Natalie Our list of things to know before visiting Turkey will help you plan a smooth trip. Many people stereotype Turkey, yet it is quite an easy country to get to know. Forget about likening it to European countries, though, because Turkey brings a special kind of charm to the table. This vast country is a fantastic place to visit, from the larger cities to the smaller coastal resorts. Whether you indulge in street food or opt for high-end dining, visit the seaside towns, or head inland to rural destinations, these travel tips will help you get to know this beautiful country. So, let’s get started.
Things to Know Before Visiting Turkey
The Basics
- Time Zone: Turkey operates on Turkey Time (TRT), which is UTC+3 year-round. There is no daylight-saving time.
- Electricity: Turkey uses 220v standard voltage with a frequency of 50Hz, and the power plugs and sockets are of type F (two round prongs).
- Currency: The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely used everywhere.
- The official language is Turkish, but in tourist areas, locals commonly speak foreign languages.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary, with 5-10% being typical for restaurants. Small tips are appreciated by hotel staff.
- Dress Code: Dress is casual, but modest dress is expected when visiting religious sites (e.g., mosques). Women need to cover their heads when entering mosques.
- Safety: Turkey is a safe country for tourists, but stay aware of your surroundings, like any destination.
- Respect for Local Customs: Always greet people with respect, and be mindful of conservative cultural norms in rural or religious areas. Public displays of affection may be frowned upon in more traditional places.
1: Is it Safe to Visit Turkey?
The crime rate is low, but don’t leave yourself wide open to opportunity theft or safety issues. Use the same procedures in your home country to stay safe, such as letting people know where you are, only using licensed taxis, and always staying with your drink in bars. Regarding terrorism, many countries now face this threat, but the government places high importance on everyone’s safety, so strict security procedures are in place.
2: Best Time to Visit
Seasonal climate variations: Turkey is the 37th largest country, and because of this, there are seven geographical weather patterns. For example, during the summer months, when people lie on the Med’s southern beaches, locals living in the northern Kackar mountains are wrapping up. Likewise, during the winter, there is sometimes snow in Istanbul, while in Antalya, locals still wear t-shirts and swim. For this reason, research the weather of the area you plan to visit, not just the country.
Popular festivals and events: Officially, the tourist season runs from May to October; however, places like Antalya on the Mediterranean run all year round. There are two Bayran holidays, which are related to the Islamic calendar: Seker Bayram and Kurban Bayram. However, the dates change according to the lunar calendar. For the most part, tourism goes uninterrupted, but to get off the beaten track, do check.
3: Visa Requirements and Travel Insurance
Most nationalities don’t need a visa to enter but can only stay for 90 days out of a 180-day period. To stay longer than this, you need a short-term residence permit. Health insurance is a personal choice, but some people have received hefty hospital bills after falling ill. When buying health insurance, check the small print terms and conditions. For example, most basic policies do not insure specific sports, so strike off water sports and jet skis from your travel plans.
4: Don’t Stereotype the Rich History
Many people associate ancient history with the Ottoman Empire, hence the popularity of historical sites like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. Yet, the timeline is far more complicated and varied than this. For example, most ancient ruins on the southern coast are from the Lycian Empire. Another example, Ani, an ancient city in the Northeast, is Armenian. In addition, there are many archaeological sites like Gobeklitepe, of which historians are still discovering new facts and figures. If history is your passion, the UNESCO sites are a good place to start, or trace the ruins of the Lycian walking path.
5: Using Public Toilets
Most places have been modernised in big cities and the western half of the country, and public toilets are your standard Western toilet. However, you might still discover the old-fashioned squat toilets in rural areas or off the beaten track. Use the hose pipe, afterwards as a fish. Regardless of where you go, never put toilet paper in the toilet. The pipes can’t cope and often end up clogged.
6: Do Women Cover Up in Turkey?
In many coastal holiday resorts, dress standards are relaxed and liberal, but women should cover up if visiting rural areas, traditional villages, towns, and large cities. While you don’t need to cover your head, wearing trousers or a long skirt and loose-fitting t-shirts will prevent unwanted stares. If you want to visit a mosque, cover your head. Use common sense and look around to see what other women are doing.
7: Turkish Lira Currency, Cash Machines and Credit Cards
The Turkish lira, the official currency, comes in note and coin form. Please familiarise yourself with them before shopping or going to the bars and restaurants. Get a better exchange rate using exchange offices or banks in Turkey, rather than your home country’s airports or travel agents. Cash machines are available in many populated areas for bank cards, and some work in English. Notify your bank that you will use credit or debit cards overseas, so they don’t restrict them because of security breaches. Also, ask whether there are charges for using your bank cards abroad.
