Things to Do in Turkey

About Turkey

Where Europe whispers to Asia across the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus, Turkey unfolds like a living tapestry woven from countless civilizations. Here, the call to prayer echoes over Byzantine domes while the scent of Turkish coffee mingles with spices that once lured merchants across continents. In Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, haggling becomes an art form, while in Cappadocia's surreal landscape, hot air balloons drift like dreams above fairy chimneys carved by millennia of wind. Along the turquoise coast, ancient Lycian ruins stand sentinel over crystalline waters, and in the cotton-white terraces of Pamukkale, mineral springs offer the same healing embrace they provided Roman emperors. This is a land where every sunset paints the sky in Ottoman gold, where hospitality flows as freely as Turkish tea, and where the weight of history feels not burdensome but enriching—a place where you don't just visit Turkey, but become part of its endless, unfolding story.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase an Istanbul Kart for easy metro, tram, and ferry travel. For intercity journeys, book buses with reputable companies like Metro Turizm. Domestic flights are affordable between major cities. Avoid driving in Istanbul due to chaotic traffic.

Money: Turkish Lira is the currency; cards widely accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas and bazaars. Withdraw from bank ATMs for best rates. Tipping 10-15% at restaurants is customary. Always negotiate prices at markets.

Cultural Respect: Cover shoulders and legs when visiting mosques; headscarves provided for women. Remove shoes before entering. Avoid public displays of affection. During Ramadan, eat discreetly during daylight hours. Learn basic greetings—Turks appreciate the effort.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe if freshly cooked and popular with locals. Try döner, börek, and Turkish breakfast. Drink bottled water in rural areas. Avoid raw vegetables in smaller establishments. Turkish tea and coffee are must-tries.

When to Visit

Turkey's diverse climate creates distinct travel seasons across its regions. April-June and September-October offer ideal conditions nationwide, with temperatures ranging 18-26°C, minimal rainfall (20-40mm monthly), and shoulder-season pricing 20-30% lower than peak summer rates. Summer (July-August) brings scorching heat to central regions (35-40°C) and crowded coastal areas, with accommodation prices peaking 40-50% above off-season rates. However, it's perfect for beach lovers and offers extended daylight for sightseeing. Winter (December-March) sees temperatures drop to 5-15°C with higher rainfall (60-100mm monthly), creating budget-friendly conditions with 30-40% lower prices, though some Cappadocia balloon flights may be cancelled due to weather. Spring cherry blossoms bloom in April, while the Istanbul Music Festival runs June-July. Ramadan dates vary yearly, bringing unique cultural experiences but altered dining schedules. Beach enthusiasts should visit May-October when coastal waters warm to 22-26°C. Photography lovers will find October's golden light magical in Cappadocia, while winter offers fewer crowds at major sites. Budget travelers benefit most from November-March visits, excluding New Year week when prices surge 25-35%.