Guide to Turkey
Turkey has one of the most complicated but rich histories in the world with more ancient ruins than can be explored in a single visit. From ancient Greek and Roman sites such as Ephesus to beautiful architectural marvels like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Turkey has a multitude of fantastic locations to explore.
Turkey Travel Guides
About Turkey
The official spelling of the country in English is “Turkey” however, in 2021 the Turkish government initiated a move to instead use “Tรผrkiye” which is the country’s spelling in Turkish.
This change aims at reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage and as of 2023 the United Nations and many international bodies have made the name change on official documents.
Turkey is located on the Asian continent with the exception of Istanbul which is partially located on the European continent. However, most of the world considers Turkey to be part of the Middle East Region.
In fact, while there I asked a few locals if they consider Turkey to be part of Europe, Asia, or the Middle East and they all said the Middle East.
Guide to Turkey: Turkey’s History
Turkey has been occupied by multiple civilizations and empires that has shaped it into the country it is today. The region, known as Anatolia, has been home to ancient civilizations such as the Hittites and Lydians and was a vital part of the Persian Empire.
In the 4th centure BCE, Alexander the Great conquered the area, followed by the Romans and Byzantine rule. During this time, Constantinople (known today as Istanbul) was a significant cultural and political center.
But, it was in the 11th century that the Seljuk Turks began to settle in Anatolia and were victorious at the Battle of Manzikert paving the way for Turkish dominance.
In the late 13th century, the Ottoman Empire was founded and under its rule reached parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Ottoman Empire held out until its dissolution after World War I.
In 1923 the Republic of Turkey was established and significant reforms began the modernization of the country and institutions.
Turkey has evolved into a dynamic nation balancing its rich ancient heritage with modernization and growth. Major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara have become hubs of commerce contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Turkey manages to honor its past while embracing the future.
Best time to visit Turkey
When to visit Turkey really depends on what you want to experience. Generally the most favorable time to visit Turkey is either the spring or fall for both the weather and avoidance of crowds.
Spring in Turkey
Spring: From April to June the weather in Turkey is very mild across most of the country. The landscapes are lush, flowers are starting to bloom, and the crowds are at a minimum making it the perfect time to explore.
Summer in Turkey
Summer: July and August is the peak tourist season and you can expect for major cities such as Istanbul to be very crowded. The summer can be very hot making it the perfect time to head to the southern coastal region such as Antalya. Just don’t expect to be able to avoid crowds or the higher prices.
Fall in Turkey
Fall: September to November the crowds start to disappear and the temperatures come down. It’s the perfect time for exploring ancient sites, hiking, or enjoying the coastal region without the summer heat.
Winter in Turkey
Winter: If you thought Turkey only had one season (hot), well that would be inaccurate. Turkey actually does have a winter season that includes snow and skiing in the mountains. It will definitely be the time when crowds are at a minimum so if you want to avoid the heat and crowds then winter is the best time to visit.
Areas of Interest in Turkey
I already mentioned how Turkey has a LOT of ancient and historical sites but there are also plenty of beautiful natural wonders to visit as well. Here are some of Turkey’s most popular destinations that are worth visiting.
- Istanbul: The most popular destination in Turkey and where most people first arrive is Istanbul. Some of the major attractions there are the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. You could easily fill an entire week seeing all of the biggest attractions in Istanbul.
- Cappadocia: Cappadocia is located in central Turkey and is probably the second most popular destination there. Known for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and unique rock formations, Cappadocia is a must-visit destination. The most popular thing to do there is taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride. The views from the air are spectacular!
- Pamukkale: Famous for its white travertine terraces, Pamukkale (translation means “Cotton Castle”), is a natural wonder. If you only want to visit Pamukkale because of the beautiful photos of the travertines, you might be disappointed. The terraces are mostly dried up and you will find very little water in them. The ancient city of Hierapolis sits nearby and has very well-preserved ruins. We found them to be one of the best ancient sites in Turkey so you’ll still want to go there. That alone makes the trip worthwhile.
- Ephesus: One of Turkey’s most popular ancient cities is Ephesus. You’ll find the impressive Library of Celsus and it’s the site is one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites.
- Antalya: The southern coast of Turkey, aka the Turkish Riviera, has an amazing coastline of beautiful beaches and charming old towns. You can enjoy water sports, paragliding, and other outdoor activities.
