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TürkiyeTravel guide

Explore Türkiye visa rulesCommon scams in Türkiye

Turkey spans Europe and Asia. It offers historic cities, ancient ruins, beaches, mountains and varied regional food.

Why go

  1. Istanbul's skyline of domes and minarets.

  2. Ancient ruins along the western and southern coasts.

  3. Beaches and resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.

  4. Green, rainy mountains in the Eastern Black Sea region.

  5. Cold, remote mountains in eastern Turkey.

Getting there

By air

  • Istanbul Airport is the main international gateway. It is 40 km northwest of the centre, with metro and public bus connections.
  • Sabiha Gökçen Airport is 50 km east of central Istanbul. It has budget flights, buses to Taksim and a metro line to Kadıköy.
  • Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman have direct package-tour flights from Europe. Some seats may be sold as flight-only tickets.

By land

  • An overnight train links Sofia with Istanbul's Halkali station. Passengers must leave the train during the night for border checks.
  • A direct sleeper from Bucharest runs from June to September. Outside these months, the journey requires changes.
  • Halkali is 25 km from central Istanbul. Take the Marmaray train to reach the centre.

By sea

  • Ferries connect several Greek islands with Turkey, including Kos–Bodrum, Chios–Çeşme and Samos–Kuşadası. Some routes are seasonal.
  • There are ferry connections from Northern Cyprus to ports including Taşucu and Mersin.

Customs

  • To bring in a car, you must own it or have a notarized permit from its owner. Insurance must cover Turkey, including its Asian part.
  • An imported vehicle cannot stay longer than 90 days within 180 days. Leaving without it, or without handing it to customs first, can bring a large penalty.
  • Private boats need a voyage permission document and a mandatory blue card used to record visits to waste pump-out stations.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Domestic flights are well developed because Turkey is large and mountainous. Airlines include Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus and Sunexpress. Regional airports usually have a Havaş bus to the city centre. Other buses and minibuses may serve nearby towns.

  • Long-distance buses

    Major operators offer air-conditioned buses with reserved seats. Some buses have two seats on one side and one on the other. Buy tickets at bus terminals and compare several ticket booths. Booking ahead can help in high season. Check the departure station carefully: Istanbul has at least three bus stations. Ask where the bus will drop you off and whether a service vehicle goes to the centre. Some buses stop on roads outside town. Keep your ticket for any connecting service vehicle. Even a ticket sold as direct may involve changing buses.

  • Trains

    Turkish Republic State Railways operates the trains. High-speed trains connect Istanbul, Eskişehir, Ankara, Sivas, Konya and Karaman. High-speed journeys from Istanbul to Ankara or Konya take under five hours. These trains run during the day. Conventional trains are slower and can arrive several hours late. Bring cash and food because onboard supplies and card payments are uncertain. Buy tickets at stations, travel agents or post offices. Trains often sell out, and reservations open 15 to 30 days ahead.

  • Driving

    Drive on the right and drive defensively. Other drivers may turn or change lanes without signalling. Seat belts are required in front and back seats. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. Carry identification, your driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance for roadside checks. Heavy snow can close roads in winter, sometimes for days in the east.

What to see and do

  • Istanbul

    See a skyline filled with domes and minarets.

  • Western and southern coastal ruins

    Explore ancient sites along the coast.

  • Eastern Black Sea mountains

    See lush, misty mountains and temperate rainforests.

  • Cappadocian pottery workshops

    Some workshops let visitors watch pottery being made or try making it themselves.

  • Museums and ancient sites

    National and regional museum passes cover many attractions, but not all. Check opening days because many sites close on Mondays.

  • Visit the coast

    Developed beach resorts stretch between Alanya and Kuşadası. The Gulf of Saros is popular with scuba divers.

Food and drink

  • Esnaf lokantası

    A traditional local eatery serving affordable, ready-to-eat home-style meals. Look for stews and slow-cooked vegetables.

  • Karnıyarık

    Aubergine with minced meat.

  • Kuru fasulye

    Beans in tomato sauce.

  • Kestane şekeri

    A chestnut dessert made with syrup, especially associated with Bursa.

  • Pişmaniye

    A sweet made from flour roasted in butter and pulled sugar, formed into fine strands.

  • Regional food

    Fish is common in the north and west. Food in the south and southeast tends to use more spices.

Money

Turkish lira (TRY), written as ₺ or TL.

  • Inflation can make quoted prices outdated quickly.
  • Ask for the price before ordering or buying anything if it is not displayed.
  • Check your change immediately and pay close to the exact amount where possible.
  • Before paying by card, check both the amount and the currency on the machine.

