Turkey is a fascinating destination to explore the varied history and culture. Turkey is in the footsteps of Roman emperors and Ottoman sultans. There are multiple mind-blowing natural wonders, ancient architecture, flavourful dishes to try, variant marketplaces, and unique festivals. 

However, you might consider multiple things to enjoy your trip, like how to stay connected, the best places to visit in Turkey, and the amazing things to do.

This article is the Turkey travel guide that will help you to make your international travel more exciting and interesting without any worry.

What should you generally know about Turkey?

Turkey is located in Eurasia, which means it extends to Europe and Asia. During your visit to the country, you will observe the diverse cultures of both Asia and Europe. The official language of the country is Turkish, but English is used as the secondary language in the tourist areas. 

Islam is the dominant religion in Turkey, and there are beautiful ancient religious masterpieces to explore, such as the Blue Mosque. There are multiple tourist destinations where you can enjoy the traditional Turkish cuisine.

Turkey Travel Guide | Tips for a Memorable Trip

What should you consider before traveling to Turkey?

It’s amazing to travel to Turkey because it is a country with a unique culture and tradition. If it’s your first time traveling to Turkey, it is going to be your very best international trip. However, to make your trip hassle-free, consider some things that can help you from applying for a visa to traveling throughout the country. 

Visa for Turkey

Applying for a Turkish visa is a straightforward process. You can visit the Turkish embassy in your country or apply online through the Turkish Foreign Ministry website. The documents required for a Turkey visa application depend on where you are from. Generally, the documents required to apply for a visa include. 

  • Passport: A passport that remains valid for 6 months from your entry date. This condition ensures that the traveler has sufficient time to return in case of an unexpected mishap like illness or visa issues. 
  • Application Form: The applicant must have the visa application form and a passport-size photograph with the listed reason for the visit. 
  • Bank Statement: You will require the bank statement or the employer letter to confirm your financial ability. 
  • Travel Insurance: It’s ideal to get travel insurance because it pays you in case of a mishap during travel. 
  • Accommodation Proof: You will be required to submit the accommodation details while visiting Turkey. 

Create an Itinerary

The best practice is to organise the trip to avoid any delay. Here itinerary can help you a lot. Create the travel itinerary outline and consider what you want to do during your trip.

List the dates and times to explore more things in a little time. You can also estimate how much budget you may require for the trip according to your duration.

Currency and Language

The official language of the country is Turkish. However, people can also speak English at tourist destinations. It’s better to learn the basic phrases of the Turkish language to communicate with locals for assistance. 

The official currency is the Turkish Lira. You can use the cards at the markets and shops. However, it’s ideal to have some cash for emergencies. 

Safety Tips

Safety factors are an essential part of the travel guide, wherever you are going for the first time. To ensure a memorable and peaceful trip, you must consider the following tips. 

  • Be Informed with Security Situations: Before traveling to Turkey, you should consider the current security situations. You can consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website of your country or the Turkish embassy. 
  • Avoid Traveling Alone at Night: You should avoid traveling alone at night and visiting dangerous places. 
  • Keep Your Valuable Belongings Safe: While travelling in crowded places, keep your valuable things inside a safe pocket or in your backpack. Avoid being stolen by pickpockets. 
  • Respect the Local Traditions: During travel, you should be well-dressed according to the Turkish culture and traditions. Respect their religion and customs. 

Health and Vaccination

Before travel, consider your health care. If you use daily medicine for any issue, don’t forget to keep it in your backpack. Before travelling, get vaccinated for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus.

eSIM to Get Connected

In the Turkey travel guide, how to stay connected is an essential thing to consider. Before starting your travel, you should look for a reliable way to access a convenient internet. Compared to physical SIM cards and roaming, eSIM is the ideal solution to get a connection while traveling.

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card embedded into the devices and can’t be removed like a physical SIM card. It offers remote activation with instant connectivity. 

You need to buy a Turkey eSIM data plan to access cellular data. Now, where can I buy the best eSIM? Multiple carriers offer eSIM for travellers, nomads, and tech users. But how to choose the one that meets your travel data needs?