8: Wi-Fi and Mobile Phones
Using your home provider’s network, especially the internet, is extremely costly. Instead, many hotels, bars and restaurants offer free wi-fi, although these are open networks, so security and privacy are lower. Otherwise, it is possible to rent mobile hotspots, and these offer great deals such as connection for up to 10 devices, which will particularly suit families.
Turkcell offers a Tourist Welcome Pack specifically designed for international visitors. This package provides a convenient way to stay connected during your trip using your cell phone. Tourists get 20GB of mobile internet and unlimited messaging via WhatsApp. The card is valid for 30 days. This offer is not valid for citizens or residents. Just visit any Turkcell shop to buy and activate it.
9: Tap Water Versus Bottled Water
The tap water is spotless, having gone through many sanitation processes. However, it is high in calcium, resulting in a bitter taste. So, most Turks buy large water bottles from supermarkets and corner shops. If visiting during summer, drink lots of water to prevent dehydration from the intense summer heat.
10: Street Dogs and Cats
The presence of street dogs and cats receives mixed reactions across the country. Many citizens feed them, while others are adamant they should live in organised shelters. Councils are working to solve the problem, but ignore animals if you don’t like them.
11: Transportation For Getting Around
The well-developed public transportation system include buses, metro systems, trams, ferries, and the unique dolmuş—shared minibuses that operate locally on fixed routes. In big cities, locals use cards to use the system. In Istanbul, for example, the Istanbulkart is a convenient payment method used across all forms of transport, by locals and visitors to get around without purchasing individual tickets.
Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas, coastal towns, or travelling between cities at your own pace. You’ll need an international driver’s license, passport, and credit card. On the other hand, widely available taxis are convenient for short distances or when travelling late at night. Ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging.
12: Cultural Etiquette
Greetings and Respect: Handshakes are often softer than in Western countries. Among close friends or family, kisses on both cheeks are common (starting on the right), especially between people of the same gender. Elders are treated with particular respect—standing when they enter a room or offering your seat on transport is customary.
Dress Code: In urban areas like Istanbul, dress is modern, but modesty is appreciated, in rural regions or religious sites. When visiting mosques, both men and women should dress conservatively—women should cover their heads, shoulders, and legs, while men should avoid shorts. Remove shoes before entering.
Social Behaviour and Communication: Turks are expressive and passionate speakers, often using gestures to emphasise their points. While direct eye contact is common and seen as a sign of sincerity, public displays of affection should be modest. Also, avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion.
Religious Sensitivity: Turkey is a secular country, but Islam plays a visible role in daily life, as seen in the call to prayer from the mosques, and people fasting during Ramadan. Even if you are not participating, be discreet when eating or drinking in public during daylight hours in this period, in conservative areas.
13: Basic Turkish Phrases and the Language Barrier
You might want to learn basic phrases like Hello – Merhaba (MEHR-hah-bah) or Good morning – Günaydın (gew-NIGH-duhn). But for the large part, downloading a translation app, makes life a lot easier. If you are headed to the tourism coastal resorts of the Aegean and Mediterrnean, the language barrier won’t be a problem, since many locals speak foreign languages.
14: Exploring Turkish Cuisine
The cuisine reflects the country’s geography and cultural history, varying significantly from east to west. A Turkish breakfast in bed and breakfast hotels consists of eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, bread, and jams. Food has a strong Mediterranean influence in the west in cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and the Aegean coast. Dishes often include olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, and lighter flavours.
In contrast, the east features more robust, spiced, and meat-heavy dishes influenced by Middle Eastern and Central Asian culinary traditions. Cities like Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa are famous for kebabs, spicy stews, and decadent pastries like baklava made with pistachios. Eastern cuisine often incorporates bulgur, lamb, and a variety of local spices, offering a more intense flavour profile than the milder Western fare. If you want to try Turkish cuisine, look for street food favourites or lokantas, which are traditional restaurants.
15: Traditional Souvenirs to Take Home
Popular choices include handmade ceramics—often painted with intricate Ottoman or Iznik designs—Turkish carpets and kilims, which vary by region in pattern and colour, and evil eye charms (nazar boncuğu) believed to ward off bad luck. Spices and teas, especially from the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, make flavourful gifts, with saffron, sumac, and apple tea favourites. In beautifully wrapped boxes, you’ll find locally crafted jewellery, copperware, olive oil soaps, and Turkish delight (lokum).
