COUNTRY GUIDE

Turkey Travel Guide

The legacy of three empires, where two continents meet.

Ancient cities, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Istanbul's many layers, and one of the world's richest cuisines. Turkey is too varied for a single trip.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

CITIES

Cities in Turkey

Hour-by-hour plans, daily budgets and practical info ready for each.

PRACTICAL INFO

Before you go

When to go

April–June and September–October; coasts May–October, Central Anatolia in spring/autumn.

Visa

Many nationalities enter visa-free or via e-Visa.

Money

The currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Cards are common in cities; markets and small vendors want cash.

Transport

An excellent, cheap intercity bus network; high-speed rail Istanbul-Ankara-Konya; affordable domestic flights.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Turkey: frequently asked questions

When should I visit Turkey?
May-October is ideal for the coast; for Istanbul and Central Anatolia (Cappadocia), spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the most balanced for both weather and crowds. July-August is very hot and crowded on the coast.
Is Turkey an expensive country?
It's affordable compared to Western Europe. For a mid-range traveller the daily per-person budget is around $45-70 depending on the city; lower in places like Adana, higher in Istanbul.
How many days are enough in Turkey?
For a first visit, 10-14 days is ideal: Istanbul (3-4 days) + Cappadocia (2 days) + a coastal region. If you focus on one city, 3-4 days; for a broad tour, even 3 weeks can feel short.
How is transport in Turkey?
The intercity bus network is very developed, comfortable and cheap. There's a high-speed train between Istanbul-Ankara-Konya. Domestic flights are affordable over long distances. Within cities, transit cards like Istanbulkart are used.
Is Turkey safe?
Tourist areas are generally safe. In big cities, standard pickpocket/overcharging awareness is enough; confirming the meter in taxis and hailing via app reduces problems.
How is the SIM card / internet in Turkey?
Airport tourist SIMs are pricey; buying from an operator store in the city centre or using an eSIM is more economical. Coverage is good nationwide.