Turkey Travel Guide - Going Awesome Places

Notable Places

Discover Türkiye

Use the map to explore Türkiye, we recommend starting with Istanbul!

Türkiye Quick Guide

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Language: Turkish
Time Zone: TRT (UTC+3)
Fun Fact #1: Istanbul spans Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait
Fun Fact #2: Göreme National Park’s fairy chimneys date back to volcanic eruptions millions of years ago
Fun Fact #3: Pamukkale’s cascading white terraces and the ancient spa city Hierapolis form a unique UNESCO landscape
Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxis
Emergency Number: 112

Where to Stay in Türkiye

From chic waterfront hotels in Istanbul and boutique cave stays in Cappadocia to beachside resorts on the Turquoise Coast and rustic mountain lodges inland, Türkiye (Turkey) offers diverse, character-filled accommodations that reflect the country’s rich history and varied landscapes.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.

CHECK BOOKING.COM

How to Get Around Türkiye

Türkiye has an extensive network of buses and trains connecting major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. Within Istanbul, metros, ferries, trams, and dolmuş minibuses cross the Bosphorus and city. Domestic flights are plentiful and convenient between hubs such as Istanbul, Kayseri (Cappadocia), and Antalya .

For exploring remote sites like Cappadocia’s valleys, Pamukkale frontiers, or Black Sea and eastern coasts a rental car is invaluable. It enables freedom to access places like Assos, Alacati, and the Lycian Way at your own pace and stay off the beaten path

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Must-Visit Places in Türkiye

Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus ferry rides
Cappadocia (Göreme National Park) – Fairy chimneys, cave churches, hot-air balloons, cave hotels
Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Cotton-white terraces, ancient spa-city ruins, Cleopatra’s Pool
Ephesus (near Kusadasi/İzmir) – Roman ruins, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre
Turquoise Coast (Antalya, Fethiye, Kas) – Beaches, old towns, ruins, Lycian Way hiking
Alacati & Datça – Aegean windsurfing towns, stone villages, boutique ambiance
Assos (Çanakkale) – Ancient Temple of Athena, seaside ruins
Iznik – Tile-rich Ottoman town on Lake Iznik

Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

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Turkish Food to Sample

Türkiye’s gastronomy blends Ottoman heritage, Aegean freshness, and fire-kissed flavors, reflecting its diverse geography and cultural history.

Menemen – Nationwide, especially Istanbul: Scrambled eggs with tomato, peppers, onion and olive oil, perfect for breakfast.
Simit – Nationwide streets: Circular sesame-encrusted bread rings, best with tea from a street vendor.
Iskender Kebab – Bursa: Sliced döner meat over bread, drizzled with tomato sauce and melted butter, often served with yogurt.
Manti – Kayseri/Cappadocia: Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with garlic yogurt and spicy butter sauce.
Testi Kebab – Cappadocia: Slow-cooked meat and vegetables sealed and baked in a clay pot, then broken open at the table.
Meze Platter – Coastal/Turkish Riviera: Small plates of hummus, baba ganoush, cheeses, olives, and seafood—perfect with raki.
Gözleme – Rural/Cappadocia: Thin dough pancakes stuffed with spinach, cheese, or minced meat, cooked on a griddle.
Lahmacun – Nationwide: Thin flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs, Turkish-style pizza.
Baklava – Gaziantep and Istanbul: Rich phyllo pastry layered with nuts and honey syrup, a classic sweet treat.
Pide – Black Sea & nationwide: Boat-shaped flatbread topped with cheese, egg, and meats, often called Turkish pizza.

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Türkiye

Cappadocia: Not just balloons, this region is incredible. Take a tour to explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Underground City, Pigeon Valley, and the Fairy Chimneys.
Alanya: Explore a side of the countryside that is often missed. See magnificent waterfalls in Sapadere Canyon. Discover historical caves and the famous Dim Stream.
Antalya/Kemer: Discover the Turquoise Coast, ascend to heights with the Olympos Cable Car, explore historic Kaleici, and see the stunning Lower Düden Waterfalls.
Orak Island: Leave Bodrum behind and take a boat ride over to this remote island. Swim in the clear waters and enjoy total peace away from the bustle of the mainland.
Dalyan Turtle Beach: Visit Köyceğiz Lake and take a boat trip to the pools at Sultaniye and Turtle Beach. On the way you will explore the Dalyan Delta and see ancient Lycian Tombs that are carved into the stone cliffs, visible only from the water.
Princes Islands: Explore the gorgeous historical islands of Heybeliada and Büyükada, these tiny islands are so peaceful and filled with pretty old-style mansions and quaint shopping areas.