- Troy: the legendary ancient city written about by Homer in “The Iliad” is located on the western region of Turkey complete with a replica of the Trojan Horse. It’s a must-visit place on a trip to Turkey.
Passport & Visa Requirements for Turkey
If you’re traveling to Turkey you will be required to have at least 6o days remaining on your passport from your departure date. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to visit Turkey. For most people, including those from the United States, they will not need a visa to enter Turkey if your stay is 90 days or less. Refer to the Republic of Turkey’s website for specific visa requirements.
Getting to Turkey
Most people arriving by air to Turkey will arrive through one of its many airports. The Istanbul International Airport is the country’s largest airport and the most popular one to arrive at.
Guide to Turkey: Budget
Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira. Turkey’s inflation is much higher than it used to be post-covid and unfortunately that means it is not as cheap as it once was to travel to Turkey. You’ll find prices on food, tours, and activities to be in line with many other locations around the world.
Most businesses do accept credit cards but it’s always a good idea to have some Lira for smaller purchases you make, especially with a small business. You’ll find ATM’s throughout Turkey.
Accomodations in Turkey
You’ll find some major name brand hotels throughout Turkey (Radisson, Holiday Inn, etc…) but the majority of hotels are small boutique hotels. Costs can range from about $40 up to $150 a night but most places average around $70 a night.
Keep in mind the closer you stay to the tourist locations, the more a room will cost.
Food & Drink in Turkey
The cost of food and drinks in Turkey really depends on where you eat. If you eat anywhere near the major sites then you can expect to pay more. You’ll also pay more when you eat in a bigger, nicer restaurant. Smaller establisments will be more budget friendly.
Some of the more popular meals in Turkey are beef or chicken with rice and vegetables. But you can also find western food like hamburgers and pasta dishes.
Although Turkey is considered a muslim country you can find beer and alcohol at most restaurants and markets. We found drinks with liquor to be fairly expensive at around $9-15 each.
Beer is cheaper but you can still expect to pay around $3-4 each, even their popular local beer Efes.
Activities in Turkey
Turkey has some pretty amazing landscapes with mountains, plains, lakes, and of course the Mediterranean Sea. Along the southern coast of Turkey there are beautiful coastal towns where you can participate in water activities such as boating, jet skis, and diving.
If you’re into ancient sites, Turkey has plenty of those. From Ephesus to Hierapolis to Pergamon, there is so much to explore. Some of Turkey’s ancient sites that go back more than 10,000 years. You can even check out caves where homes were carved out of and even complete underground cities.
Shopping in Turkey
If you like to shop then you’ll love Turkey! There are so many unique items to be found in Turkey for you to bring home. Turkish rugs, ceramic bowls, art work, tea sets, and clothing is just the beginning. Even if you aren’t looking to go shopping, the shop keepers will do their best to entice you to come in their stores.
Guide to Turkey: Getting Around
If you plan on visiting just the major tourist destinations in Turkey such as Istanbul and Cappadocia, then you can rely on airplanes to get you there. If you are going to be visiting other destinations then you might need to think about other forms of transportation.
You can travel throughout Turkey by bus or renting a vehicle. The bus will be slower than other forms of transportation but it will be the most affordable. Renting a vehicle in Turkey is surprisingly affordable. We rented a vehicle for 21 days for just $500.
If you haven’t rented a car then you can either walk or take a taxi to different locations in the city you’re visiting. Some bigger cities like Istanbul also have a subway/metro train that you can take to help you get around.
Taxis are available everywhere but it is the most expensive way to get around. Official taxis in Turkey are yellow but there are some car services that are like taxis but the vehicle color is black.
Guide to Turkey: Staying Connected
Turkey has a very good cell network and we were able to get service throughout our stay. Many hotels and restaurants have WI-FI that you can connect to if you don’t want to purchase a sim card for your stay. Since we were going to be there for a month, we chose to get an e-sim for our phones.
We went with a company called Airalo and were able to purchase and install the e-sim right before we left home and as soon as we landed we activated it. For our month in Turkey we purchased the 20GB e-sim for $26.
Because I was using google maps on my phone, I did have to top up my data about halfway through the trip. Having service when traveling is almost essential these days. Just for the GPS alone makes it worth it.
Safety in Turkey
Turkey is a very safe country and visitors shouldn’t worry. The biggest thing you might have to worry about are scams and even those are rare.
Guide to Turkey: Bucket List Ideas
