Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey Facts
- Location: Turkey is located mainly on Anatolia in Western Asia, with a portion on the Balkans in Southeast Europe.
- Official language: Turkish
- Capital City: Ankara
- Population: about 84 million
- Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
- Time Zone: UTC+3
Why you should visit Turkey
1. Spectacular Shopping
Whether you’re getting lost in the endless alleyways of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or stopping by the many market stalls, you’ll find in every town along your journey, the shopping in Turkey is possibly the best in the world. Many of the souvenirs offered in nearby countries are actually made in Turkey. That means that if you’re traveling around Europe and want the best deal, you must make a stop here.
2. Striking Architecture
Turkey’s architectural scope is striking and includes everything from historic churches to stone houses built by former Anatolian empires. From Istanbul to Mardin and beyond, you’ll always find a structure that really changes your aesthetic perspective.
3. Natural wonders
Apart from big cities like Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, Turkey also has plenty of natural escapes, from skiing in the Uludağ Mountains to hiking in the Rize Province. Let’s not forget the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
4. Intriguing History
The history of the Turkish people and region covers a time frame of more than 4,000 years. First living in Central Asia around 2000 BC and then spreading out to establish various states and empires around Asia and Europe. Empires were created and destroyed, cities rose and fell, and wars were waged. Evidence of the complicated history of Turkey is found throughout the country, but there are a few especially notable landmarks that are worth a visit.
5. The Beaches
Sitting east of Greece on the Mediterranean Sea it should be of little surprise that Turkey is perfect for a beach holiday. Its southern coastline, aptly nicknamed the Turquoise Coast, contains not only gorgeous beaches backed by calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, but ancient ruins and plenty of opportunities for activities from hiking to diving.
The Best Time to Travel in Turkey
Spring
Spring (March through mid-June) is prime because the weather is moderate throughout the country and the days are long. (April can be rainy) This is high season for Istanbul and Cappadocia, with many boutique hotels fully booked, and prices at their highest. However, it's the off-season for Aegean and Mediterranean beach resorts.
Autumn
Autumn (mid-September through October) is second best with mostly mild weather, but the days are shorter, and rain may begin again in October. This, too, is high season for Istanbul and Cappadocia, with many boutique hotels heavily booked at their highest prices. At beach resorts, the water is still warm, crowds are smaller, and prices lower.
Summer
Summer (mid-June through mid-September) is hot in five of Turkey's seven distinct climatic regions, though usually rainless, and cool inland in the evenings. Seaside resorts are crowded and prices are at their peak, but the cities are less crowded—Istanbul is a bargain, with smaller crowds and shorter lines for admission to sights. Cappadocia is cheaper and more comfortable as well.
Winter
Winter (November, through February) can be chilly and rainy, with occasional cold but sunny days, everywhere except the southeast, which remains temperate, but lower prices and fewer tourists are compensations. I often travel to Turkey in March and November to benefit from the lower prices, better availability of hotel rooms, and smaller crowds.
Top Things to do in Turkey
Cappadocia: Behold The Beauty
Located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, visiting Cappadocia is one of the most popular things to do in Turkey for couples. The hills and rock sites of this destination take away the breath of the spectators. Home to one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Gerome National Park, Cappadocia oozes out an aura of romance and love.
Shopping in the Bazaars
The most famous bazaar is Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, a thriving center of commerce, with its own restaurants and mosques, which has been in business since 1461. You could easily spend half a day exploring the maze of vault-roofed lanes lined with stalls that lead between hans (caravanserais) and bedestens (warehouses) here.
Explore Ephesus
If you’re into history, you should add this spot to your list, too. Spend some time exploring the ruins of Ephesus. Dating back to the 10th century BC, Ephesus used to be a bustling city, which experienced the rise and fall of the Greek empire. Today these ruins are home to popular Turkey landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
Hop aboard an Istanbul Ferry Tour
Take to the water for Istanbul's most laid-back sightseeing. Istanbul's ferry tours are a popular way to see the city's famed shoreline cityscapes on a ride up the Bosphorus Strait.
For a quicker ferry tour itinerary, the Short Bosphorus Tour heads up the strait to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, where it turns around and returns to Eminönü, taking two hours in total. It operates daily from May to October.
Archaeological Site of Troy: A Trip Back In Time
Apparently, what your eyes meet at the first glance of the remains of Troy is a cluster of debris and concrete. However, the soil under your feet when you stand over it has been of the immense political significance of an erstwhile era. The soil that bred gallantry heroes has also been a muse to many an author and literary dignitaries. History buffs will surely feel elated to touch and feel the remains of the temples, altars, and the other fortifications that speak about the bygone era. It is one of the best things to see in Turkey.
Watch the sunrise from atop Mt. Nemrut
One of the most popular Turkey tourism attractions in the southeast is Mount Nemrut. Its summit is surrounded by large statues to honour a royal tomb. Mount Nemrut can be quite a hike, but it has great views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Visa to Turkey
The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. This system allows visitors travelling to Turkey to easily obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr), in approximately three minutes.
It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 at everywhere with internet connection. The applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport and travel dates and pay visa fee online.
Please note that e-visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. For other purposes, such as work and study, visas are given by Turkish Embassies or Consulates.
You are kindly advised to have a travel document/passport valid for at least 6 months as from the date of your arrival in Turkey.
Turkey COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Negative COVID-19 test requirement for Turkey
(Last Updated: April 29, 2022)
Passengers over the age of 12 must have a document showing a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Turkey. Either:
- PCR test taken in the last 72 hours
- Rapid antigen test taken in the last 48 hours
Fully vaccinated and recovered patients are exempt if they can provide either:
- Vaccination certificate showing the last dose was given at least 14 days before arrival.
- Medical certificate showing recovery between 28 days and 6 months before travel.
ULES FOR ENTERING TURKEY FROM HIGH-RISK COUNTRIES
Passengers who have been to specified high-risk countries in the last 14 days must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
If not vaccinated, they have to quarantine up to 10 days, at their own expense, at designated hotels. Children under 12 years of age are exempt.
Turkey quarantine rules
Travelers arriving from countries considered high-risk, or who have been to high-risk countries in the last 14 days, are required to quarantine in Turkey. Quarantine is carried out at accommodation facilities determined by the Turkish government.
