanksgiving Games and Activities for a Full Day of Family Fun

30 Incredible Pumpkin Desserts Perfect for Fall

Thanksgiving Décor Ideas:

10 Gorgeous Fall Centerpieces That Will Wow Your Guests

20 Stylish DIY Thanksgiving Napkin Rings for a Gorgeous Holiday Table

27 Easy DIY Thanksgiving Décor Ideas Anyone Can Make

30 Easy DIY Fall Wreaths Anyone Can Make

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November 16, 2017

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Istanbul Travel Hacks!

• January 5, 2023 January 8, 2023

ISTANBUL TRAVEL HACKS

Hi everyone! We’ve prepared a great guidebook about the Istanbul Travel Hacks that you are better to read and learn before Travel to Istanbul ! We mentioned almost all Istanbul Travel Tips that can be useful while Traveling in Istanbul.

ABOUT ISTANBUL TURKEY

Istanbul is the beating heart of Turkey, serving as the nation’s center for finance, commerce, and trade . With an estimated population of 16-18 million, it is the most populous city in the country, offering diverse business opportunities to both locals and foreigners. As a reminder, however, it is important to note that Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey . This title is held by Ankara , which was established as the nation’s capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during the formation of the modern Turkish Republic. Though Istanbul was once the seat of the Ottoman Empire, it has since ceded this title to Ankara.

SOME OF THE FAMOUS DESTINATIONS IN ISTANBUL!

Istanbul is a very well-developed city in Tourism. And, it catches the attention of millions of travelers from all around the World! There are thousands of Hotels, touristic destinations, activities, historical places, and local experiences that await you. The main historical places are as below; Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Chora Museum, and Basilica Cistern , all of those located at a very close distance to each other. You can read about Istanbul Old-City from the following link: “ Highlights in Old-City of Istanbul “!

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a breathtaking monumental building that was constructed during the Byzantine period and became the symbol of that time. Located in the center of Sultanahmet Street and the opposite side of the Blue Mosque, it is within easy reach of visitors, regardless of where they are staying, as it is very easy to walk to the site, or to access it via tram or public transportation. In addition, it boasts great architectural beauty, with stunning frescoes and mosaics representing the golden age of the Byzantine time in Constantinopolis . Hagia Sophia is the most visited museum in Istanbul and is truly an awe-inspiring sight that should be on everyone’s must-see list!

Once the mighty Fatih Sultan Mehmet , one of the most influential Sultans of the Ottoman Empire , had successfully conquered Constantinapolis , the majestic Hagia Sophia was transformed into an active Mosque and became a symbol of the conquest of Istanbul . Despite the fact that this structure has endured and survived numerous earthquakes, causing great destruction and damage, it has been restored to its former glory and grandeur thanks to some renovations conducted by Mimar Sinan , one of the most famous architects in history. To this day, Hagia Sophia continues to dazzle and captivate visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty.

In 1935, after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the modern Turkish Republic, he converted into the Hagia Sophia from a Mosque to a Museum. And, presented it in service of Muslims and Christians . ​​Here is the official link where you may see more about: Hagia Sophia Museum!

In the 10th of July 2020 , with the signature of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is the President of the Republic of Turkey, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque again . Find more about Hagia Sophia and Istanbul !

Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet Camii or called Blue Mosque is a very historical and meaningful example of Islam. It is located in Istanbul in Sultanahmet Street, on the opposite side of the Hagia Sophia . Sultanahmet Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the interior walls adorned with blue tiles . It was built around 1609 – 1616, during the rule of I. Ahmet Pasha. Besides, it is still an active mosque, also open to visits of the tourists. There is no entrance fee to visit and explore this unique structure. However, we do recommend checking praying times before your visit!

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a very large museum located next to the Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Street. Around the 15th and 16th centuries, it has been served as the main residence and administrative place of the Ottoman Sultans.

After the Conquest of Constantinapolis in 1453, Fatih Sultan Mehmed has ordered the construction of the Palace. The construction started in 1459. The first name was “New Palace”. In the 19th century, it has been turned to Topkapi Palace , meaning Cannon Gate. With major renovations at around the 1509 earthquake and the fire in 1665, the Palace expanded over the centuries. There are four main courtyards and many small buildings in this Palace complex.

When Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has founded the modern Turkish Republic in 1923, the Palace has been converted into a museum. And, it awaits its visitors today as a magnificent museum of Istanbul. There is an entrance fee of 80 Lira per person (please check, can be raised at the year you visit), and no need to have pre-arranged tickets since you may obtain them from the entrance gate. Here is the official link where you may see more about: Topkapi Palace!