Tipping: Tips are optional. A 10% cash tip is common for good restaurant service, but no extra tip is needed when a service charge is included; Turkish bath attendants customarily share a 10% tip.

Typical costs

  • Tourist trains cost about twice the normal train fare.
  • Private-boat entry procedures may cost around €200–400, with a similar charge on departure.

Language

  • Turkish is the sole official language.
  • Kurdish is spoken particularly in the east and southeast.
  • English is increasingly common among younger people and people working in tourism, though fluency varies.
  • German and other European languages are also spoken by some residents.
Otogar
Bus station.
Hemen / şimdi
Immediately / now.
Acelem var
I am in a hurry.
Para üstü?
Change?
Şehir Merkezi
City centre.

Staying safe

  • Drive defensively, especially near large cities and in the southeast.
  • Watch for unmarked speed bumps and road spikes blocking entry in the wrong direction.
  • Approach roundabouts carefully because drivers may not follow the give-way rule.
  • Plan for very different climates: northern coasts are rainy, while inland eastern winters can be extremely cold.
12 common scams in Türkiye, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Follow staff instructions about bus seating; women may be seated beside women and couples together.
  • Recognize that many Turks value both their European and Asian identities.
  • Learn a few Turkish expressions.

Don't

  • Do not smoke on buses.
  • Do not assume Kurdish is politically neutral in every setting; the source says speaking it can be seen as a political statement.
  • Do not release wastewater from a boat, including dishwashing water.

Staying healthy

  • Choose a Turkish bath carefully because cleanliness varies greatly.
  • Eating too much deli bal, or “mad honey”, can cause serious health problems. It is made from toxic rhododendron flowers.
  • Prepare for regional weather rather than assuming all of Turkey is warm. Eastern inland winter temperatures can approach -40°C.

Trips to Türkiye

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Easy Days in Istanbul and CappadociaIstanbulCappadociaFrom, per person~US$1,480
 7 nights
Just Us, Istanbul and BodrumIstanbulBodrum PeninsulaFrom, per person~US$2,330
 8 nights
Turkey From City to SeaIstanbulCappadociaAntalyaFrom, per person~US$2,120

Outdoor adventures in Türkiye

Turkey offers coastal walks, clear-water diving, beaches and mountain ski resorts. The Lycian Way, Ölüdeniz lagoon and Pamukkale’s thermal pools are highlights. Plan for local conditions: the northern coast is rainy, while inland winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Lycian Way

    TrekLycian coastnear Fethiye and Antalya

    Walk the route from Fethiye along the coast towards Antalya. It ends at Geyikbayırı in the mountains.

    • Ask locally about drinking water before setting out. Some rocky sections lack water sources.

  • Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon

    Beache

    Visit Ölüdeniz for its beach and Blue Lagoon.

  • Pamukkale

    Hot spring

    Visit Pamukkale to see its white terraces and shallow pools of thermal water.

  • Cappadocia hot air ballooning

    More to doCentral Anatolia

    Take a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.

  • Uludağ

    SkiingNorthwestern Turkeynear Bursa

    Winter

    Head to the winter sports resort at Uludağ near Bursa.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Bodrum diving

    Scuba divingBodrum coastnear Bodrum

    Day trips April–September for qualified-diver day trips

    Use a local dive centre for day trips if you are already qualified. Beginners can take scuba training in Bodrum.

  • Bodrum boat and gulet trips

    SailingBodrum coastnear Bodrum

    Book with companies around Bodrum marina. Trips use modern boats or traditional gulets, and some offer pickup from resort beaches.

  • Geyikbayırı climbing

    ClimbingMountains near Antalyanear Antalya

    Head to the village and climbing centre of Geyikbayırı, where the Lycian Way ends.

  • Aspendos hot air ballooning

    More to doAntalya areanear Antalya

    About one hour Sunrise

    Book ahead through a local tour operator, such as Minister Tours, for a certified flight near Aspendos.

    • Cost: 9,000–11,000 TL per person; prices vary by season.
    • Weather conditions can affect whether flights operate.

  • Gulf of Saros diving

    Scuba divingGulf of Saros

    Head to the Gulf of Saros for scuba diving.

  • Turgutreis windsurfing

    SurfingWestern Bodrum peninsulanear Bodrum

    Head to the exposed west coast around Turgutreis for windsurfing.

