Turkey, officially Türkiye, straddles Europe and Asia. It combines ancient ruins, Ottoman mosques, surreal landscapes and turquoise beaches. Moreover, its food and hospitality are legendary. So, it offers history, nature and relaxation in one trip.
Most first trips combine Istanbul with Cappadocia. Then, travellers add Ephesus, Pamukkale or the beaches around Antalya.
Read more about Turkey
Istanbul
First, this city spans two continents. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Then, get lost in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. In the evening, a Bosphorus cruise shows palaces and waterfront villas. Read our Istanbul guide.
Top Places to Visit in Turkey
Cappadocia
In central Anatolia, Cappadocia is famous for its fairy chimneys, cave hotels and underground cities. At sunrise, hundreds of hot-air balloons fill the sky. However, flights depend on the weather, so plan two mornings if you can.
Ephesus, Troy and Pamukkale
On the Aegean coast, Ephesus has the Library of Celsus and a huge Roman theatre. Further north, Troy brings Homer’s legends to life. Inland, Pamukkale has white travertine terraces next to the ruins of Hierapolis.
The Turquoise Coast
In the south, Antalya combines an old harbour with long beaches and nearby ruins. Also, Ölüdeniz is famous for its blue lagoon and paragliding. Meanwhile, Bodrum offers whitewashed houses, a castle and lively nights.
The East
For adventurous travellers, Mount Nemrut has giant stone heads on its summit. Near the Black Sea, the Sumela Monastery clings to a cliff in a green valley.
A Short History of Turkey
First, Hittites, Greeks and Romans left cities all over Anatolia. Then, Constantinople became the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. In 1453, the Ottomans took the city and renamed it Istanbul.
After that, the Ottoman Empire ruled a huge territory for centuries. However, it collapsed after the First World War. Finally, in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the modern republic, with Ankara as its capital.
Food in Turkey
Turkish cuisine is rich and varied. For example, start with mezes, then try kebabs, pide flatbread and stuffed vegetables. For breakfast, a Turkish spread of cheese, olives, eggs and bread is a feast. Read more in our Turkish food guide.
For dessert, baklava and Turkish delight are must-tries. Everywhere, tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses. Also, strong Turkish coffee is part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage.
Festivals and Events
- April: the Istanbul Tulip Festival fills parks with millions of flowers.
- Ramadan and Eid (dates change each year): evenings are festive after sunset.
- Summer: concerts take place in ancient theatres, such as Aspendos.
- 29 October: Republic Day is celebrated with flags and fireworks.
- December: whirling dervish ceremonies honour Rumi in Konya.
Practical Tips
- Get an Istanbulkart: it works on trams, metros and ferries.
- Dress modestly in mosques: women cover their hair, and everyone removes shoes.
- Avoid prayer times: mosques close briefly to visitors.
- Bargain in bazaars: stay friendly, and enjoy the tea offered.
- Fly long distances: domestic flights are cheap and save many hours.
For more ideas, see the official Go Türkiye website.
Basic Words and Expressions to Use in Turkey
English is common in tourist areas, but less so in small towns. Still, a few words of Turkish make a real difference. Above all, a warm “merhaba” and “teşekkürler” bring big smiles.
Finally, Turkish is written phonetically, so once you know the letters, you can read everything. Moreover, “ç” sounds like “ch” and “ş” like “sh”.
Turkey Travel FAQ
We recommend 10 to 14 days for a first trip. That way, you can see Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus, plus the coast. With one week, however, focus on Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Count $50 to $100 per person per day. Budget travellers stay near the lower end with guesthouses, buses and local restaurants. However, balloon flights, cave hotels and coastal resorts cost more.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with pleasant weather for sightseeing. In contrast, summer is perfect for beaches but very hot inland. Winter is mild on the coast, while Cappadocia can be snowy and magical.
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-visa online. Since rules depend on your passport, always check the latest requirements before you travel.
Yes, around 5 to 10% is usual in restaurants. Also, small tips for hotel staff, guides and hammam attendants are appreciated.
Domestic flights are cheap and save time between regions. Comfortable long-distance buses also reach almost every town. In Istanbul, use trams, the metro and ferries with an Istanbulkart.
In short, the country offers empires, landscapes, beaches and great food. So, combine Istanbul and Cappadocia with the coast. Explore our detailed guides for each destination.