WHERE TO STAY IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul is a huge Metropol city and there are Hotels all around it! If you are going to visit the historical & cultural places of Istanbul, we do highly recommend you staying in Sultanahmet / Old-City of Istanbul .

If you are at the end of your Istanbul Travel and looking for a closer hotel to the airport, the most important life-saving advice we may provide to you is about Istanbul New Airport; there were 2 airports in Istanbul. One is called Istanbul Atatürk Airport(IST) , and the other is called Sabiha Gökcen Airport(SAW) . Istanbul Atatürk Airport is closed and moved to a new location called Istanbul New Airport(IST ) . However, there are still hotels on online platforms(booking.com, etc) called Istanbul Airport Hotel which is located close to the previous Istanbul Airport. So, check the address details of your Airport and the hotel you book. So, there would be confusion or misunderstanding unless you know this information!

What about Honeymoon couples? The best area to stay in Istanbul for a Honeymoon is around Haliç and Beşiktaş! You may find several Hotels with a Bosphorus view, and spend an unforgettable time!

TRAVEL TIPS TO ISTANBUL

• There are two Airports! You should be careful while choosing your arrival and departure flights; Istanbul New Airport (IST) and Sabiha Göhcen Airport (SAW) .
• All the places in Istanbul are not safe to have an overnight stay. Better to have a Hotel around Sultanahmet and Taksim Regions . This can also save your time to join activities and Tours in Istanbul.
• Better to have a minimum of 2 Days in Istanbul . At least to visit the main highlights of the city.
• The most interesting place in Istanbul located on the European side. However, you can leave a day to visit the Asian side of Istanbul too, if you have enough time.
• You can find many nice restaurants in Istanbul. However, if you would like to experience real Turkish Cuisine, the right place would be the local places such as; Ephesus, Cappadocia, etc… And, in Istanbul, you should better ask the price before giving your order.
• Summer is humid and hot around 30 – 40 degrees. Winter is snowy and cold around -15 to 0. So, better to bring suitable clothes.
• No need to have pre-arranged entrance tickets for the Museums, you may purchase them at the entrances.
• It is always better to book a Tour in Istanbul . Because it is a large city and there are many things that you do not know. So, having a guided tour can save time, money, and effort . Plus, you may have more detailed information about the treasures of Istanbul from a Local Tour Guide .

BEST TIME TO TOUR TO ISTANBUL AND TURKEY!

Turkey has 4 seasons; Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring ! It is a different experience to visit Turkey in every single season! The busiest travel time is between May to September! Especially Istanbul , Cappadocia , Ephesus , and Pamukkale maybe a little too hot and crowded for some travelers who are not used to it! On this hand, we always recommend March – April, and October for the best time seekers!

In addition, if you are planning to travel to other destinations out of Istanbul (Cappadocia, Ephesus, or Pamukkale), you can keep reading our posts; Istanbul to Cappadocia , Istanbul to Ephesus , Istanbul to Pamukkale , and Day Tours from Istanbul .

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The Best Ever Turkey Hack

Introducing the turkey hack I can’t live without. Get your turkey moist, brown, and perfect. The best part? No basting needed!

Start by removing your oven’s middle rack, only leaving the lowest rack you have. Preheat the oven to 350F.  Next, take the turkey out of its bag. Remove the bag of giblets, and set aside to use in other recipes, if desired. Place your turkey on a roasting pan. If you don’t have a roasting pan, placing your oven rack over a baking dish and parchment covered baking sheet works great.

Time for the butter massage! Butter outside, inside and under the skin (I use 1 stick of butter). Salt & Pepper outside and inside of the bird. Next, fill the cavity with citrus, veggies & herbs (I use an orange, onion, celery, rosemary & thyme). Cork cavity opening with half an apple to keep the bread open and moist. Tie legs and dress the wings.

Now grab your cheesecloth- it’s time for the magic! Soak 1 package of cheesecloth in 2 sticks of butter and drape over your turkey, completely covering your bird.

Bake the bird, 13 minutes per pound. My turkey took exactly 3 hours. Internal temp should read 160-165. Let rest for at least 20 minutes, longer if possible to get the best possible turkey.

NOTE : Do not open the oven while cooking. You don’t need to check it and more importantly, you’re not basting it! Resist the urge to peek, just let the magic happen 🤗

Happy Thanksgiving!

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