Turkey

Turkey (Türkiye) Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Turkey—officially Türkiye—is where continents meet. It has Byzantine and Ottoman history in Istanbul, Cappadocia’s dreamlike valleys and cave hotels, ancient ruins on the Aegean, turquoise beaches on the Mediterranean, and dramatic eastern landscapes. You can start the day sailing on the Bosphorus, wander the Grand Bazaar, hop a short flight to balloon over Cappadocia at sunrise, and finish your trip with a beach break on the Turquoise Coast. Because Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, you’ll encounter very modern cities and deeply traditional towns; some places are very cash-and-card friendly, others still run on local habits. This guide gives first-time tourists practical, SEO-ready information—money, visas, SIM cards, transport, safety, and scams—so you can travel Turkey smoothly.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus cruises, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, trendy Karaköy and Balat.
Cappadocia (Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar): Fairy chimneys, hot-air balloons, underground cities (Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı), open-air museums.
Antalya & the Turquoise Coast: Beaches, resorts, old town (Kaleiçi), Termessos, Perge, Aspendos, boat trips.
Fethiye, Kaş, Kalkan, Ölüdeniz: Scenic Mediterranean coast, paragliding over the Blue Lagoon, island/cove boat trips.
İzmir & Aegean sites: Gateway to ancient Ephesus, Şirince village, Çeşme, and Alaçatı.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis: White travertine terraces and thermal waters.
Troy, Pergamon, and the Gallipoli Peninsula: For history-minded travelers.
Ankara: Capital, Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir), museums—more businesslike than Istanbul but useful for routes.
Eastern Turkey (Van, Kars, Mount Ararat region): More remote and adventurous—great for repeat visitors.

Good to Know

When to go: April–June and Sept–Oct are ideal for Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean/Mediterranean—good weather and fewer crowds than July–Aug. Summer can be very hot on the coasts; winter can be cold in Cappadocia and central/eastern Turkey.
Religion & dress: Predominantly Muslim, but touristic areas are relaxed. Modest clothes for mosques (shoulders/knees covered; women may be asked to cover hair). Many mosques provide loan coverings.
Friday prayers: Some mosques close to visitors briefly during prayer time—plan accordingly.
Public holidays: Religious holidays (Ramadan Bayram/Eid, Kurban Bayram) and national days can affect opening hours and transport—book ahead.
Water & food: In big cities, many locals drink bottled water; do the same. Turkish food is excellent—kebabs, meze, pide, baklava, seafood on the coasts.

Visa & Entry Requirements for Tourists from the U.S., Canada, EU, U.K., and Australia

EU/Schengen citizens: Many EU nationals can enter Türkiye visa-free for tourism for short stays. Exact rules can vary by nationality—check the latest Turkish MFA/consulate page before departure.
U.K. citizens: Currently enjoy visa-free entry for short tourist visits, but should confirm current rules before travel.
U.S. citizens: Often need an e-Visa obtained online before arrival, valid for short tourism/business visits. Apply only through the official Turkish e-visa portal.
Canadian citizens: May also need an e-Visa before arrival—check the latest rules.
Australian citizens: Commonly need an e-Visa as well.
Passport validity: Turkey generally requires that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you intend to enter and have at least one blank page.
Proof of onward travel & accommodation: You may be asked to show hotel bookings and a return/onward ticket.
Important: Entry rules can change—check the official Turkish government / consular website right before you fly.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY).

Exchange rate: The lira has been volatile in recent years, so it is essential to check a live rate close to your trip. Many prices in touristic areas may also be quoted in EUR/USD.

Average daily budget (approx.):

Backpacker: 40–65 USD/day – hostels/pensions, public transport, casual eateries, a couple of site tickets.
Midrange: 80–150 USD/day – good central hotel in Istanbul, domestic flight to Cappadocia/Antalya, guided day trips, mix of restaurants.
Luxury: 170–300+ USD/day – boutique hotels or Bosphorus-view stays, private tours, balloon ride in Cappadocia, upscale dining.

Tipping: Common and appreciated. In restaurants, 5–10% is normal if service is not included. Tip guides and drivers, especially on private tours and boat trips. Small change for porters.

Credit card acceptance: Very good in Istanbul, coastal resorts, and larger towns. Smaller shops, rural areas, and some local transport still prefer cash.

ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist areas. Some ATMs offer dynamic currency conversion—always choose to be charged in TRY, not in your home currency.

Best way to get local cash: Withdraw TRY from a bank ATM with a low-fee card; keep small notes for taxis, tips, and smaller museums or public toilets.

Language & Communication

Official language: Turkish.
English: Widely spoken in tourism—hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, and in Istanbul’s central areas. Less common in rural/eastern areas—carry hotel cards and key phrases.
Other languages: Some locals also speak German, French, or Arabic due to tourism and migration.

SIM cards / eSIM

Main operators: Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone Türkiye.
Where to buy: Istanbul Airport (IST, SAW), official operator shops in city centers, and malls. Bring your passport—SIMs are registered.
Tourist SIM/eSIM: Tourist packages with data + calls are commonly sold and easy to activate; eSIM is increasingly available.
Coverage: Excellent in cities and along the coasts; can be weaker in remote or mountainous areas and some parts of eastern Turkey—download offline maps if traveling overland.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 230V, 50 Hz.
Plugs: Type C and F (two round pins, European style). Travelers from the U.S./U.K./Australia will need an adapter and should check for dual-voltage devices.

Getting Around

Domestic flights: Turkey is large—flying is often the fastest and not expensive. Istanbul to Cappadocia (Nevşehir or Kayseri), Antalya, İzmir, Bodrum, and Ankara are easy hops.
Buses: Intercity coaches are comfortable, frequent, and a classic way to travel in Turkey—often with snacks and tea service.
Trams & metro (Istanbul): Very useful for reaching Sultanahmet, Galata/Karaköy, and ferry piers. Get an Istanbulkart and top it up.
Ferries: Iconic Bosphorus and cross-continental ferries between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Car rental: Good if you want to explore the Turquoise Coast, Aegean sites, or Cappadocia independently. Drive on the right; roads are generally good.
Taxis: Widely available; make sure the meter is on or agree a price. In Istanbul, you can also use ride-hailing-style apps with licensed taxis.

Safety

Overall: Tourist areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and the Aegean coast are generally safe and very used to visitors.
Petty theft: The main issue is pickpocketing or bag snatching in crowded areas (Grand Bazaar, trams, busy squares). Keep valuables secure.
Traffic: Can be hectic in Istanbul—use official crossings and be alert.
Health: Tap water quality varies; bottled water is cheap. Summer heat on the coasts and in the southeast—hydrate and use sunscreen.
Local advice: If you plan to visit eastern or border regions, check current guidance before you go.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Taxi meter issues: Some drivers don’t turn on the meter or take longer routes. Ask for the meter or use an app/official taxi stand.
Overpriced carpet/leather/jewelry “special deals”: Turkey is great for shopping, but do it in reputable shops and compare prices.
Friendly “let’s get a drink” approach: In very touristy areas, strangers may invite you out and present a large bill at the end—politely decline.
Restaurant extra charges: In busy zones, always check if service is included and confirm prices for fish/seafood sold by weight.
ATM currency conversion: Decline DCC and pay in TRY.

Do a classic route—3–4 days in Istanbul, 2–3 days in Cappadocia (with a balloon ride), and finish on the Mediterranean or Aegean coast—and you will experience the best of Turkey’s history, landscapes, and food in one trip.