  • Kartepe

    SkiingNorthwestern Turkeynear Izmit

    Winter

    Head to Kartepe ski resort near Izmit.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Kartalkaya

    SkiingNorthwestern Turkeynear Bolu

    Winter

    Head to Kartalkaya ski resort near Bolu.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Ilgaz

    SkiingNorthwestern Turkeynear Kastamonu

    Winter

    Head to Ilgaz ski resort near Kastamonu.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Palandöken

    SkiingNortheastern Turkeynear Erzurum

    Winter

    Head to Palandöken ski resort near Erzurum.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Sarıkamış

    SkiingNortheastern Turkeynear Kars

    Winter

    Head to Sarıkamış ski resort near Kars.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Erciyes

    SkiingCentral Turkeynear Kayseri

    Winter

    Head to Erciyes ski resort near Kayseri.

    • Mountain winters can be bitterly cold.

  • Saklıkent

    SkiingAntalya areanear Antalya

    Winter, when snow is available

    Head to Saklıkent near Antalya for skiing when there is snow.

    • Snow cover is brief and unreliable.

  • Davraz Ski Resort

    SkiingIspartanear Isparta

    Head to Davraz Ski Resort in Isparta.

  • Bodrum, Gümbet and Bitez beaches

    BeacheBodrum coastnear Bodrum

    Use Bodrum’s town beaches for swimming. Head farther west to Gümbet or Bitez for sand.

  • Güzelbahçe and Çeşme coast

    BeacheAegean coast west of Izmirnear Izmir

    Travel at least 20 km west of central Izmir to Güzelbahçe for beaches. Continue west towards Çeşme for a better stretch of coast.

  • Foça

    BeacheCoast north of Izmirnear Izmir

    Head north from Izmir to the coastal resort of Foça.

  • Antalya harbour boat trips

    More to doMediterranean coastnear Antalya

    Arrange a boat trip from Antalya harbour. Question the first quoted price and departure time.

  • Marmara coast surfing

    SurfingMarmara Region

    Head to the Marmara coast for surfing.

    • Strong waves make these beaches less suitable for swimming.

  • Black Sea coast surfing

    SurfingBlack Sea Turkey

    Head to the Black Sea coast for surfing.

    • Strong waves make these beaches less suitable for swimming.

Airports, metros and trains in Türkiye

Airports with scheduled flights

  • ADBAdnan Menderes International AirportGaziemirMain international airport
  • AYTAntalya International AirportAntalyaMain international airport
  • EDOBalıkesir Koca Seyit AirportEdremitMain international airport
  • COVÇukurova International AirportTarsusMain international airport
  • DLMDalaman International AirportDalamanMain international airport
  • ESBEsenboğa International AirportAnkaraMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • AdanaAdana Metro13 stations13.5 kmsince 2009
  • AnkaraAnkara Metro57 stations67.4 kmsince 1997
  • BursaBursaray40 stations40 kmsince 2002
  • IstanbulIstanbul Metro155 stations265.2 kmsince 1989
  • İzmirİzmir Metro24 stations27 kmsince 2000

Trains

Rail network
13,919 km
Electrified
7,274 km
High-speed lines
1,021 km
Top speed
250 km/h

People and safety in Türkiye

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim97%
  • No religion3%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #106 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

44% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 97 of 198 countries can visit Türkiye easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required97
  • eVisa22
  • Visa required79

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe45 of 46 countries
  • Americas20 of 35 countries
  • Asia26 of 49 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa4 of 54 countries

Questions

Is Turkey warm everywhere?

No. Southern and western coasts have hot summers, northern coasts are rainy, and eastern inland winters can be extremely cold.

Can I buy travel tickets in person?

Yes. Buy bus tickets at terminals and train tickets at stations, travel agents or post offices.

What money should I use?

The currency is the Turkish lira. Prices shown in euros as a guide do not mean a business accepts euros.

Do I need to leave a tip?

Tipping is optional. A 10% cash tip is common for good restaurant service, but an included service charge means no extra tip is needed.

Will people speak English?

English is increasingly popular among younger people and tourism workers, but fluency varies. Learning a few Turkish expressions is useful.

Are museums open every day?

Many museums and ancient sites close on Mondays, though there are many exceptions. Check the opening days for each place.

Where can I find affordable local meals?

Look for an esnaf lokantası, a traditional eatery serving affordable, ready-to-eat home-style meals such as stews and vegetable dishes.

Is driving easy for a visitor?

Driving can be tense, especially in large cities and the southeast. Drive on the right and expect other drivers to make unexpected moves.

What is a hamam?

A hamam is a Turkish bath. Many offer a scrub or massage, but cleanliness and prices vary.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Call 112 for police, fire and other emergency services. The source also lists 177 for wildfires.

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