16: Traditional Things to Do
Immersing yourself in local cultures is a common practice. Unwind in a traditional hammam (Turkish bath), sip tea or coffee in a local café, and visit vibrant bazaars like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul for unique souvenirs. Explore ruins like Ephesus, witness the mesmerising Whirling Dervishes ceremony, and savour delicious dishes such as kebabs and baklava. For a unique experience, take a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon, or relax on the pristine beaches of Ölüdeniz. Don’t miss a traditional shave at a local barber, where the experience includes a straight razor shave and a soothing hot towel treatment.
17: Top Visited Destinations
Istanbul is the cultural and historical heart—a city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. It’s famous for iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The bustling Bazaar offer vibrant shopping experiences, while a Bosporus cruise gives breathtaking views.
Cappadocia, a surreal landscape in central Turkey, is known for fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides at sunrise. Towns like Göreme and Ürgüp are built into the rock formations and offer unique stays in cave hotels. Visitors explore ancient underground cities and rock-cut churches in Göreme Open-Air Museum.
Near Selçuk town, Ephesus, a preserved ancient Roman city features stunning ruins, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On the Mediterranean coast, the Antalya region is the top destination for beach tourism. This is popular for foreigners who want to buy summer holiday homes or retire here.
18: The Top Three Biggest Cities
Istanbul: Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most vibrant city, is where East meets West. Situated on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosporus, it offers a fascinating mix of historical landmarks and modern attractions. Famous for iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, Istanbul boasts a lively atmosphere with bustling markets. The city excels in art, fashion, and food, in places like Taksim Square, with its diverse neighbourhoods offering something for everyone. Whether cruising along the Bosporus or exploring its ancient streets, Istanbul never fails to impress.
Ankara in Central Anatolia: As Turkey’s capital, Ankara, the political heart of the country and a city of deep historical and cultural significance, is more modern and business-focused than Istanbul but still offers plenty of attractions, like the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations provides an impressive collection of ancient artefacts, while the Kocatepe Mosque displays stunning architecture. Ankara has a vibrant university culture, which is the gateway to exploring central Anatolia.
Izmir: Izmir is the country’s third-largest bustling metropolis and an important cultural and commercial centre on the Aegean coast. Known for relaxed vibes and a beautiful coastline, Izmir blends modernity and tradition. Visitors stroll along the scenic Kordon Promenade, explore the ruins of the Agora of Smyrna, or wander through the bustling Kemeralti Bazaar. The city’s Mediterranean climate makes it a popular destination for beachgoers and food lovers, offering delicious local specialities like kumru (a sandwich) and fresh seafood. Izmir is a gateway to historical sites like Ephesus and Pergamon, making it an ideal travel base.
19: Natural Wonders of Pure Beauty
In the Denizli Province, Pamukkale terraced hot springs filled with white mineral-rich waters flow gently down hillsides—the pools, formed over thousands of years, create a surreal landscape of snow-white, cascading terraces. Visitors bathe in warm, healing waters while enjoying spectacular views. Nearby, Hierapolis, an ancient spa city, adds historical touches to this natural wonder.
Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape features unique fairy chimneys—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. Balloon rides at sunrise offer a bird’s-eye view of this magical landscape. Visitors explore ancient cave dwellings and churches, and even stay in cave hotels for an unforgettable experience.
The Taurus Mountains offer hiking, trekking, and climbing opportunities, with stunning views of the Mediterranean coast. The mountains have lush forests, deep valleys, and traditional villages. The Olympos National Park is in this range, where visitors can see the famous Chimaera Flames—eternal natural flames that emerge from the rocks of Mount Chimaera.
In eastern Turkey, Lake Van is the largest saline soda lake. The area is rich in history, with ancient Urartian ruins near the lake’s shore, including the impressive Akdamar Island and its 10th-century Armenian church. Uzungöl, a picturesque village in the lush mountains of the Black Sea region, is surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks. The area is perfect for nature lovers, with scenic hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to experience the local culture, including traditional Black Sea cuisine.
Also About Turkey
Best Places: So, you have read about the things to know before visiting Turkey, and you might be wondering where to go. In which case, this article lists the top 18 places. Including well-known cities, and also places that are rarely talked about, collectively, they are an excellent introduction to this country.