I recommend you select the Yaalo eSIM carrier, which offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans for 200+ countries. eSIMs include the data-only, fixed, and data, voice, and text plan. eSIM ensures to provide connectivity 24/7 with zero roaming charges. 

If you are visiting Europe after Turkey, Yaalo will be your best connectivity companion to share your beautiful memories with friends and family. 

Best Time to Visit Turkey 

Turkey’s weather varies from region to region. Summers in the country remain hot, and winters are chilly and cold. Generally, the best time to visit Turkey is the Spring and Autumn seasons. From April to May and September to October weather remains pleasant, and you can experience a bit of rain. 

For budget travelers, it is recommended to explore Turkey in January and February. During this time, the weather remains colder, but the flight cost, accommodation, and travelling are comparatively lower than in peak season.

If you want to visit Turkey to explore diverse cultural events, you can select the time according to the date and the time of the festival. 

Best Destinations to Visit in Turkey

Every region and city in Turkey has some significant part in the ancient Ottoman and Roman Empires. You can still observe the ancient influence on the cultural heritage of the country. Some of the best tourist destinations include. 

Istanbul

Istanbul is the most beautiful city in Turkey, which has a stunning blend of past and present. You can experience the reflection of Ottoman and Byzantine history in the city. In Istanbul, you can explore the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Galata Bridge, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and Gülhane Park. 

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a famous tourist destination due to its rock caves and for flying hot air balloons. The place is like a rock-formed valley that has fairy chimneys. The places to visit in Cappadocia include Ihlara Valley, the Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, and Kaymakli.

Ankara

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, which has multiple historical museums and monuments. The city has the amazing charm of a rich heritage. During travel, you can visit the Anıtkabir Monument, Ankara Castle, Kocatepe Mosque, Anatolian Civilizations, Atatürk Mausoleum, Göksu Parkı, and Dikmen Valley of the city. 

Antalya

Antalya is an amazing cultural destination that is also famous for its crystal clear beaches. The city has an excellent blend of modern and historical architecture. The places you can visit in Antalya include the ruins of Faselis, the Yivli complex, the port of Antalya, the street of umbrellas, and the Clock Tower.

Tory

Tory is a city of ancient ruins. There is a myth that the city was the inspiration for the writers and poets. Here, you can explore the hidden treasures of the city at the Troy Museum. 

Turkish Gastronomy

Similar to the iconic tourist destinations, Turkish cuisine includes diverse national dishes. You shouldn’t miss the chance to try a variety of traditional Turkish street food. 

In Istanbul, you can try the world’s best Kebab and Baklava. The specialty of Turkish food is its local spices, which are made according to historical techniques. If you forget to try Turkish tea, I must say, it’s a serious mishap that happened to you. 

How much does it cost to travel to Turkey? 

The cost of travel to Turkey is not similar for each traveller. It varies whether you are a budget or luxury traveller. It also depends on at what time you are visiting Turkey, how long your stay is, and your accommodation.

If you are living in a luxury hotel, hiring a rental car for travel, taking your meals at 5-star restaurants, and visiting famous tourist destinations, it will definitely cost more. On average, the 7-day trip to Turkey costs 500 to 1000 USD for accommodation, food, and tourist activities. 

However, travelling to Turkey during the off-season is the best time for budget travellers. You can save your money while travelling from November through March. During this season, the cost of accommodation and transportation is lower than in peak season.

Conclusion

If it’s your first time traveling to Turkey, our Turkey travel guide will help you make your trip more amazing and memorable. Understanding the cultural and traditional values of your destination country before travel is the best practice to do. In this article, I have guided you on what things you must consider before your travel and the best tourist destinations to explore in Turkey.

Mostly, travellers are confused about when they should travel to the country and how to avoid spending extra money. 

Similarly, you don’t need to worry about how to get connected to your destination. Because Yaalo eSIM on your device will help you to access data anywhere, anytime. 

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Turkey?

You can visit the historical cities of Turkey and explore the natural wonders, including Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Göreme National Park. During travel, you must try the flavorful Turkish cuisine.

What is the best city to visit in Turkey?

Istanbul is the largest and most famous city in Turkey, located in Europe and Asia. Other famous cities for tourists to visit in Turkey include Ankara, Cappadocia, and Ephesus.