Travel to Turkey

Turkey is a bridge between East and West, a land where ancient empires left their mark on breathtaking landscapes and vibrant modern cities. It's a place that rewards slow travel, inviting you to linger in bustling bazaars, soak in the sun on turquoise coasts, or explore millennia of history etched into stone. While the major cities offer intense cultural immersion, venturing further reveals diverse regional characters, from the Mediterranean's relaxed vibe to Anatolia's rugged heartland. Turkey offers exceptional value, making it accessible for various budgets without compromising on incredible experiences. The typical pace might involve focusing on one or two key areas for a week, or a more ambitious road trip to cover greater distances over two to three weeks.

Cities to explore in Turkey

Pively covers multiple cities in Turkey. Click a card for the full guide — flights, hotels, budget and multi-destination itineraries.

Which city to pick

For first-timers, Istanbul is an unmissable gateway, blending millennia of history with a pulsating modern energy; allocate at least 4 days. If you crave sun, sea, and ancient history, Antalya on the Mediterranean coast is ideal, offering beautiful beaches and proximity to Roman ruins; a 3-day stay works well. Ankara, the capital, offers a different perspective with its museums, Mausoleum of Atatürk, and a more local feel, perfect for understanding modern Turkey; 2-3 days are sufficient. For culture vultures, Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are essential, while Antalya provides access to Perge and Aspendos. Nature lovers might find the coastal areas near Antalya more appealing, while Ankara serves as a gateway to Central Anatolia's unique geological formations.

Regions to know

Aegean Coast

Famous for its ancient ruins like Ephesus, charming towns like Alaçatı, and beautiful beaches. This region offers a relaxed pace, focusing on history, food, and coastal beauty. A 3-4 day visit is a good start to explore its highlights.

Mediterranean Coast (Turquoise Coast)

Dominated by the stunning coastline around Antalya, this region is perfect for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Think dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and ancient Lycian cities. Recommended stay: 4-5 days to enjoy beaches and nearby historical sites.

Central Anatolia

The vast heartland, home to Ankara, Cappadocia's unique fairy chimneys, and historical sites. It's about dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and a more traditional Turkish feel. Plan for at least 4-5 days to cover key attractions like Cappadocia and Ankara.

Marmara Region

Centred around the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, this region is the country's historical and economic powerhouse. Expect a dense mix of culture, history, and vibrant urban life. A minimum of 3-4 days is recommended for Istanbul alone.

Suggested itineraries

7j — Istanbul & Coastal Escape

Start with 4 days exploring Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar) and vibrant Beyoğlu. Then, take a domestic flight to Antalya for 3 days of coastal relaxation, exploring Kaleiçi (Old Town) and perhaps a day trip to a nearby ancient site like Perge.

10j — Ankara, Cappadocia & Antalya Explorer

Begin in Ankara (2 days) visiting Anıtkabir. Fly to Kayseri for Cappadocia (3 days) to marvel at fairy chimneys and underground cities. Then, travel to Antalya (4 days) via bus or domestic flight for Mediterranean charm and ancient ruins. Conclude in Antalya.

14j — Classic Turkey: Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast

Dedicate 5 days to Istanbul. Fly to Izmir (3 days) to explore Ephesus and nearby towns. Continue south via bus or rental car along the coast, stopping in Fethiye or Kaş (3 days) for beaches and Lycian history. Finish with 3 days in Antalya, exploring its old town and coastal beauty.

Best time to go

The shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, offer the most pleasant weather across Turkey. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, ideal for exploring cities like Istanbul and historical sites in Central Anatolia. Autumn provides warm seas along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, perfect for swimming, with cooler evenings suited for sightseeing. Summers (June-August) are hot, especially inland and in the south; Antalya can reach 35°C+, while Istanbul enjoys warmer, drier days. Winters (November-March) are cooler and wetter, particularly on the coast, though Central Anatolia can see snow. Major holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha can mean busy travel and closures, while May 19th (Youth and Sports Day) and October 29th (Republic Day) are national celebrations.

Practical tips

Visa: Most EU, UK, and US passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other nationalities should verify requirements with the Turkish embassy or consulate well in advance.
Currency: The currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). As of late 2023, 1 EUR is roughly 30-35 TRY, but this fluctuates. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry cash for smaller shops and markets. ATMs are plentiful.
Language: Turkish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger generations in cities. Learning basic phrases like 'Merhaba' (Hello) and 'Teşekkürler' (Thank you) is appreciated.
Transport: Turkey has an excellent network of intercity buses (e.g., Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm) connecting almost every town. Domestic flights are efficient and affordable for longer distances (e.g., Istanbul to Antalya). Renting a car is feasible for exploring regions like Cappadocia or the coast, but driving in Istanbul can be challenging. App-based taxis (like BiTaksi) are common in major cities.
SIM / eSIM: Purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival is recommended for data. Providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom offer various plans. Expect to pay around $15-25 for 10-20 GB of data for a tourist package, often available at airports or official stores.

Culture & etiquette

Tipping is customary. In restaurants, 10% is standard for good service, often rounded up. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common. When visiting mosques, women must cover their heads, arms, and legs; men should wear long trousers. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or someone's home. Asking permission before taking photos of people is polite. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics. Public displays of affection are generally modest. Accepting offers of tea ('çay') is a common social ritual and a sign of hospitality.

Daily budget

Turkey offers great value. A frugal traveler might spend €40-60 per day (hostels, simple local eateries, public transport). A standard budget of €70-100 per day covers comfortable mid-range hotels (approx. €50-80/night), diverse restaurant meals (approx. €15-25/meal), entry fees to major sites (e.g., Hagia Sophia ~€25), and local transport. A comfort-focused traveler could budget €120+ per day for boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, and more activities. These estimates exclude inter-city travel and international flights.