Things To Do
in Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, encompassing influences from the Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman, and other civilizations, which is evident in its diverse architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Turkey's unique geography offers a variety of landscapes ranging from the bustling city of Istanbul, which straddles two continents, to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the stunning beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and the rugged mountains of the eastern region.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, marveling at its stunning architecture. Afterward, stroll through the historic Sultanahmet Square.
Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace and explore its rich history and beautiful gardens. Don’t forget to stop by the Grand Bazaar for shopping and local delicacies.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in a local restaurant, savoring dishes like kebabs and baklava. End your evening with a relaxing walk along the Bosphorus.
Take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia for breathtaking views. After landing, enjoy a celebratory champagne toast.
Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where ancient rock-cut churches await your discovery. Later, visit a pottery workshop in Avanos to see traditional techniques.
Dine at a cave restaurant to experience the local flavors. End your day by watching the sunset over the fairy chimneys.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery
- Strategic location bridging Europe and Asia
- Delicious and varied cuisine
- Warm hospitality of the people
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries
- Vibrant cities with lively markets and nightlife
- Political instability and concerns about democracy
- Economic challenges and inflation
- Traffic congestion in major cities like Istanbul
- Limited access to certain freedoms and expressions
- Environmental issues, including pollution in urban areas
- Healthcare system can be variable in quality
- Regional tensions with neighboring countries
Best Activities in Turkey
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails and stunning landscapes of the Taurus Mountains while enjoying a range of hiking options for all levels of experience.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia from a unique perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the otherworldly rock formations and fairy chimneys.
Soar over the beautiful Blue Lagoon and mesmerizing coastline of Ölüdeniz on a thrilling paragliding adventure that offers incredible aerial views.
Embark on a sea kayaking expedition along the stunning Turquoise Coast, exploring hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins.
Challenge yourself on the world-class limestone cliffs of Geyikbayırı, a premier rock climbing destination in Turkey offering a variety of routes for all skill levels.
Tours
Uncover the best of Turkey with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Turkey
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its travertine terraces and hot springs, offering stunning panoramic views.
Known for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides, providing breathtaking aerial views.
Home to ancient ruins and historical sites, offering picturesque settings for photography.
Food in Turkey
Turkey Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Minced meat patties seasoned with various spices and herbs, grilled to perfection. Best enjoyed at local kebab houses and restaurants like Tarihi Asrin Bolulu Hasan Usta in Istanbul.
Must-Try!
Small dumplings filled with spiced meat or cheese, topped with yogurt and garlic-infused tomato sauce. A must-try at Ciya Sofrasi in Istanbul.
Filo pastry layered with nuts and honey or syrup, creating a sweet, indulgent dessert. Sample the best at Karaköy Güllüoğlu in Istanbul.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Turkey better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the bustling streets of Istanbul to find delectable street food like simit (sesame-encrusted bread rings), balik ekmek (grilled fish sandwiches), and midye dolma (stuffed mussels) near the Galata Bridge.
Head to Kadikoy to experience a vibrant food market offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and delectable street food such as lahmacun (thin, crispy pizza-like dish) and döner kebab.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respecting elders is a significant cultural norm in Turkey. It is important to address older individuals with proper titles and show deference towards them.
Hospitality is highly valued in Turkish culture. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift and remove your shoes before entering.
Using polite language and showing courtesy in interactions is important in Turkish culture. It is common to use formal language and titles when addressing others, especially in professional or formal settings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Turkey with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Turkey
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally practiced in Turkey, especially in restaurants, cafes, and for services such as hairdressing and taxi rides. It is customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill.
In Turkey, cash is widely used for transactions, although credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular, and mobile payment apps are also gaining traction.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Turkey.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
Peak tourist season with hot weather, crowded beaches, and lively atmosphere.
Mild weather, fewer tourists, and ideal for exploring historical sites.
Cold weather, fewer tourists, and perfect for skiing in the mountainous regions.
Turkey at Night
Hiking in Turkey
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in Bursa, Uludağ National Park offers various hiking trails with stunning views of the mountains and forests, popular for both summer and winter activities.
This national park in the Eastern Black Sea region is known for its stunning landscapes, and trails that lead to breathtaking views, including glacial lakes and rich biodiversity.
Famous for its unique rock formations and fairy chimneys, this UNESCO World Heritage site in Cappadocia offers various hiking paths through captivating landscapes.
Located in Antalya, this park features hiking trails that pass through ancient ruins and stunning coastal views, as well as diverse flora and fauna.
Near Fethiye, Babadağ offers hiking trails that provide panoramic views over the Mediterranean coast, famous for its paragliding opportunities.
Located in the Niğde Province, this park is ideal for trekking and climbing, featuring rugged terrain and several high peaks.
This park, known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful forested areas, offers numerous trails ideal for hiking and exploring nature.
Located in Muğla, this area is famous for its deep gorge and hiking trails that explore the natural beauty of the region, including waterfalls and endemic plants.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Turkey through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Turkey by plane.
The largest airport in Turkey, located in Istanbul.
An international airport located on the Asian side of Istanbul.
A major international airport serving the city of Antalya and the surrounding region.
An international airport located near Izmir, serving the Aegean region.
Located near Ankara, it serves both civilian and military flights.
An airport serving the tourism-centric region of Bodrum and Milas.
An international airport serving southwestern Turkey and the popular tourist destination of Fethiye.
A smaller international airport located near Tekirdağ.
Located in the southeastern part of Turkey, serving Gaziantep and surrounding areas.
An international airport serving the city of Erzurum in eastern Turkey.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Turkey, comprising about 70-75% of the population.
The largest minority group in Turkey, constituting approximately 15-20% of the population.
A minority group mainly located in southeastern Turkey, making up about 1-2% of the population.
An ethnic group primarily found in eastern Turkey, closely related to the Kurdish population.
An ethnic group descended from the North Caucasus, estimated to be around 1-2% of the population.
Historically significant minority, particularly in Istanbul and Izmir, now making up a very small percentage.
Another historically significant minority, primarily concentrated in Istanbul, now a small fraction of the population.
A small community that has existed in Turkey for centuries, primarily in Istanbul.
An ethnic group found mainly in the Black Sea region of Turkey, largely considered to be part of the larger Turkish population.
Georgians living in Turkey, primarily in the northeastern regions.
The Soul of Turkey
Discover the essence of Turkey through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Turkey, with a rich history and a massive following. The Turkish Super League features well-known clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş.
Basketball has surged in popularity in recent years, with Turkish teams achieving success in European competitions. The national team also has a strong following.
Volleyball, particularly women's volleyball, has a prominent presence in Turkey with successful national teams and clubs competing in international leagues.
Wrestling has a long historical significance in Turkey, with traditional styles such as yağlı güreş (oil wrestling) being a celebrated cultural sport.
Tennis is growing in popularity in Turkey, with several professional tournaments and an increasing number of players competing at international levels.
Motorsports, particularly motorcycle racing and Formula 1, have gained attention, especially with events like the Istanbul Park circuit hosting Grand Prix races.
Cycling is popular for both leisure and competitive sports, with events like the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey raising its profile.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Turkish cuisine heavily features meats, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like mercimek köftesi (red lentil kofte) and freshly made dolmas (stuffed vegetables). Look for 'etsiz' (meatless) options on menus.
Dishes like grilled meats, mezes, and rice-based pilafs are inherently gluten-free. However, those with gluten intolerance should communicate their needs clearly, as wheat-based ingredients are common in Turkish cuisine.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Turkey with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Turkey.