Tripzle

Compare hundreds of sites in one search

GetGet
tripzle
Hot-air balloons over the valleys of Cappadocia at sunrise

⁨Turkey⁩ guide

Turkey

Istanbul between two continents, Cappadocia's balloons and the coast's coves.

Why ⁨Turkey⁩?

  1. Between two continents

    Between two continents

    Cross between Europe and Asia by ferry in Istanbul.

  2. Coasts and bays

    Coasts and bays

    Boat trips between Aegean and Mediterranean bays and their ancient cities.

  3. Cappadocia's balloons

    Cappadocia's balloons

    A sunrise balloon over Cappadocia's valleys, best in spring and autumn.

Before you go

  • Currency

    Turkish Lira

  • Language

    Turkish

  • Time difference

    GMT+3

  • Plugs

    Type C, F

  • Getting around

    Domestic flights

  • Driving

    On the right

Popular destinations in ⁨Turkey⁩

Pick a destination to open its guide.

Best time to visit ⁨Turkey⁩

April to June and September to October

  • January

  • February

  • March

    Good time to go

  • April

    Best time to go

  • May

    Best time to go

  • June

    Best time to go

  • July

    Good time to go

  • August

    Good time to go

  • September

    Best time to go

  • October

    Best time to go

  • November

    Good time to go

  • December

Places in ⁨Turkey⁩

Compare flight tickets to ⁨Turkey⁩

Trip plans for ⁨Turkey⁩

  1. Days 1 to 4

  2. Day 5

  3. Days 6 to 7

Local tips

  • Insider tips

    1. Book flights and hotels early for the two Bayram holidays (Eid), when much of Turkey travels at once.

    2. Seeing many museums and ancient sites? Compare the Museum Pass Türkiye with single tickets before buying.

    3. Use licensed metered taxis or a taxi app, and agree longer fares, like airport transfers, beforehand.

  • Money

    1. Cards are widely accepted; carry lira cash for markets and taxis, and pay in lira, not your currency.

    2. Around 5–10% is usual in restaurants when service is not included; taxi fares are rounded up.

  • Internet

    1. An eSIM bought before travel saves the local SIM queue; a foreign phone on a Turkish SIM needs registering later.

  • Customs and safety

    1. Cover shoulders and knees; women cover hair, scarves usually lent at the door. Shoes off; visits pause at prayer times.

  • Food and prayer

    1. An official body accredits halal certifiers to OIC/SMIIC standards, so a certificate is formal; elsewhere, ask rather than assume.

    2. Mosques are everywhere, even in the smallest villages. The state Presidency of Religious Affairs publishes prayer times nationwide.

Getting around ⁨Turkey⁩

  • Domestic flights

    Domestic flights are the quickest way between regions, most of them from Istanbul.

    Recommended

  • Bus

    Intercity coaches connect almost every town, with frequent departures and comfortable overnight services.

  • Train

    High-speed trains link Istanbul, Ankara, Konya and Eskişehir; other lines are slower but scenic.

  • Car

    The easiest way to explore the coasts and Cappadocia. Main roads are good, and cars can be rented at every major airport.

  • Ferry

    Ferries cross the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul and link Aegean resorts with nearby Greek islands.

eSIM plans in ⁨Turkey⁩

Loading eSIM plans…

About ⁨Turkey⁩

Turkey is a large country, and most first trips cover only part of it. The classic combination is a few days in Istanbul with either Cappadocia's rock valleys or a stretch of the Aegean or Mediterranean coast; a second trip is a good reason to go further east.

The west and south coasts are for beaches, boat trips and ancient cities such as Ephesus. Central Anatolia has Cappadocia and Konya; the Black Sea coast has green mountains and tea terraces; and the south-east has Mardin's stone old town, Şanlıurfa and Mount Nemrut.

Distances are long but travel is straightforward: domestic flights are frequent, and a car makes most sense on the coasts and in Cappadocia.

Photo credits

Photographs on this page, with their licences.