Turkey Travel Guide
Plan your trip: when to go, where to stay and how to get around
Planning a first trip to Turkey raises the same questions for almost everyone. When should I go? Where should I stay? How do I get from the airport to my hotel, and how many places can I fit in? These guides answer them one at a time.
Most first-time visitors combine Istanbul with one other region, usually Cappadocia or the Mediterranean coast. For visas and entry rules, read our Turkey visas and entry requirements guide, and always check your government’s travel advice before you book; our Is Turkey safe? guide sums up what it says. For currency, cards, ATMs and tipping, see money in Turkey. Dreaming of a winter rail journey? Read about the Touristic Eastern Express from Ankara to Kars, or browse all our scenic train journeys in Turkey. Planning a winter trip? See skiing in Turkey. Nearby, horse-drawn sleighs cross frozen Lake Çıldır in winter. To plan the journeys between cities, see getting around Turkey. Travelling in autumn? See Turkey in November.
Plan your trip
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Month-by-month weather and the best season for each region
Read the guide →
Where to Stay in Turkey
The best areas and types of stay, from cave hotels to beach resorts
Read the guide →
Turkey Holidays
Ideas for beach, culture and city holidays across Turkey
Read the guide →
Turkish Language Basics
Useful words and phrases for your trip
Read the guide →Getting there and around
Istanbul Airport to the City
Havaist bus, metro, taxi and private transfers
Read the guide →
Antalya Airport Transfers
Distances and transfers to Lara, Belek, Side, Kemer and Alanya
Read the guide →
Istanbul to Cappadocia
Flights, buses and tour packages
Read the guide →
3 Days in Istanbul
A day-by-day plan for your first visit
Read the guide →Top destinations
Istanbul · Cappadocia · Antalya · Fethiye · Bodrum · Marmaris · İzmir & Ephesus · Pamukkale · Kaş · All destinations →
Quick tips
- Money: cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for markets, dolmuş minibuses and small shops.
- Transport cards: Istanbulkart in Istanbul and Antalyakart in Antalya work on public transport.
- Mosques: dress modestly; women cover their hair, and everyone removes shoes.
- Tipping: around 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated where service is not included.
- Food: see our Turkish food guide for what to eat in each region.
Turkey travel: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Turkey?
April to June and September to October for sightseeing; June to September for the beaches. See our season guide for each region.
How many days do I need in Turkey?
At least 7 to 10 days for Istanbul plus one region, such as Cappadocia or the coast. Two weeks lets you combine three areas.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
It depends on your nationality. Check the official goturkiye.com portal and your government’s travel advice before booking.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons; full credits on each guide page.